‘Take that risk’: Poilievre’s new communications strategy could alienate MAGA-style Conservatives, but necessary to appeal to broader voter base, say political players

Conservatives are still competitive with the Liberals. The only difference is Pierre Poilievre is significantly behind Mark Carney in high margin on who is best placed to lead the country, says pollster Darrell Bricker.

It will take a while for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to change Canadians’ impression of him, says pollster Darrell Bricker. That initial impression is ‘quite powerful in an election campaign. If it's the wrong one, then it takes an equally long period of time to change it. And sometimes it never changes.' The Hill Times photograph by Amir Said

‘Take that risk’: Poilievre’s new communications strategy could alienate MAGA-style Conservatives, but necessary to appeal to broader voter base, say political players

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

Conservatives are still competitive with the Liberals. The only difference is Pierre Poilievre is significantly behind Mark Carney in high margin on who is best placed to lead the country, says pollster Darrell Bricker.

‘Take that risk’: Poilievre’s new communications strategy could alienate MAGA-style Conservatives, but necessary to appeal to broader voter base, say political players

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

Conservatives are still competitive with the Liberals. The only difference is Pierre Poilievre is significantly behind Mark Carney in high margin on who is best placed to lead the country, says pollster Darrell Bricker.

THE LATEST

Carney should have consulted Grit caucus before supporting U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, say some Liberal MPs: ‘what the hell’

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

Some Liberal MPs told The Hill Times that Prime Minister Mark Carney should have consulted his caucus before declaring Canada's support for the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. But B.C. Liberal MP Parm Bains says he's received positive feedback from Iranian-Canadians in his riding.

Carney should have consulted Grit caucus before supporting U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, say some Liberal MPs: ‘what the hell’

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

Some Liberal MPs told The Hill Times that Prime Minister Mark Carney should have consulted his caucus before declaring Canada's support for the U.S.-Israeli

Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy – Time to Build.

‘What’s going on?’: Canadians wonder why Conservatives losing MPs, says Nanos of Carney’s growing popularity

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

But pollster Nik Nanos also says he thinks Iran is 'the new wildcard' in public opinion. He will be looking to see if it has changed Canadians' perceptions of Prime Minister Mark Carney or if it's led to more concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's actions.

But pollster Nik Nanos also says he thinks Iran is 'the new wildcard' in public opinion. He will be looking to see if it

LeBlanc, Michel meet with pharma sector as U.S. buckles down on cutting drug prices

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing the sector to negotiate for drug prices similar to those in Canada, which could impact whether companies choose to list their medicines here.

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing the sector to negotiate for drug prices similar to those in Canada, which could impact whether companies choose

Feds mum on wilting conservation program funding as nature spending dips 62 per cent

NewsBY RIDDHI KACHHELA

The funding for the Enhanced Nature Legacy Program will sunset March 31, and there's no word on its renewal. Meanwhile, the feds say a nature strategy is coming, but the 2026-27 main estimates highlight a 62 per cent drop in cash for nature conservation.

The funding for the Enhanced Nature Legacy Program will sunset March 31, and there's no word on its renewal. Meanwhile, the feds say a

POLITICS THIS MORNING

Down with the filibuster

Plus, the date is set for byelections in three federal ridings.

BY RIDDHI KACHHELA

OPINION & COLUMNISTS

We have the wrong Army

The commander has put forward a plan for needed capabilities that are long overdue, but there are some missed opportunities with unit names.

BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Opinion

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

Why, prime minister, did Canada support an increasingly belligerent U.S. president in unleashing the dogs of war?

Opinion

BY TYLER GROENEVELD

It’s time to process what we grow

Opinion

BY ROSE LEMAY

Projects of national interest should include modernizing Highways 17 and 11

Opinion

BY NDP MP GORD JOHNS

New Democrats will always support and defend supply management

PODCAST: THE HOT ROOM

‘Pace yourself for the long haul’: Jocelyne Bourgon joins The Hot Room

NEWS

Protect supply management in CUSMA review, agriculture sector reps tell feds

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

'There's never been a more important time to ensure that our domestic production is robust and protected,' says David Wiens, president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Protect supply management in CUSMA review, agriculture sector reps tell feds

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

'There's never been a more important time to ensure that our domestic production is robust and protected,' says David Wiens, president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Carney’s deputy minister shuffle raises national security questions

NewsBY KATHRYN MAY

Feds offering ‘white glove’ treatment for laid off public servants receiving severance, says PSPC official

NewsBY MARLO GLASS

Navy commander, SecState kibosh mixed submarine fleet that experts say would be ‘more complicated’ and ‘inefficient’ to operate

NewsBY IREM KOCA

Medicine Security Is National Security: The Case for Canadian Pharmaceutical Sovereignty

Hodgson to talk about Canada’s energy sector on March 9 at the Rideau Club in Ottawa

Podcast

‘We knew there was something coming’: how a Canadian charity has been sending aid into Ukraine

feature

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Best Books in 2025

News

Who’s backing the NDP leadership contenders?

Podcast

The ‘ambitious’ Defence Industrial Strategy, with Mark Norman

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Analyste et responsable de projets de concertation

Back To Parliament

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HILL LIFE & PEOPLE

‘Reconnecting with an old friend’: Library of Parliament building marks 150 years with special tours

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Plus: Senate and House Speakers are each leading missions abroad, two ex-staffers want to shift thinking about women's authority, and events are ramping up to mark David Suzuki's 90th birthday this spring.

‘Reconnecting with an old friend’: Library of Parliament building marks 150 years with special tours

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Plus: Senate and House Speakers are each leading missions abroad, two ex-staffers want to shift thinking about women's authority, and events are ramping up to mark David Suzuki's 90th birthday this spring.

Northern, Arctic Affairs Minister Chartrand has a new chief of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Five takeaways from Pierre Poilievre’s interview with Peter Mansbridge

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

NDP MPs Idlout, Gazan join Lewis at leadership event in Ottawa

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

POLITICS

Carney threads the needle of support for American-Israeli attacks on Iran

OpinionBY SHEILA COPPS

Most Canadians believe that Trump cannot be trusted on the trade file. That same fear will heat up as the war escalates. No one seems to know what the end game is. If regime change involves simply swapping out the murderous Ayatollah for his son, Canadian appetite for this war effort will quickly fade.

Carney threads the needle of support for American-Israeli attacks on Iran

OpinionBY SHEILA COPPS

Most Canadians believe that Trump cannot be trusted on the trade file. That same fear will heat up as the war escalates. No one seems to know what the end game is. If regime change involves simply swapping out the murderous Ayatollah for his son, Canadian appetite for this war effort will quickly fade.

THE HILL TIMES NEWSPAPER

Monday, March 9, 2026

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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

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Monday, March 2, 2026

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OPINION & COLUMNISTS

Opinion

BY RICK QUINN

Revive the Jane Goodall Act and end elephant captivity in Canada

Editorial

BY EDITORIAL

Next parliamentary budget officer needs to be top-notch, unfettered, fearless, without bluster

Opinion

BY WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY MINISTER RECHIE VALDEZ

Unlocking women’s potential is Canada’s economic advantage

Carney takes first critical steps with India and China

OpinionBY DAVID CRANE

This is only the beginning of a long and challenging journey for a new Canada. Success will take much more work.

Ottawa discourages health-care innovation, and patients pay the price

OpinionBY NADEEM ESMAIL, MACKENZIE MOIR

The science behind solving food insecurity in Canada

OpinionBY GABRIEL MILLER

Food security is not simply about supply. It requires adaptability. And adaptability is rooted in ingenuity, advanced through science and translated into practical solutions through research.

The science behind solving food insecurity in Canada

OpinionBY GABRIEL MILLER

Food security is not simply about supply. It requires adaptability. And adaptability is rooted in ingenuity, advanced through science and translated into practical solutions through research.

We need far more political staffers, not fewer

OpinionBY JAMIE CARROLL

Mark Carney’s 50 shades of grey zones

OpinionBY DAVID CARMENT

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY DE ADDER

de Adder’s Take: 03-09-2026

de Adder’s Take: 03-04-2026

de Adder’s Take: 03-02-2026

Public Service

Canada’s trade ambitions rest on a food system we’re dismantling

The assumption appears to be that fewer experts can somehow do more with less—an impossibility in a system already stretched past its limits.

BY SEAN O’REILLY

Ongoing grievance over public service health-plan switch an ‘interesting’ case, says labour lawyer

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says its members have had prolonged issues since the federal government transferred the Public Service Health Care Plan from Sun life to Canada Life in July 2023.

BY MARLO GLASS

Outspoken health advocate Joss Reimer talks about finding ‘common ground’ with government as she becomes Canada’s top doctor

Joss Reimer says she wants to tackle misinformation and disinformation, and place more emphasis on the social determinants of health and preventative health. She's also keeping a close eye on H5N1, also referred to as the bird flu, to ensure that Canada has an influenza pandemic plan in place.

BY TESSIE SANCI

Union warns pay system may not be able to handle layoffs, early retirements 10 years after start of Phoenix problems

The Phoenix pay system has cost the government more than $5-billion to date, and the current backlog of pay issues stands at around 238,000 transactions.

BY MARLO GLASS

Bringing investment banking rigour to Ottawa

Unlike the private sector, senior public servants are rarely removed for persistent underperformance. And tone from the top, however well calibrated, cannot substitute for rigor on the ground.

BY RAM MATHILAKATH

FOREIGN POLICY

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Japan is Canada’s anchor in the Indo-Pacific

OpinionBY JONATHAN BERKSHIRE MILLER

Canada can no longer pretend the U.S. is ‘safe’ for refugees

OpinionBY WASHIM AHMED

In a fractured world, women peacebuilders are essential

OpinionBY RACHEL WARDEN

Carney’s contradictions: from Davos to New Delhi

OpinionBY BHAGWANT SANDHU

EU putting pressure on laggard members to fully ratify trade pact with Canada

FeatureBY NEIL MOSS

Ten of the European Union's 27 member states have yet to ratify the free trade deal that was inked in 2017.

EU putting pressure on laggard members to fully ratify trade pact with Canada

FeatureBY NEIL MOSS

Ten of the European Union's 27 member states have yet to ratify the free trade deal that was inked in 2017.

BOOKS, BIG IDEAS, Q&As

The Coutts Diaries is the most revealing book ever written about Canadian politics

FeatureBY DAVID HERLE

This is a previously unseen view of Pierre Trudeau, one that is sure to alter your opinions of him. It is an unvarnished look inside the government that brought you wage and price controls, the Charter of Rights, and the National Energy Program. And it is a darkly moving account of the life of a senior political staffer.

The Coutts Diaries is the most revealing book ever written about Canadian politics

FeatureBY DAVID HERLE

This is a previously unseen view of Pierre Trudeau, one that is sure to alter your opinions of him. It is an unvarnished look inside the government that brought you wage and price controls, the Charter of Rights, and the National Energy Program. And it is a darkly moving account of the life of a senior political staffer.

‘Don’t be indifferent’: Iranian-Canadian author shares story of his life inside infamous Tehran prison in new book

FeatureBY IREM KOCA

‘Treating politics as a system of balance, not battle’: new book brings fresh insights into Mackenzie King and lessons for today’s leaders

FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN

First Nations are ‘ready’ to move beyond the Indian Act, but time’s running out, says author Bob Joseph

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

The Finest Hotel in Kabul is a window into Afghan endurance through the eyes of locals working at the Intercontinental Hotel

FeatureBY ELEANOR WAND

Main estimates set out $502.8-billion for 2026-27 as National Defence tops voted spending

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

National Defence's $48.4-billion represents the biggest ask of the $230.4-billion set to be voted on by MPs, with five more departments seeking approval for more than $10-billion.

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali tabled the 2026-27 main estimates in the House of Commons on Feb. 26. About 59.8 per cent of feds’ spending ask is being requested for transfer payments. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Main estimates set out $502.8-billion for 2026-27 as National Defence tops voted spending

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

National Defence's $48.4-billion represents the biggest ask of the $230.4-billion set to be voted on by MPs, with five more departments seeking approval for more than $10-billion.

Main estimates set out $502.8-billion for 2026-27 as National Defence tops voted spending

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

National Defence's $48.4-billion represents the biggest ask of the $230.4-billion set to be voted on by MPs, with five more departments seeking approval for more than $10-billion.

Agricultural research, innovation, and commercialization: drivers of a resilient future

OpinionBY CSG SENATOR ROB BLACK

Farming is certainly not without its challenges; however, research, innovation, science and technology create tangible tools and resources that will help farmers and producers overcome some of the challenges facing the industry.

With global volatility the new normal, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector must be resilient, innovative, and competitive

OpinionBY SOPHIE CHATEL

The goal is clear: ensure that Canadian producers and processors are equipped to face emerging risks while capturing new opportunities.

From pulses to power: why plant-based agriculture is smart trade policy

OpinionBY COLIN SARAVANAMUTTOO

By expanding plant-based production alongside smaller-scale, higher-welfare animal agriculture, Canada can strengthen farm incomes, meet consumer expectations, reduce the pressures of concentrated systems. Diversified operations are often more stable and more connected to local communities.

As governments speak of 'building Canada up,' the conversation has centred on industrial policy, supply chains, and trade resilience. Yet, one of the most significant economic opportunities remains under-leveraged: plant-based agriculture as a core pillar of our national economic strategy, writes Colin Saravanamuttoo. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons

From pulses to power: why plant-based agriculture is smart trade policy

OpinionBY COLIN SARAVANAMUTTOO

By expanding plant-based production alongside smaller-scale, higher-welfare animal agriculture, Canada can strengthen farm incomes, meet consumer expectations, reduce the pressures of concentrated systems. Diversified operations are often more stable and more connected to local communities.

