Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Feb. 21, 2020. The prime minister's credibility is on the line with how he's handling the blockades and reconciliation with Indigenous people, says pollsters. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Trudeau’s handling of Wet’suwet’en blockades critical to his political credibility, say pollsters and former Liberal cabinet minister Nault
'It clearly is becoming a moment in Canada where everyone's paying attention,’ says Innovative Research president Greg Lyle.
Downe wants Parliament to have power to amend new NAFTA, Liberals pledge to share objectives of future trade talks with House
'The precedent has been set,' says Senator Percy Downe of Parliamentarians being able to modify trade agreements, following changes made to the new NAFTA by U.S. House Democrats. Senators put spotlight back on harassment, ‘loophole’ blocked bullying complaint, says one
‘It’s gotten worse as the Senate has diversified,’ says Lillian Dyck.Politics This Morning
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Public service hiring up, but report finds manager, employee concerns around feds’ new staffing process
A recent government survey found that although just under 92 per cent of public service managers believe that appointees can do the job they were hired for, just under 54 per cent of employees agreed. Immigration Minister Mendicino’s team includes three new directors
Plus, Hill Climbers dives into the team working in Families, Children, and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen’s office. UNDRIP provides ‘guide’ to resolving tensions among Indigenous communities over questions of authority, say experts
'We have to move beyond public platitudes and eloquent statements; we need a reality whereby Indigenous law and institutions are placed on the same level as common law,' says Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.UN nuclear disarmament rep ‘counting on Canada’ to help bridge tricky international divides
'Disarmament is not something idealistic or a utopian ideology,' says UN high rep for disarmament affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, and that it's 'part of security.'Black Canadian groups call on feds to address economic inequities facing community
'The work they’re doing is going to need to speak for itself,' says Liberal strategist Tiffany Gooch, about the party's recovery from the prime minister's blackface scandal.‘Just live your life,’ women’s rights advocate tells survivors of violence
'Focusing on resilience ignores the systemic problem that forces people to fight so hard in the first place,' says Julie Lalonde. ‘A real lack of leadership’: critics call for better response from feds as Wet’suwet’en blockades continue
‘Negotiations should take as long as they need to,’ says Ellen Gabriel, a former Mohawk spokesperson during the Oka Crisis.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Feb. 21, 2020. The prime minister's credibility is on the line with how he's handling the blockades and reconciliation with Indigenous people, says pollsters. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Trudeau’s handling of Wet’suwet’en blockades critical to his political credibility, say pollsters and former Liberal cabinet minister Nault
'It clearly is becoming a moment in Canada where everyone's paying attention,’ says Innovative Research president Greg Lyle.
‘That’s reconciliation,’ says protest organizer, as Ottawa Wet’suwet’en rally draws crowd
The rally was held as Ontario Provincial Police moved in to end the blockade set up by some members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk First Nation close to the rail tracks near Belleville, Ont.Conservative response to blockade shows party unready to lead
Conservatives only seem to want to show the protesters who's boss, ignoring the long history of Indigenous rights being trampled. Those rascally ‘radical activists’ are everywhere
This moment calls for humility and understanding on all sides—not inflammatory attacks on imagined provocateurs.
ISG Senators propose rule changes to prevent ‘partisan obstruction’ from blocking private members’ bills
Senate Conservative leader Don Plett says the changes are ‘ridiculous,’ but ISG Senators Murray Sinclair and Pierre Dalphond say there needs to be a path to a vote on bills after 15 died in the last Parliament.Backlogs, lengthy delays await Indian status applicants following removal of sex discrimination law
The government says each status application could take between six months and two years, which advocates call an 'appalling' delay to deal with state-sponsored discrimination. Don’t go down ‘rabbit hole’ in Trade Committee’s study of new NAFTA implementation bill, warn trade experts
NDP MP Daniel Blaikie says it's worth taking 'a little extra time' to understand the 'full implications' of the new NAFTA, as well as to look at how Canada can improve its internal international trade process. 
When will Canada stand up to states that engage in terrorism against their own citizens?
But what is the role of principle? What is the place for standing up for what is morally right? In the end, what do we, as Canadians, represent? How do we want to show ourselves to the rest of the world?
Canada’s China-U.S. conundrum
Though we must not have illusions about Canada’s relative lack of power in this triadic relationship, there is an alternative way of thinking about this situation, as our European allies are quickly learning. Trudeau must achieve Canada’s emission targets, even at expense of oilsands industry
Achieving our climate targets, including the 2050 goal of net zero emissions for the country, is the top priority.
Agriculture Minister Bibeau was the most-lobbied MP in 2019
In an election year, lobbying activity dropped by 30 per cent compared to 2018.Opposition critics, House committees to be key lobbying targets in minority Parliament, say lobbyists
'If you want to advance a file, it’s no longer enough for the governing party to be onside,' says Yaroslav Baran of Earnscliffe Strategy Group.CIJA, Dairy Farmers lead last lobbyist push before election call
Lobbyists filed 772 reports last month, down from 972 in July, and from the 1,478 reports filed in June.
A rundown of Transport Minister Garneau’s 12-member team, so far
Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan’s new team.
Energy, reconciliation, and Canada-China relationship in the spotlight at Pearson Conference
Plus, Flavio Volpe takes shot at the World Series-cheating Astros at the House Trade Committee, and Maxime Bernier launches a YouTube show.
Interpreters built bridges between First Nations and newcomers
Les interprètes au pays du Castor relates the gripping and thought-provoking stories of the people who were among Canada’s first interpreters. This collection of portraits casts new light on some 15 interpreters.
Ebay Canada celebrates 2019 entrepreneurs of the year
It was the 15th anniversary of the event, and the seventh year eBay partnered with Proof. Former Harper adviser Benjamin Perrin pens book on opioid crisis
Plus, Charlie Angus joins Wet'suwet'en solidarity protests, former MP Gord Brown is getting a posthumous lifetime achievement award, and Canada is hosting a Lima Group ministerial meeting this week. Read all about it: Digital Government Minister Murray’s team so far
Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at International Development Minister Karina Gould’s office, where Hanna Button has stayed on as director of policy. 
It’s Garneau’s second tour atop Transport Canada
Transport Minister Marc Garneau is facing criticism over how he's handled the recent blockades, but behind the scenes in political Ottawa, he's considered 'a great brief' and 'exceptionally well-informed about his files.
Climate right for accelerating cycling in Canada, but political leadership is needed
Maximizing cycling rates and achieving the benefits that will accrue for all levels of government requires federal leadership.
Better quality of life flows from trade competitiveness, combination of trade policy and transport infrastructure
The Canadian Transportation Act Review of 2016 contains many important recommendations for upgrading our transport system and can be the basis on reaching agreement for legislation change and significant investments.
Rail blockades showing markers for genesis of domestic armed conflict
It is becoming increasingly urgent to find a way to limit the disruptive power of interest groups by economic means and ensure that social protests remain within acceptable democratic boundaries.Off the track: transit funding and the low carbon transition
If climate change mitigation is to begin in cities, we should be discussing how municipalities can access additional and predictable revenue sources to support required investments and in turn, support our national econo
Minority rules: 2020’s most influential figures to watch in federal politics
This year’s Top 100 Most Influential List reflects the power brokers who will help shape the terms of how this minority Parliament will shake out.
The return of Parliament is more than an event in the news cycle. It’s a time to look ahead, and to thoughtfully consider the important role each branch of government will play in that future, and in the life of each individual Canadian.
Our worldview, our desire for control, and the way we get information are just three things that new MPs should consider as they orient themselves to life in Ottawa and as elected representatives. But the implications of these three forces matter to everyone who seeks to engage and connect with Canadians.
