RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, pictured on April 20, 2020, says her force will 'work with' the Privacy Commissioner to collect race-based data. Details are sparse, and the Privacy Commissioner says he has yet to hear from the RCMP on that subject. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Restoring trust to help in race-based data collection could be ‘impossible’—unless communities control the data, say Indigenous experts
'A lot of the ambivalence towards collection is actually a fear of what the data is going to show, from the institutions that are now being asked to collect that data,' says Akwasi Owusu-Bempah.
Feds’ policing reforms should respect self-governance of Indigenous people, say experts, Parliamentarians, in wake of deadly, violent run-ins with police
'Our relationship with police has been one of violence, from the colonial nature of everything that has happened in Canada,' says Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in Port Alberni, B.C.Lack of privacy oversight could hurt buy-in for COVID contact-tracing app, say critics
'I get we're in a pandemic, and I'm very supportive of using the technology, but until I know that it respects the basic rights and has the highest standards, I can't see that it's going to work,' said MP Charlie Angus.Politics This Morning
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‘I felt silenced’: voices missing from Upper Chamber’s systemic racism debate, say some Senators, highlighting need for hybrid model
Senator Mobina Jaffer is among those who say the in-person-only approach to spring Senate sittings limited participation and worries it will remain in place when Parliament returns in September.Mounting deaths stemming from police wellness checks a ‘wake-up call,’ says Senator
‘We need to address poverty and support community programs to prevent many of the situations that police are being asked to handle with guns and handcuffs,' says NDP critic Don Davies.New NAFTA comes into force after months of testy renegotiations, but ‘disruptions’ will need to be addressed
'We all have to expect that there's going to be some bumps over the next six months,' said Ohio-based trade lawyer Daniel Ujczo. Backroom, Capitol Hill lobbying key to fighting possible return of tariffs, says MP Wayne Easter
'At least at this stage, it's better to work the backrooms, work the players that have some influence with the White House, and try to ensure that such a threat doesn't become a reality,' says Canada-U.S. group co-chair.‘Just not the same’: Parliamentarians plan Canada Day festivities around the COVID-19 pandemic
'We do not celebrate the existence of this country in the same way other people do, because we think that the existence of this country came at a price to our ancestors and to us,' says Senator Murray Sinclair.Transformative global pandemic could bring positive changes to society, but will require ‘an incredible amount of political will,’ say politicos, pollsters
The deeper the impacts of COVID-19, the more likely that major changes will occur in our society, says EKOS president Frank Graves.MacKay’s victory could be a ‘threat to the party unity,’ says Conservative MP Kusie
'Peter MacKay has a proven track record of uniting Conservatives, and that's precisely what he's doing in the leadership campaign. And that's what he'll do if he's elected as leader,' says Conservative MP Michael Cooper.RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, pictured on April 20, 2020, says her force will 'work with' the Privacy Commissioner to collect race-based data. Details are sparse, and the Privacy Commissioner says he has yet to hear from the RCMP on that subject. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Restoring trust to help in race-based data collection could be ‘impossible’—unless communities control the data, say Indigenous experts
'A lot of the ambivalence towards collection is actually a fear of what the data is going to show, from the institutions that are now being asked to collect that data,' says Akwasi Owusu-Bempah.
Quebec’s Dominique Anglade is a woman of many firsts
As someone who knows the rest of Canada well, the Quebec Liberal leader says she would look to be a true ‘collaborator’ with Ottawa, while protecting Quebec’s jurisdiction.Systems are made up of people, systemic racism is based in people
Anti-racism is a commitment to the value of equity and human rights. One must value the human rights of others, including others who are different, to be inclusive. The daily handouts have slowed and the reckoning has begun
It is crucial, however, that everyone shares equally the sacrifices and rewards that lie ahead. That will require uncommonly wise political leadership.
Senate oversight committees aim to start meeting this week
The Senate’s Finance and Social Affairs committees are preparing to start their studies of the government’s COVID-19 relief effort.Pandemic crisis tests durability of MPs’ parliamentary privileges, say MPs, experts
Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu says MPs have little recourse, other than to file a complaint with the House Speaker, for raising concerns about breaches of privilege.Budget 2020, election promises in question amid COVID-19 global pandemic crisis, say McKay, Delacourt
‘It is going to blow a hole in the government’s legislative agenda,’ says Liberal MP John McKay.
Canada must come to terms with the tragic dimension of international politics
In the end, the ‘tragic’ is a prudently crafted balance between idealism and realism, which are the two legs of a steadfast foreign policy.With war-crimes indictment, Kosovo-Canada values don’t align
While Kosovo remains in a sort of international status limbo, President Hashim Thaçi has been living up to his old nickname.U.S. sanctions against Syria won’t bring Assad’s regime down
When governments impose sanctions they usually explain that they had to 'do something,' but the new sanctions will hurt ordinary Syrians very badly.
‘We’re all hurting’: culture and sports groups say they need added funds, emergency support extended
The government says it’s developing a new portal in ‘record time’ to help fund arts, culture, and sport organizations, while opposition MPs say a plan for the sector has been too slow.Environment, resource development agenda among April’s top-lobbied files
‘Deep change is possible and it can happen fast,’ says the CEO of Ocean Wise Conservation Association, which helped push the Environment Minister among the most-lobbied in cabinet in the last two months.MPs claimed $230,000 in free travel from organizations, foreign governments in 2019
Taiwan was the most frequent— and expensive—destination, totalling $90,000 and making up 40 per cent of all claimed travel.
No fireworks this year: U.S. Embassy to showcase Fourth of July online
Plus, Conservative Parliamentarians want Tommy Prince on $5 bill, and Bruce Campion-Smith becomes The Toronto Star's public editor.
Quebec pride on full display as MPs, province marked national holiday
Plus, former veteran HoCer Jay Hill, who served in the House for 17 years, has been tapped to lead the newly emerged Wexit Party on an interim basis.
Senator Marilou McPhedran tables bill to lower voting age to 16
Plus, the U.S., EU, U.K., and others stand by Canada after two Michaels charged, and the Senate Ethic Committee suggests Lynn Beyak’s suspension be withdrawn.
Union heads worry too much left up to ‘discretion’ in public service back-to-workplace plan
'Deputy heads of departments have received guidance on how to respond to this easing of restrictions to support plans to increase access to federal workplaces,' according to Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos. New comms aides join McKenna’s team, Prime Minister’s Office
Meanwhile, Seniors Minister Deb Schulte has a new special assistant for West and North regional affairs. Deputy PM Freeland adds new senior adviser for Prairies file
Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at the public declarations of outside activities filed with the federal conflict of interest commissioner by political staffers since the start of the year.
The Hill Times' newsrooms take pride in delivering the dependable and in-depth news and analysis that decision-makers rely on.
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Canada’s future workforce must be truly diverse and highly skilled at problem-solving
Diversity, essential skills, digital learning tools, and the skills mismatch are not new topics of discussion, but world-changing events have impressed upon us the urgency of ushering in such progress.
History repeats itself: overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canadian prisons is alarming
The 'Indigenization' of Canada's correctional system is a product of structural inequalities entrenched in the legal system.
Health innovation: investing now to face the crises of tomorrow
In Canada, we must continue to support our solid and successful health innovation ecosystem, even after the current pandemic dies down.
Prejudice with power is racism
As Parliamentarians, we need to overhaul the systemic, institutional, and structural racism that is deeply embedded in this country we call Canada and thereby make it a better and more just place for all. Where’s the money?: Questions loom over need for better foreign policy funding
'Compared to our GDP, our aid budget has really shrunk,' says former Canadian diplomat Gilles Rivard. 'Countries notice that at the United Nations.'
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: PM Trudeau to visit Gatineau food bank day after Rideau Hall intruder arrested
Meanwhile, despite COVID-19 causing the cancellation of this year's Calgary Stampede, two fireworks shows to mark the occasion are planned and will be streamed online, the first of which takes place tonight.
The Ontario privacy commissioner says he hasn’t seen the app in the final form ahead of the planned July 2 rollout, but is ‘satisfied that privacy is being properly considered.'
When one considers that global pandemics are not the only challenge we face in the years to come, this blatant disregard for science and public health is even more unsettling.
Black business associations say Canada has mechanisms in place that could immediately help their members have equal access to federal procurement from which they say most are 'shut out because of race.'
It would be a welcome change for Canadians to discover their own country and celebrate the sacrifices made to deal with COVID-19.The Hot Room Podcast
Contact Tracing and Chris Sands
Politics This Morning
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We’ve learned from our chief medical officers how to social distance and properly wear a mask. Now people and organizations can also learn how to build trust in the good, old-fashioned way—by being clear and honest.
A singular act by the government of Canada in successfully rescuing two Canadians from a political situation that it is party to will not change Canadians’ drive to travel. 
Managing reopening the wrong way could also stoke some nasty regionalism and inflame discontent. We all have a role to play in making sure that is not the case.
There are lessons learned from the 'virtual Parliament,' that could lead to a reconfigured and renewed body, one that truly engages and encompasses diverse, inclusive, and accessible contributions.
The Liberals need to quit fiddling at the edges and finally do something about institutionalized racial injustice and police violence, starting with the RCMP and the implementation of effective accountability.
The whole world found itself in the realities of the Arctic, where, because of its harshness, people have a moral imperative to help each other: if you don’t, you will not survive. Great defining event of 21st century expected to occur in three decades
Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline is a finalist for this year's prestigious Donner Prize, one of the five best Canadian public policy books of the year. Here, the two authors offer an essay about their bestselling book and why they wrote it.Wiseman surveys history of Canada’s political parties in engaging new book, Partisan Odysseys
Longtime politicial science professor Nelson Wiseman talks about his new book, Partisan Odysseys: Canada's Political Parties.Harvey-Blouin now covering Quebec desk for Transport Minister Garneau
Plus, Helena Kojo is now executive assistant in the transport minister’s office, replacing Benoit Michon who left in March after landing a job in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Immigration Minister Mendicino hires new Ontario, Quebec assistants
Plus, Hill Climbers catches up on where some more former staffers have landed since leaving Parliament Hill. Politicos, former Hillites honour Mandela’s historic first visit to Canada
Plus, former prime minister Jean Chrétien is spotted golfing with Globe and Mail veteran reporter Lawrence Martin, and Greens share logistics for their leadership debates.Time for Champagne?: Canada awaits UN Security Council vote in New York City
Plus, Senator Lillian Dyck calls for the RCMP commissioner's resignation and Canadians to celebrate Canada Day virtually with Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, and others.As union members face COVID-19 pandemic ‘head on,’ PSAC calls for feds to return to bargaining table
Treasury Board spokesperson Martin Potvin says the government's goal is to take 'constructive steps to keep meeting and to prepare for negotiations when they resume.'‘Critical situation’ in prisons as health-care workers threaten to walk over lack of protective equipment
'The Correctional Service of Canada continues to take a number of preventative measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19 in federal institutions,' according to the office of Public Safety Minister Bill Blair. No more Hill parties, after coronavirus pandemic forces Parliament Hill to shut down
'Politics and the Pen is probably the exact opposite of social distancing. We cram so many people into the ballroom that you can barely keep one to two inches away,' says Jim Armour. Sorbara makes ’em howl at the Métropolitain
Pat Sorbara's new book, Let 'em Howl, offers lessons learned over a more than four-decade career in federal and provincial politics as a high-ranking Liberal backroomer. No ‘magic’ response: diplomats discuss international lessons learned from COVID-19
'We’re living a gigantic world-wide experiment of geology, economy, and psychology, and we will only know later what happened,' says German Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser.Armenian Embassy moves commemorations online to mark 105 years since genocide
Every year on April 24, the embassy participates in a march to remember the more than 1.5 million people who died during the First World War.
Senator Patti LaBoucane-Benson tells her story in virtual tea talk on July 5
Finance Minister Bill Morneau will release a 'fiscal snapshot' in the House on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Tiff Macklem, the Bank of Canada's new governor, pictured on May 1 during an announcement on his appointment, is taking the helm as the country grapples with a deep recession triggered by the pandemic. The former senior deputy chief of the central bank, Mr. Macklem helped manage Canada's response to the 2008 recession from 2010-2014. He succeeds Stephen Poloz, whose seven-year term expires in June. 
