Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Susan Riley

Susan Riley is a veteran political columnist and regular contributor to The Hill Times.

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
Wab Kinew, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, after winning the Manitoba election. In his first months, the new NDP premier has cheerfully accepted $664-million in federal money for health care and also welcomed the recent federal mini-pharmacare plan, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of X/Twitter
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
Wab Kinew, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, after winning the Manitoba election. In his first months, the new NDP premier has cheerfully accepted $664-million in federal money for health care and also welcomed the recent federal mini-pharmacare plan, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of X/Twitter
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The final argument against what's otherwise a compassionate and affordable initiative from a reluctant federal government is that paying for medication for diabetics could be a slippery slope. But isn't that a slope we want to be on, asks Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The final argument against what's otherwise a compassionate and affordable initiative from a reluctant federal government is that paying for medication for diabetics could be a slippery slope. But isn't that a slope we want to be on, asks Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
Long-time NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private member's bill that would ban deceptive advertising from the oil and gas sector, but you'd think he had proposed legalizing child pornography, so violent and dismissive was reaction to his bill. It doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Ottawa of surviving, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
Long-time NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private member's bill that would ban deceptive advertising from the oil and gas sector, but you'd think he had proposed legalizing child pornography, so violent and dismissive was reaction to his bill. It doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Ottawa of surviving, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
Quebec Premier François Legault in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. The premier is leaping to the front of a parade led by middle-class Quebecers—but it is a parade that leads away from oil and gas, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
Quebec Premier François Legault in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. The premier is leaping to the front of a parade led by middle-class Quebecers—but it is a parade that leads away from oil and gas, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
Housing minister Sean Fraser offered an eye-catching proposal just before Christmas: an updated version of an 80-year old federal housing program that offered small, simple, nearly-identical housing units to returning Second World War veterans, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
Housing minister Sean Fraser offered an eye-catching proposal just before Christmas: an updated version of an 80-year old federal housing program that offered small, simple, nearly-identical housing units to returning Second World War veterans, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. The Trudeau government has abased itself to the fossil fuel industry leaders: buying a $30-billion money-losing pipeline, sending millions of dollar to the province to clean up abandoned wells, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. The Trudeau government has abased itself to the fossil fuel industry leaders: buying a $30-billion money-losing pipeline, sending millions of dollar to the province to clean up abandoned wells, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. Unfortunately for Poilievre, last week’s fall economic update was preceded by cheering news on inflation; the official rate has dropped from 3.8 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent last month and could be on its way further down, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. Unfortunately for Poilievre, last week’s fall economic update was preceded by cheering news on inflation; the official rate has dropped from 3.8 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent last month and could be on its way further down, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
The saddest thing is that the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, are probably as good as it gets on climate since Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t take climate seriously, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
The saddest thing is that the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, are probably as good as it gets on climate since Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t take climate seriously, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, age 80, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, age 51. Canada is blessed in the health, energy and work ethic of our political leaders, especially when compared to our southern neighbours, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, age 80, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, age 51. Canada is blessed in the health, energy and work ethic of our political leaders, especially when compared to our southern neighbours, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invoked the notwithstanding clause to allow him to override the rights of young people questioning their gender identity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invoked the notwithstanding clause to allow him to override the rights of young people questioning their gender identity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to exit the Canada Pension Plan and take more than half its assets with her. But there's the little matter of the greenhouse gas emissions emanating from Alberta's primary industry, and the costly damage they continue to cause every province and territory in the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to exit the Canada Pension Plan and take more than half its assets with her. But there's the little matter of the greenhouse gas emissions emanating from Alberta's primary industry, and the costly damage they continue to cause every province and territory in the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 18, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his closest staff are responsible for the careful, humourless, and passive tone of government messaging. Whatever they say is instantly forgettable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 18, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 18, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his closest staff are responsible for the careful, humourless, and passive tone of government messaging. Whatever they say is instantly forgettable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 11, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre's campaign against the federal carbon tax exaggerates the impact of the levy on the cost of living, ignores the rebates to most families, and downplays the captains of industry who are amassing record profits while food banks are overwhelmed. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 11, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 11, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre's campaign against the federal carbon tax exaggerates the impact of the levy on the cost of living, ignores the rebates to most families, and downplays the captains of industry who are amassing record profits while food banks are overwhelmed. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 28, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s problem may run deeper than his lack of killer instinct, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 28, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 28, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s problem may run deeper than his lack of killer instinct, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 14, 2023
A wildfire burns in Alberta earlier this year. This country desperately—increasingly desperately—needs political leadership on climate change, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 14, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 14, 2023
A wildfire burns in Alberta earlier this year. This country desperately—increasingly desperately—needs political leadership on climate change, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 31, 2023
When it comes to re-election, newly-appointed federal housing minister, Sean Fraser, third from left, may hold the fate of the Trudeau government in his hands. (No pressure, Sean!) Also pictured are Jenna Sudds, left, Randy Boissonnault, Mark Holland, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Seamus O'Regan, and Dominic LeBlanc. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 31, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 31, 2023
When it comes to re-election, newly-appointed federal housing minister, Sean Fraser, third from left, may hold the fate of the Trudeau government in his hands. (No pressure, Sean!) Also pictured are Jenna Sudds, left, Randy Boissonnault, Mark Holland, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Seamus O'Regan, and Dominic LeBlanc. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 17, 2023
Protesters against the federal government's bailout of Kinder Morgan and purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Parliament Hill in 2018. Buying the pipeline is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's most costly mistake, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 17, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 17, 2023
Protesters against the federal government's bailout of Kinder Morgan and purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Parliament Hill in 2018. Buying the pipeline is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's most costly mistake, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 3, 2023
Project Arrow, a zero-emission concept vehicle, on display outside West Block on June 14. Since Canadian governments are afraid to impose production cuts, perhaps they should concentrate instead on diminishing consumer demand for fossil fuel products, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 3, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 3, 2023
Project Arrow, a zero-emission concept vehicle, on display outside West Block on June 14. Since Canadian governments are afraid to impose production cuts, perhaps they should concentrate instead on diminishing consumer demand for fossil fuel products, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 29, 2023
The oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta. Climate change has barely been mentioned in the Alberta election campaign between Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party and Rachel Notley’s resurgent NDP, writes Susan Riley.  The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 29, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 29, 2023
The oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta. Climate change has barely been mentioned in the Alberta election campaign between Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party and Rachel Notley’s resurgent NDP, writes Susan Riley.  The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 15, 2023
The back-and-forth in Question Period between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t get a single house built or toxic tailings pond leaks stopped, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 15, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 15, 2023
The back-and-forth in Question Period between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t get a single house built or toxic tailings pond leaks stopped, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 1, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre scrums with reporters on the Hill on Feb. 3, 2023. The usually even-tempered leader of the NDP hit the mark last week when he challenged Poilievre’s devotion to the proletariat, noting Conservatives voted against an excess profit tax (aimed at grocers) The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 1, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 1, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre scrums with reporters on the Hill on Feb. 3, 2023. The usually even-tempered leader of the NDP hit the mark last week when he challenged Poilievre’s devotion to the proletariat, noting Conservatives voted against an excess profit tax (aimed at grocers) The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The recent leak at Imperial's Kearl site, located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is only the tip of a much larger scandal: the power the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the country’s governments and regulators, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The recent leak at Imperial's Kearl site, located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is only the tip of a much larger scandal: the power the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the country’s governments and regulators, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Is Canadian democracy in imminent danger of being undermined by shadowy operatives reporting to China's president? Nonsense, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Is Canadian democracy in imminent danger of being undermined by shadowy operatives reporting to China's president? Nonsense, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
John Tory’s revelation that he had an affair with a younger staffer provoked a widespread shudder of disgust, especially among women. Ethics breach, or creepy behaviour? Beyond the public betrayal of his wife of 45 years, there was also the power imbalance, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