From pulses to power: why plant-based agriculture is smart trade policy

OpinionBY COLIN SARAVANAMUTTOO

By expanding plant-based production alongside smaller-scale, higher-welfare animal agriculture, Canada can strengthen farm incomes, meet consumer expectations, reduce the pressures of concentrated systems. Diversified operations are often more stable and more connected to local communities.

Unleashing Canada’s agricultural potential

OpinionBY CONSERVATIVE MP JOHN BARLOW

Innovation is in Canadian agriculture's DNA. Our farmers, ranchers, and processors have embraced new varieties, new technologies, and smarter stewardship practices, all while feeding Canadians and millions more people around the world.

Farmers must be protected from climate chaos

OpinionBY ELIZABETH MAY

We are a long way from the worst. Humanity still has a chance to reduce our risks to those to which we can adapt. Still, British Columbia has had staggering losses.

Feeding the world is an economic opportunity

OpinionBY LIAM MACDONALD

Canada can be an agri-food leader, but to compete globally, producers and industry need access to the latest tools and technology.

THE LATEST POLICY BRIEFINGS

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Transportation and Trade Policy Briefing

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features

Carney to address Australian parliament

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Plus, Poilievre speaks in Germany, and progressives gather for the Broadbent summit.

Carney to address Australian parliament

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Plus, Poilievre speaks in Germany, and progressives gather for the Broadbent summit.

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Carney Down Under

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Carney regroups with Modi in New Delhi

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA

McGuinty, Anand to speak at Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence March 4-5

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Carney touches down in Mumbai

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW

Japan celebrates Expo 2025

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

Poilievre speaks on Canada-U.S. relations in T.O.

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Liberal MP Kayabaga to talk unlocking growth in Africa and the Caribbean during Empire Club event on Feb. 26

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Parliamentary Calendar

NDP MPs Gazan, Idlout taking part in Broadbent Institute Progress Summit in Ottawa March 4-6

Podcast

Tumbler Ridge shooting upends the agenda: The week in review

News

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Lobbyists in 2025: lobbyists prepare for ‘significant reset’ as federal election begins

News

Tracking job cuts in the federal public service

Podcast

‘Hang tight’: Why Quebec sovereignty and separatism are in the headlines again

Policy Briefing – Environment

Policy Briefing – EVs and EV Infrastructure

Policy Briefing – Health

Policy Briefing – Defence

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

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First-quarter expenses: MPs spent nearly $28-million

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Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

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Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

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Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

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Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

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Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

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Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

Finance & Budget

Main estimates set out $502.8-billion for 2026-27 as National Defence tops voted spending

National Defence's $48.4-billion represents the biggest ask of the $230.4-billion set to be voted on by MPs, with five more departments seeking approval for more than $10-billion.

BY ELEANOR WAND

Liberals to cut CBC by $192-million in 2026-27

This year’s estimates include $1.38-billion in funding for the CBC, representing a marked decrease from the $1.58-billion allotted to the public broadcaster during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

BY DAVIS LEGREE

Feds are ‘silencing’ an agent of Parliament by leaving post vacant, says ex-budget watchdog Giroux

Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie says the PBO is 'unable to do its job of providing government oversight.' But another former budget watchdog Kevin Page says the prime minister has 'deep respect for the legislative budget offices,' adding that the next PBO will be faced with 'enormous challenges' in the months and years ahead and will be playing a critical role.

BY IREM KOCA

Feeding the world is an economic opportunity

Canada can be an agri-food leader, but to compete globally, producers and industry need access to the latest tools and technology.

BY LIAM MACDONALD

How to fix Canada’s sputtering productivity

Polytechnics can restore higher education’s link to economic growth and lift Canada out of its chronic underperformance.

BY ANN MARIE VAUGHAN

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin Montanti, president and CEO of Supply Chain Canada.

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin Montanti, president and CEO of Supply Chain Canada.

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin Montanti, president and CEO of Supply Chain Canada.

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin Montanti, president and CEO of Supply Chain Canada.

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez said the national supply chain office “will enhance the resilience, efficiency, and reliability of our transportation systems,” in a Transport Canada press release on Dec. 1, 2023.

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin Montanti, president and CEO of Supply Chain Canada.

Supply chain strategy must go beyond transportation, says Supply Chain Canada president

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A national supply chain strategy will require a holistic understanding of what the supply chain is, which is often misunderstood, according to Martin Montanti, president and CEO of Supply Chain Canada.