Treasury Board President Scott Brison told a House committee Nov. 1 that the government is offering 'unprecedented' transparency on budget spending, defending criticism that the $7-billion vote was unnecessary. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feds have spent less than half of controversial $7-billion budget fund, critics question lost oversight given ‘unchanged’ spending pace
Treasury Board President Scott Brison says the government is ‘on track,’ but NDP MP Daniel Blaikie says it shows the Liberals don’t have ‘their act together.’
Clement has a tough road to redemption, say strategists
It involves keeping quiet and rebuilding trust in his riding, they say, though it’s a long-shot he’ll be let back into the Conservative fold. iPolitics lays off five after ownership change
Two full-time and two part-time staff and one freelancer were laid off Nov. 8 in the wake of Torstar’s $1.4-million purchase Oct. 1, though new editor Marco Vigliotti was also hired. Politics This Morning
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Liberal changes to foreign aid bill raise ‘red flag,’ say Grit MP, critics, aid groups
The proposed changes are tucked into the government’s omnibus budget implementation bill, and they may not be ‘benign,’ says Liberal MP John McKay.‘Damning’ corrections report reflects Senator concerns about human rights gaps in prisons
Over the past year the Senate Human Rights Committee has visited almost 30 prisons, where members were most struck by the 'hopelessness' of inmates.New review, old problems: Feds’ Trans Mountain redo beleaguered by criticisms
Concern has also been raised over the federal government’s signalled plan to use input from the NEB’s ‘unduly rushed’ reconsideration as part of its consultation redo with Indigenous peoples. ‘The risk is there’: marijuana legalization unpopular in ridings with high Chinese-Canadian populations, says former Ontario Liberal minister Chan
Marijuana legalization could be the deciding factor in major urban centre ridings with high concentration of Chinese-Canadians in 2019.A pink wave in Canada? Progress tends to be incremental, but ‘many young women are mobilizing’ for next election, say female politicians
The Canadian political landscape is different, compared to the U.S., says Equal Voice's Nancy Peckford, and the trends have consistently shown that progress in Canada tends to be incremental. Clement had inappropriate interactions, ‘was pushing boundaries’ back when he was a Harper-era cabinet minister, says Parry-Sound female constituentÂ
Conservative MPs sat they're ‘surprised’ and ‘disappointed’ that an experienced politician like Tony Clement engaged in an inappropriate online behaviour.Rick Mercer talks about developing his show’s ‘pure Canadian universe’
Few shows, even before peak TV hit, could command the attention of such a wide audience. But The Rick Mercer Report resonated with millions of Canadians, because he pulled the curtain back on the country. Treasury Board President Scott Brison told a House committee Nov. 1 that the government is offering 'unprecedented' transparency on budget spending, defending criticism that the $7-billion vote was unnecessary. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feds have spent less than half of controversial $7-billion budget fund, critics question lost oversight given ‘unchanged’ spending pace
Treasury Board President Scott Brison says the government is ‘on track,’ but NDP MP Daniel Blaikie says it shows the Liberals don’t have ‘their act together.’
Another Clinton run for the presidency? Say it isn’t so
If you know a politician, you know one of the hardest things they can do is let go of the game. There is always a next election; except this time there shouldn’t be for Hillary.Revisiting the Florida recounts
This week’s midterm-results recount is déjà vu for some observers of the state’s 2000 presidential-election recount. As one political aide who was there recounts: ‘PTSD. Thank you.’Liberals, Conservatives see fundraising bump on carbon price as Grits tighten gap
Engagement on a public policy issue can be a ‘major trigger’ for donors, says former Conservative staffer Kate Harrison.
Bill that could expand pool of organ donors receives all-party support, but risks failing to pass before election
The bill is sponsored by Conservative MP Len Webber, who has championed the cause of organ donation and transplantation in his time in national and provincial legislatures.Judge backs out of testifying in secret on access to information bill
Tax Court Chief Justice Eugene Rossiter was supposed to testify behind closed doors before a Senate committee on the morning of Nov. 8 on Bill C-58.NDP questions why Trans Mountain buy not in spending estimates
Funding for the $4.5-billion pipeline purchase was handled as a transfer between Crown corporations, says the Treasury Board Secretariat.
Canadian actions in First World War weren’t always glorious
If more historical focus were directed at messier chapters in Canada’s past, it would be easier to understand similar failures by today’s governments.U.S. midterms offer hope for Democrats, but the outlook is anything but certain
While not the sweeping renunciation of Trump many had hoped for, the midterms showed that, despite the advantage of incumbency two years from now, the Republican leader could be vulnerable.UN official warns of ‘dehumanizing’ political rhetoric amid Canada border-crosser debate
Despite the increase in border crossers, Canada does not face a 'crisis' with asylum seekers, says Volker Turk.
Lobbyists court Senators to kill impact assessment bill
Among the most lobbied Senators since September are C-69 sponsor Grant Mitchell and Energy Committee chair Rosa Galvez.Business reps lobby parties to put tax reform in their 2019 platforms
The government ought to signal its plan to tackle lacklustre Canadian competitiveness in the fall economic statement, say industry reps. Pot lobbying to remain high in wake of legalization, insiders say
There’s likely to be a lot of ‘jockeying’ from interested groups, as rules around non-smokeable products are still undecided.
