‘Canadians are placing all their hopes and fears in the hands of government’ and successful political leaders should be honest, unscripted, say pollsters

The evolution and the ultimate outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic will eventually decide if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's and the premiers' rising approval ratings will last, say pollsters, who also say the most effective political leaders right now are the straight shooters who aren't using talking points.

Don’t expect Biden’s tough, bipartisan approach to China to be met with Canadian imitation, say analysts

A tough, bipartisan American approach on China could put additional pressure on Canada, but questions loom over whether Joe Biden's campaign rhetoric will be met with White House action.

Federal cybersecurity workers heading for strike votes following bargaining impasse

With the two sides having been at the bargaining table for almost two years following the expiry of the most recent collective agreement, strike votes are scheduled to run from Feb. 11 to 24.

Feds should establish regulator to rein in ‘Wild West’ of social media, says report

Even as the commission said the regulator should have the power to impose fines or administrative penalties as a deterrent against a pattern of non-compliance, it warned against Germany’s 'reactive' approach.

NDP to focus on pandemic measures, amplifying message in winter sitting

The party assigned six new critics in the lead-in to the House’s return after previously stripping MP Niki Ashton of all her critic duties for travelling abroad to tend to a sick relative.

Trans Mountain work stoppage continues, as CPC’s McLean says project ‘even more important’ post-U.S. axing of Keystone XL

NDP MP Richard Cannings says with global demand for oil trending down—a trend set to accelerate if needed climate policies are pursued—it ‘calls into question the whole viability’ of the multibillion-dollar project.

No replacing need for in-person diplomacy, say chairs, as work of interparliamentary groups goes on

The 13 interparliamentary associations haven't been able to travel or host foreign delegations since last March, but their work has continued virtually with some technical issues.

AG says office has kept pace with scrutinizing feds’ pandemic spending

The OAG, which typically has a staff of between 575 and 600 employees, has now surpassed the 700 mark after it began recruiting additional reinforcements to help manage the COVID workload.

Payette’s resignation yet another self-inflicted wound for Trudeau Liberals, say former senior Grits

Justin Trudeau should take his time and follow a proper screening process in choosing Julie Payette’s successor, says Prof. Donald Savoie.

Liberals held a virtual election readiness ‘2021 kick-off call’ with caucus, ridings, and campaign managers last week

The Jan. 18 online meeting was a regular monthly meeting aimed to update MPs and riding volunteers about 'party’s tools and resources to stay connected with Canadians in virtual ways that respect public health guidelines,' says Braeden Caley, senior director, communication with the Liberal Party