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Politics This Morning: A ‘constitutional Trojan horse’
Plus, Beijing's envoy to Canada, Cong Peiwu, is expected to participate in a discussion on relations between Canada and China, and the feds table legislation to amend the medical assistance in dying law.
The post-election report has been delivered to Andrew Scheer, but the Conservative caucus will never see it as long as he remains the leader of the party.
With a plan and appropriate funding, Parliament has the opportunity to make history and completely realign the way prescription medication is delivered and paid for in Canada.
If we truly believe climate change to be the fight of our time, and the government believes Canadian companies can be significant players in the global clean-tech market, we need to support them through good IP policies.
AMC argues that the Supreme Court case exposes an outdated, inaccurate and destructive narrative about Canada yet poses an opportunity to address the reality that First Nations people and laws 'have always been here.'
We do not need more governmental control of speech. If you see a disconnect between the stated problems and the proposed solutions, you are not alone.
The proposed Teck project would be Alberta’s largest open-pit oilsands mine. At 29,000 hectares, this colossal mine would cover more than twice the area of the City of Vancouver. 
‘Government can do so much by doing less’: Desmond Cole on shedding discomfiting light on systemic injustices
'When Black or Indigenous or other people of colour get into the political system, it always assumed it’s they who must carry this change for the rest of us,' says journalist and activist Desmond Cole. Bourrie brings New France explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson’s story to life in Bush Runner
Mark Bourrie talks about his book, Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson.
Politics This Morning
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Same staff, new office: a look at federal Public Safety Minister Blair’s team
Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough has similarly brought a number of staff from her old office as public services minister to her new post, including now-policy director Nicholas Kang. Innovation Minister Bains names former PMO adviser as his policy head
Plus, there are more staffing changes to note in the Prime Minister’s Office, including the exit of Elyse Surette-DiMuzio, who’s now working for the Pete for America campaign south of the border. It’s Louis Riel Day today in Manitoba, Salhany offers a fresh book on Canada’s ‘most famous trial in court history’
Plus, Hillites honour Christie Blatchford, and scribes gather to talk shop and drink beer at Feb. 13 CAJ shindig. Press Gallery keeps Bingham Cup, defeats U.S. Embassy team in dominating fashion
Plus, Rob Russo is soon to be honoured with public policy journalism award, and Jane Philpott has been unveiled as Queen's University new health sciences dean. Parole officers still floundering from Harper budget cuts, says union head supporting Tory parole board motion
The Conservative opposition motion condemning the decision made by the Parole Board of Canada that led to Marylène Lévesque death passed unanimously in the House on Feb. 5. ‘Job action only way to get this government to move,’ says union president, as CRA members head to strike votes
‘If we have a strike mandate in early April and we’re in tax season and they don’t wake up and smell the coffee … guess what’s going to happen,’ says Union of Taxation Employees president Marc Brière.Senator Rob Black celebrates Canadian farmers and whisky
The snow was blowing outside, but the whisky was flowing inside. 
Canada can look to Japan as ‘bridge-builder’ in the Asia Pacific, envoy says
Canada and Japan ‘need each other very much,’ says Yasuhisa Kawamura.Taiwan president’s re-election could signal diplomatic shift in China: analysts
A China expert says he’s concerned Taiwan's January election could prompt a shift in approach from China, with some pointing to tensions in Hong Kong as an example.
Chagger to host Government of Canada’s reception in celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 24 at the NAC
Black History Month Reception—Diversity and Inclusion and Youth Minister Bardish Chagger hosts the Government of Canada’s reception in celebration of Black History Month on Monday, Feb. 24. This year’s theme is 'Canadians of African Descent: Going Forward, Guided by the Past.' By invitation, the event starts at 6 p.m. at the National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
More than 400 protesters gathered in the parliamentary precinct to demonstrate in support of the Wet'suwet'en hereditary leadership, who oppose Coastal GasLink's handling of its consultation and approval process over the $6.6-billion pipeline that would transport fracked natural gas from northeastern B.C. to a planned LNG export facility in Kitimat. 