Milestone MacAulay: minister marks 30 straight years as an MP
The secret to Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay’s 30 years in the House? ‘Lawrence is a really good constituency MP,’ says caucus colleague Wayne Easter.
Former Liberal Party organizer steps in as Trade Minister Carr’s new press secretary
Plus, Dan Lindenas has joined Treasury Board President Scott Brison’s office, where he’ll soon take over as director of policy.
Innovation Minister Bains hires new press secretary, Danielle Keenan
Until recently, Danielle Keenan was busy at work as an issues manager for Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould.
Nathan Cullen wins Maclean’s Parliamentarian of the Year, NDP caucus cheers loudly; Dewar tells parties to ‘put our swords down’
Meanwhile, 47 college students showed off their applied research projects at the annual Colleges and Institutes Canada's annual student showcase.New memoir looks into the Westray coal mine disaster
Also, MP Tony Clement joins outsiders row, and Conservative Senator Claude Carignan was recently honoured for his work safeguarding journalism. Gould hires new comms director, Monsef names press secretary
Plus, the Conservative official opposition has a new press secretary: Mathew Clancy. 
There’s a war for your data, and health care is next
Existing policy doesn’t factor in technological evolution, meaning there’s little recourse for consumers if personal health information is used for commercial purposes.
How cities are tackling some of Canada’s toughest challenges
Whether it’s immigration or affordable housing, municipal governments often feel the impact and need to respond first. A new project is helping them solve these big issues.
Supreme Court case to decide on fundamental rights for migrant detainees
The public safety minister’s current challenge to the right for migrants to use habeas corpus emphasizes the government’s continued assault on the rights of migrants in Canada.
Is there a conservative case against the carbon tax? Not really
It is inescapable that the 'what should be done,' if it were to be done by conservatives, would have to look remarkably like a carbon tax.Strong Canadian agri-food sector more important than ever before
We are at a critical juncture for the agri-food sector in this country. Let’s not squander the chance we have to take full advantage of the potential for growth that it can deliver.The Hill’s Memorial Chamber, a space of reverence
The space pays tribute to the sacrifices of Canadians, the cost of peace, and a legacy of hope.
Politics This Morning: Trudeau heads to APEC summit; Sajjan in Halifax for defence conference
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Papua New Guinea for the APEC summit, where he plans to continue his effort to 'promote Canada' as a destination for investment and trade.
Ottawa plans to invest, over the next 12 years, more than $180-billion on infrastructure for affordable housing, for roads, and for hockey rinks, but not a nickel on affordable seniors' housing, writes Daniel Fontaine. 
His call to remove Radio-Canada from its central place in the province’s cultural universe, and his contention that Canada has no place in the coalition to fight climate change, isolate him from the mainstream. 
The colonial guardian-and-ward theory continues to permeate Canadian health policy when it comes to Indigenous peoples’ access. 
They need to close the book on the Churchill Falls saga, then sit down and carve out a new hydro deal that is in both their interests. 
Never touch a woman in the workplace. Never comment on a woman’s appearance in the workplace. Never place a woman in the workplace in a position that could embarrass her, or make her feel uncomfortable. 
Washington’s mid-course correction will make politics uglier. It's hard to believe it could get any worse.The Hill Times in print
Politics This Morning
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New policy adviser, Ontario desk among recent staff hires in the Prime Minister’s Office
Plus, Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott has hired on Kevin Deagle as a policy adviser, and Simon Robertson has left Employment Minister Patty Hajdu’s office. Ministers Duclos, Joly hire; McKenna loses senior aide
Plus, the NDP leader has a new interim chief of staff and the Conservative leader lost a media manager.MPs, Senators, including 20 who’ve served in the military, mark Remembrance Day
Also, Trudeau to apologize for Canada's refusal to admit Jewish refugees in midst of Second World War, and former MP Paul Dewar gets a new key. Imprisoned Saudi blogger’s family visits Parliament Hill
Also, Jacques Poitras' new book looks into the rise and fall of the Energy East pipeline; and pols get in the Halloween spirit.
You Are Here: A Come from Away Story premiere brings a slice of Newfoundland to the national capital region
The documentary You Are Here: A Come From Away story tells the tales of the people behind the hit Broadway musical.Liberals celebrate 25th anniversary of Chrétien’s 1993 win at former PM’s book launch, and later at a party
The book, My Stories, My Times, was mostly written by hand, former PM Jean Chrétien told the crowd at his book launch event Oct. 25. Work with Southeast Asia to help stem fentanyl flow, says UN rep
This year fentanyl was a hot topic for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime annual visit Canada to make sure its work is part of Global Affairs’ planning.Angola to close embassy in Canada
Diplomats representing the resource-rich African nation are packing up their heritage building and heading home after 21 years and three ambassadors to Canada.Defence leaders set to take part in Halifax International Security Forum this weekend
The 10th Annual Halifax International Security Forum will take place Nov. 16-18. Hosted by Canada’s defence minister, Harjit Sajjan, pictured earlier this year, it features defence ministers from across the world and a bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party is holding a policy convention Nov. 16-18 in Etobicoke, Ont.
With the House on break for the week, Hill media had the rare opportunity to photograph the Red Chamber without any disruptions. Annual Features
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