PCO struggling to address access-to-info requests, and ‘it is not getting better,’ says watchdog

Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard says she has had to issue an increasing number of orders to the Privy Council Office over its failure to respond to requests, and that 'inventory keeps going up.'

Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard said that despite a 'good meeting' with the PCO clerk, his office hasn't made any noticeable changes to its lagging responses to requests. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

PCO struggling to address access-to-info requests, and ‘it is not getting better,’ says watchdog

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard says she has had to issue an increasing number of orders to the Privy Council Office over its failure to respond to requests, and that 'inventory keeps going up.'

PCO struggling to address access-to-info requests, and ‘it is not getting better,’ says watchdog

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard says she has had to issue an increasing number of orders to the Privy Council Office over its failure to respond to requests, and that 'inventory keeps going up.'

THE LATEST

Senate leaders pledge collaboration as Red Chamber reconvenes to ‘more rapid’ pace

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Senators now have a series of government bills to study after a slow trickle of legislation left the House last fall, but leaders say a balance needs to be struck between speed and scrutiny.

Senate leaders pledge collaboration as Red Chamber reconvenes to ‘more rapid’ pace

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Senators now have a series of government bills to study after a slow trickle of legislation left the House last fall, but leaders say

Canada can’t afford to leave qualified physicians on the sidelines

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Alberta Conservative MPs ‘walking a fine line’ on politically explosive referendum issue, and don’t want to give it more oxygen, say politicos

NewsBY ABBAS RANA, JESSE CNOCKAERT

Nearly all Alberta Conservative MPs are declining to comment on the province's separation talk, saying they do not want to give it more oxygen, and don't want to undermine Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's chances of forming government in the next election. Pollsters say the issue should be taken very seriously.

Nearly all Alberta Conservative MPs are declining to comment on the province's separation talk, saying they do not want to give it more oxygen,

Arctic security investments must also improve living conditions in the North, say territories

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

The Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut premiers were recently in Ottawa to discuss the need for funding for housing, electricity, and transportation infrastructure as the federal government works to ramp up its security presence.

The Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut premiers were recently in Ottawa to discuss the need for funding for housing, electricity, and transportation infrastructure as

With seven Upper Chamber vacancies, PCO won’t say how new Senators will be appointed as Senate advisory board loses more members

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

Prime Minister Mark Carney has not made it clear how he will move ahead with appointing Senators. But others say he's got 'bigger fish to fry' right now.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has not made it clear how he will move ahead with appointing Senators. But others say he's got 'bigger fish

POLITICS THIS MORNING

Carney lunches with Luxembourg’s Frieden

Plus, the Bloc Québécois reintroduces a bill to seek higher pensions for seniors.

BY RIDDHI KACHHELA

OPINION & COLUMNISTS

The Carney doctrine and the Canadian Senate

It’s an open question as to whether the prime minister will treat the Senate as a strategic asset or leave the institution under-utilized in a national moment when it is most needed to rebuild national cohesion.

BY GREG MACDOUGALL, RICHARD NOLAN

Opinion

BY KEVIN LEE

Ottawa has a housing initiative, but not a homeownership plan

Opinion

BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Will we actually see the new Arctic vehicles on order?

Opinion

BY JOHN GORDON

Investing in Indigenous housing strengthens Canada, and the solutions are ready

Opinion

BY MATT GURNEY

Eyre is right: our long-term security would be greatly enhanced by a credible, even small, Canadian nuclear force

PODCAST: THE HOT ROOM

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

NEWS

Election buzz ramps up with Liberals poaching candidates from opposition parties and Conservatives starting nomination process

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

The Conservative Party of Canada has started the candidate nomination process across the country, according to an internal memo.

Election buzz ramps up with Liberals poaching candidates from opposition parties and Conservatives starting nomination process

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

The Conservative Party of Canada has started the candidate nomination process across the country, according to an internal memo.

Parliament could pick up pace on trade and economic issues, but unclear about other bills on agenda, say political players

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Opposition MPs press Liberals to intervene with Canadian companies’ business with ICE

NewsBY IREM KOCA

Canadian expats in the U.S. dominate international voting stats: data

NewsBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

A Proven Export Playbook, Powered by Canadian Propane

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HILL LIFE & PEOPLE

Parliamentary Calendar

Irish ambassador Concannon to speak at Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 9

Podcast

Rob Batherson debriefs on Poilievre’s leadership win and what’s next for Conservatives

feature

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Best Books in 2025

News

Who’s backing the NDP leadership contenders?

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Canada poised to eliminate cervical cancer

Hill Times Tote Bag – Scribble Logo Black

Back To Parliament

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Policy Briefing – Infrastructure

HILL LIFE & PEOPLE

Canada, Luxembourg PMs ‘dialogue’ in Ottawa

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

Canada, Luxembourg PMs ‘dialogue’ in Ottawa

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

Issues manager added to Minister Anand’s boosted 20-person team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

FeatureBY STUART BENSON

Meet the nine inspiring Black Canadians who the government is showcasing in Black History Month

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Canada’s Nuuk consulate opens for business

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW

POLITICS

Pierre Poilievre came to Calgary and Canadians should be paying attention

OpinionBY ANNA MURPHY

Early retirement offer to federal public servants causing ‘chaos’ in public service: union

NewsBY MARLO GLASS

The ‘Harper Era Tour’ wraps at Rogers Centre in Ottawa

FeatureBY STUART BENSON

The cupboards may be bare, but political rhetoric is rich and frothy

OpinionBY SUSAN RILEY

Carney now ‘owns’ the anti-Trump issue

OpinionBY GERRY NICHOLLS

If the No. 1 issue in the next election is protecting Canada from Donald Trump, and if Mark Carney is seen as the most capable one to do that, that’s a huge advantage for the Liberals. The Conservatives' only glimmer of hope is if the economy becomes more of a concern.

Carney now ‘owns’ the anti-Trump issue

OpinionBY GERRY NICHOLLS

If the No. 1 issue in the next election is protecting Canada from Donald Trump, and if Mark Carney is seen as the most capable one to do that, that’s a huge advantage for the Liberals. The Conservatives' only glimmer of hope is if the economy becomes more of a concern.

THE HILL TIMES NEWSPAPER

Monday, February 9, 2026

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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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Monday, February 2, 2026

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OPINION & COLUMNISTS

Editorial

BY EDITORIAL

Keeping the North strong and free also means ensuring a better way of life for northerners

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

The last arms control treaty expires

Opinion

BY ALEXANDER LANDRY, BRENDAN CONWAY-SMITH

AI will disrupt millions of jobs, so what is Ottawa’s plan?

From promise to reality: scaling innovative housing in Canada

OpinionBY TASNIM FARIHA

Understanding that factory-built housing is not a panacea for all of Canada’s ongoing housing challenges, a cautious approach is necessary. The government should “look before it leaps,” grounding policy decisions in rigorous, Canada-specific research to understand where these technologies work best.

Senate’s not an independent democratic institution, it’s an appointed body intended to complement the House: letter writer

Opinion

Massive military spending needs protection from abuse and fraud

OpinionBY DAVID HUTTON

This is the appropriate time for the government to beef up oversight and accountability mechanisms, not weaken them.

Massive military spending needs protection from abuse and fraud

OpinionBY DAVID HUTTON

This is the appropriate time for the government to beef up oversight and accountability mechanisms, not weaken them.

What public art museums are for when the ground shifts

OpinionBY ZAINUB VERJEE

The world has too much LNG—so why is Canada fast-tracking more?

OpinionBY MARK KALEGHA, OLAF WEBER

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY DE ADDER

de Adder’s Take: 02-09-2026

de Adder’s Take: 02-04-2026

de Adder’s Take: 02-02-2026

Public Service

New in-office mandate could send more public servants out the door, union says

NDP MP Heather McPherson says introducing the new four-day, in-office mandate for the core public service during widespread job cuts is 'a bad choice' by the Liberal government.

BY MARLO GLASS

Ministers could exempt businesses from laws within ‘regulatory sandbox’ outlined in budget bill

Treasury Board Secretariat official Jenelle Power said the bill would not allow ministers to exempt people or businesses from law for 'broad policy purposes,' and there are 'strict limitations' to such legal exceptions, including time limits.

BY MARLO GLASS

Bringing investment banking rigor to Ottawa

Ministers must be equipped to interrogate advice with the same skepticism, financial scrutiny, and risk discipline that any serious investor would demand before committing billions of dollars of capital.

BY RAM MATHILAKATH

Treasury Board outlines more than 8,000 job cuts in first phases of public service revamp

Since the 2025 budget was tabled, more than 22,000 staff and 882 executives in 24 departments have been notified they may be affected by a workforce adjustment.

BY MARLO GLASS

Federal public servants rally on Hill against job cuts

BY MARLO GLASS

FOREIGN POLICY

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Multilateralism isn’t dead—it’s being forced to deliver

OpinionBY ESTEBAN CRESPO POLO

Pragmatism must prevail over narrow nationalism, because co-operation is what creates jobs, lowers costs, and expands opportunity.

Multilateralism isn’t dead—it’s being forced to deliver

OpinionBY ESTEBAN CRESPO POLO

Pragmatism must prevail over narrow nationalism, because co-operation is what creates jobs, lowers costs, and expands opportunity.

BOOKS, BIG IDEAS, Q&As

Canadian war photography historian looks into Vimy Ridge

FeatureBY KATE MALLOY

Carla-Jean Stokes' book about William Ivor Castle's work tells the stories behind the famous photographer's First World War photos, including the ones he manipulated.

Canadian war photography historian looks into Vimy Ridge

FeatureBY KATE MALLOY

Carla-Jean Stokes' book about William Ivor Castle's work tells the stories behind the famous photographer's First World War photos, including the ones he manipulated.

Reconciliation starts local, says author of guide book for non-Indigenous allies

FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY

Poilievre is a ‘classic political ripper,’ says author of new bestselling biography

FeatureBY KATE MALLOY

Bruce Fanjoy, the man who broke Poilievre’s spell on Carleton, Ont., says he won by door knocking and listening

NewsBY IREM KOCA

Pope Francis was one of the most ‘electrifying papacies in centuries,’ says author of book on pontiff’s life and influences

FeatureBY STEPHEN JEFFERY

Canadians concerned about AI’s impact on environment, children: federal consultation

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

Ottawa quietly released the results of its AI strategy consultation on Feb. 3, which found individuals and experts are worried about the potential social and ethical effects of the technology.

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon confirmed to The Wire Report that his office is developing legislation to focus on AI-related privacy and data concerns. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians concerned about AI’s impact on environment, children: federal consultation

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

Ottawa quietly released the results of its AI strategy consultation on Feb. 3, which found individuals and experts are worried about the potential social and ethical effects of the technology.

Canadians concerned about AI’s impact on environment, children: federal consultation

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

Ottawa quietly released the results of its AI strategy consultation on Feb. 3, which found individuals and experts are worried about the potential social and ethical effects of the technology.

‘Where’s the plan B?’: media executives ask for contingency plan if Liberals axe Online Streaming Act during trade talks

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller says the law was part of ongoing trade discussions with the United States—putting the country’s modernized broadcasting framework in jeopardy.

Canada’s AI moment is a values-based one

OpinionBY KRISTEN CORDELL, SABEEN DHANANI

Canada should step into the void on international cooperation on AI, making strategic use of its middle-power status and promoting the type of international growth it seeks to benefit from.

Canada’s missing life sciences industrial strategy is leaving economic growth on the table

OpinionBY MICHELLE MCLEAN

The federal Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, released in 2021, did not result in needed policy changes or alignment of federal departments and investments. In contrast, other top-tier countries place life sciences at the centre of industrial strategies and align the sector with talent, trade, research and development, innovation and infrastructure.

People walking past the West Block on Parliament Hill. Canada need a life sciences industrial policy that leverages our strengths, writes Michelle McLean, president and CEO of HealthCareCAN. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s missing life sciences industrial strategy is leaving economic growth on the table

OpinionBY MICHELLE MCLEAN

The federal Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, released in 2021, did not result in needed policy changes or alignment of federal departments and investments. In contrast, other top-tier countries place life sciences at the centre of industrial strategies and align the sector with talent, trade, research and development, innovation and infrastructure.

Canada’s missing life sciences industrial strategy is leaving economic growth on the table

OpinionBY MICHELLE MCLEAN

The federal Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, released in 2021, did not result in needed policy changes or alignment of federal departments and investments. In contrast, other top-tier countries place life sciences at the centre of industrial strategies and align the sector with talent, trade, research and development, innovation and infrastructure.

Bridging the adoption gap: the key to turning Canada’s productivity around

OpinionBY ALEX GRECO

The pace of digital adoption, its link to productivity, and productivity’s link to standard of living, is the concern of policymakers—and they should be concerned.

Carney’s Davos speech helped ‘stiffen spines,’ but PM will have to make tough choices to protect Canada’s sovereignty, say two former cabinet ministers

NewsBY CHRISTOPHER GULY

Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has 'decided to weaponize the interdependence' between Canada and the U.S. 'as a means of compromising our sovereignty,' John Manley says that the focus should be on bringing Canadians along as Prime Minister Mark Carney makes difficult decisions.

Industrial benefits policy needs a ‘relook,’ says ex-senior public servant, as Conservative MP pushes for contract records

NewsBY IREM KOCA

'There has to be better alignment between the ITB policy and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces,' says former public servant Clem Srour.

THE LATEST POLICY BRIEFINGS

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features

Ministers blitz the committees

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Plus, the PBO reports on the cost of meeting Canada’s new NATO target.

Ministers blitz the committees

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Plus, the PBO reports on the cost of meeting Canada’s new NATO target.

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Politicos pack the room for Harper’s portrait unveiling

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA, CHRISTINA LEADLAY | UPDATED February 4, 2026

GG Mary Simon wraps six-day Nordic tour on Feb. 7

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Immigration Minister Diab hires former P.E.I. Liberal Party executive director

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Anand attends Rubio’s critical minerals gathering in Washington

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA

‘You don’t get to pick your family’: Hogan cousins throw shade during Conservative convention weekend

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

The Senate reconvenes

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA

Harper’s official portrait to be unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 3

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Parliamentary Calendar

Conservatives converge on Calgary, cast ballots on Poilievre’s leadership at convention happening Jan. 29-31

Podcast

Sheila Copps on Greenland, a 2026 election, and the return of Parliament

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

Re-engaging with China, with Senator Yuen Pau Woo

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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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

Bringing investment banking rigor to Ottawa

Ministers must be equipped to interrogate advice with the same skepticism, financial scrutiny, and risk discipline that any serious investor would demand before committing billions of dollars of capital.

BY RAM MATHILAKATH

Canada’s largest pension manager ‘backsliding’ on climate, risks being unable to pay out pensions: report

Last year, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board invested $7.1-billion in new fossil fuel assets and ‘quietly removed’ its public net-zero commitment, which Senator Rosa Galvez says means 'Canadian pensions are gambling with the retirement of millions of Canadians.'

BY ELEANOR WAND

Three measures to tackle ‘wicked’ health policy problems

With spending projections increasing while patients struggle to access care, it is well past time to tackle our health care problems.

BY AZIN PEYROW

Liberals ‘taking a sledgehammer’ to the public service, says interim NDP leader Davies

Approximately 8,500 public servants were notified this week that they may be impacted by potential job cuts, and more than 17,000 such notifications have gone out since December, public sector unions have confirmed.

BY MARLO GLASS

MPs face a choice this Parliament: play partisan games or meet the moment

As grocery bills soar and households struggle, Parliament’s return will reveal if politicians can produce real results—or remain trapped in procedure.

BY BHAGWANT SANDHU

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.