John Tory’s revelation that he had an affair with a younger staffer provoked a widespread shudder of disgust, especially among women. Ethics breach, or creepy behaviour? Beyond the public betrayal of his wife of 45 years, there was also the power imbalance, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, former ambassador Dominic Barton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all grabbed headlines last week in time-wasting controversies, writes Susan Riley. Welcome to Ottawa, where every disagreement ends up as ammunition for someone. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, former ambassador Dominic Barton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all grabbed headlines last week in time-wasting controversies, writes Susan Riley. Welcome to Ottawa, where every disagreement ends up as ammunition for someone. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
The group of MPs who have been working behind the scenes, includes Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, left, the Green Party's Elizabeth May, the NDP's Heather McPherson, the Conservatives' Alex Ruff and the Liberals' Marcus Powlowski and Leah Taylor Roy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
The group of MPs who have been working behind the scenes, includes Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, left, the Green Party's Elizabeth May, the NDP's Heather McPherson, the Conservatives' Alex Ruff and the Liberals' Marcus Powlowski and Leah Taylor Roy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, for instance, is supposed to be announcing the long-promised “just transition” plan in the coming months. This is intended to help oil and gas workers, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, move to equally lucrative and engaging jobs in the burgeoning green energy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, for instance, is supposed to be announcing the long-promised “just transition” plan in the coming months. This is intended to help oil and gas workers, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, move to equally lucrative and engaging jobs in the burgeoning green energy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. While every Parliament features ferocious rivalries, harsh personal attacks and outlandish accusations, some have also offered moments of humour, good-natured teasing, or simple acknowledgement of humanity across the aisle, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. While every Parliament features ferocious rivalries, harsh personal attacks and outlandish accusations, some have also offered moments of humour, good-natured teasing, or simple acknowledgement of humanity across the aisle, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured on Nov. 16, 2022, at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia. Xi chided Trudeau for 'leaked' discussions to the newspapers. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured on Nov. 16, 2022, at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia. Xi chided Trudeau for 'leaked' discussions to the newspapers. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
It is both striking and unsurprising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured taking questions from reporters on the Hill on Oct. 26, 2022, isn’t attending the latest international climate conference in Egypt, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
It is both striking and unsurprising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured taking questions from reporters on the Hill on Oct. 26, 2022, isn’t attending the latest international climate conference in Egypt, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
At Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's well-attended press conference last week, he predicted a period of discomfort followed by a return to two per cent inflation by 2024 and a healthy and growing economy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
At Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's well-attended press conference last week, he predicted a period of discomfort followed by a return to two per cent inflation by 2024 and a healthy and growing economy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
Why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Canada Strong and Free Network's debate in Ottawa, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
Why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Canada Strong and Free Network's debate in Ottawa, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
In a recent interview on the popular Herle Burly podcast, Natural Resources Minister Wilkinson, pictured, justified his recent decision to allow the oil patch to increase production by 300,000 barrels a day—allegedly to replace the Russian oil that keeps European homes warm. Asked if this extra production doesn’t upend federal emissions reduction targets, Wilkinson insisted: 'You can actually do both.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
In a recent interview on the popular Herle Burly podcast, Natural Resources Minister Wilkinson, pictured, justified his recent decision to allow the oil patch to increase production by 300,000 barrels a day—allegedly to replace the Russian oil that keeps European homes warm. Asked if this extra production doesn’t upend federal emissions reduction targets, Wilkinson insisted: 'You can actually do both.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on his way to a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be celebrated as the country’s most important social and economic reform since medicare. If it survives, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on his way to a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be celebrated as the country’s most important social and economic reform since medicare. If it survives, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill on budget day, April 7, 2022. Why is a government so far off its Paris Accord commitments even contemplating new fossil fuel projects? For the jobs, supposedly, but those jobs are less plentiful than they once were, and, given the finite future of oil, less permanent, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill on budget day, April 7, 2022. Why is a government so far off its Paris Accord commitments even contemplating new fossil fuel projects? For the jobs, supposedly, but those jobs are less plentiful than they once were, and, given the finite future of oil, less permanent, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both pictured at separate press conferences on the Hill on March 22, 2022, after the prime minister officially announced that the New Democrats have agreed to tentatively support the Liberal government on confidence votes until the next fixed election in October 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both pictured at separate press conferences on the Hill on March 22, 2022, after the prime minister officially announced that the New Democrats have agreed to tentatively support the Liberal government on confidence votes until the next fixed election in October 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia