Cost of public servants continues to rise, though growth of bureaucracy began to slow in 2024-25: PBO

In 2024-25, the government spent a total of $76.3-billion on public servants, an increase of six per cent from $71.9-billion spent in 2023-24.

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali. The Parliamentary Budget Office says total compensation in the public service grew to $143,271 per per full-time equivalent in 2024-25, from $136,345 the year prior. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Cost of public servants continues to rise, though growth of bureaucracy began to slow in 2024-25: PBO

NewsBY MARLO GLASS

In 2024-25, the government spent a total of $76.3-billion on public servants, an increase of six per cent from $71.9-billion spent in 2023-24.

Cost of public servants continues to rise, though growth of bureaucracy began to slow in 2024-25: PBO

NewsBY MARLO GLASS

In 2024-25, the government spent a total of $76.3-billion on public servants, an increase of six per cent from $71.9-billion spent in 2023-24.

THE LATEST

‘All about’ NATO: bulk of feds’ $5.4-billion spending request boosts defence programs

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

The $2.2-billion request for defence spending is ‘all tied’ to meeting NATO’s defence spending target, says Canadian Global Affairs Institute’s Craig Stone, but Macdonald-Laurier Institute's Christopher Coates says it should be seen as 'long overdue' modernization of the Armed Forces.

‘All about’ NATO: bulk of feds’ $5.4-billion spending request boosts defence programs

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

The $2.2-billion request for defence spending is ‘all tied’ to meeting NATO’s defence spending target, says Canadian Global Affairs Institute’s Craig Stone, but Macdonald-Laurier

Canada can’t wait out the current crisis in youth unemployment.

Fix Question Period, elect House committee chairs, and end hybrid House sittings, say some Grit and Tory MPs: ‘Question Period is our marquee accountability mechanism’

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

But Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux says the current rules do not need any change because they provide decorum and predictability in the House.

But Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux says the current rules do not need any change because they provide decorum and predictability in the House.

Preparing for a possible early election, Conservatives closing first batch of 16 riding nominations this month: sources

NewsBY ABBAS RANA

Conservative nomination applications for some ridings are due on Feb. 25. Those electoral districts 'should begin forming candidate nomination committees without delay,' states a memo from the party's headquarters, obtained by The Hill Times. And Elan Harper, Stephen Harper's sister-in-law, wants to run in Calgary Confederation.

Conservative nomination applications for some ridings are due on Feb. 25. Those electoral districts 'should begin forming candidate nomination committees without delay,' states a

Defence Investment Agency needs to do more than reshuffle the staff deck to succeed, say observers

NewsBY IREM KOCA

Defence Investment Agency CEO Doug Guzman says the 85 full-time staff have been transferred from other federal departments. But bringing people with the same mentality about procurement won't drive change, says former MP John McKay.

Defence Investment Agency CEO Doug Guzman says the 85 full-time staff have been transferred from other federal departments. But bringing people with the same

POLITICS THIS MORNING

Parliament hits a pause

Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney tours a factory in Montreal.

BY RIDDHI KACHHELA

OPINION & COLUMNISTS

Republican Party can rein in U.S. President Trump—if it’s brave enough

The party could check the president if it puts its house in order. That would mean abandoning the slavish support of anything Trump does and asserting that the party is bigger than any one person—even if he is the president.

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

Opinion

BY SHEILA COPPS

U.S. President Trump’s bridge outrage is latest example of how corrupt the American political system has become

Opinion

BY SUZANNE MCGURN

Cutting red tape, not corners

Opinion

BY DAVID CRANE

Building a more innovative Canadian economy won’t be easy, but it will be worth it

Opinion

BY KEN RUBIN

Documents reveal more about powerful forces behind push for warrantless lawful access

PODCAST: THE HOT ROOM

Tumbler Ridge shooting upends the agenda: The week in review

NEWS

Canada faces ‘an emergency of extraordinary proportions’ with Trump, say foreign affairs and trade experts

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent rant on X about the bridge linking Windsor, Ont., to Detroit, Mich., augurs badly for the upcoming review of North America's trade pact, says international trade lawyer Lawrence Herman.

Canada faces ‘an emergency of extraordinary proportions’ with Trump, say foreign affairs and trade experts

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent rant on X about the bridge linking Windsor, Ont., to Detroit, Mich., augurs badly for the upcoming review of North America's trade pact, says international trade lawyer Lawrence Herman.

Federal parties dismiss ‘bogeyman’ privacy concerns baked into affordability bill, as Senators consider major amendments

NewsBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN

To ban or not to ban? Experts wary of restricting social media access for kids, as feds watch Australian approach

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

Ottawa MPs Sudds, Fanjoy urge changes to return-to-office order for public servants, as MPs debate ending hybrid Parliament

NewsBY MARLO GLASS | UPDATED February 13, 2026

A Proven Export Playbook, Powered by Canadian Propane

Joly to deliver keynote address at 10th Ontario Economic Report launch on Feb. 19 in Toronto

Podcast

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

feature

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Best Books in 2025

News

Who’s backing the NDP leadership contenders?

Podcast

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

Hill Times Tote Bag – Scribble Logo Black

Back To Parliament

Hill Times Tote Bag – Scribble Logo White

Policy Briefing – Infrastructure

HILL LIFE & PEOPLE

Official languages commissioner nominee aspires for a ‘truly bilingual public service’

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Kelly Burke, the nominee to become the next official language commissioner, says her goal in that position is ‘substantive equality’ between French and English across Canada.

Official languages commissioner nominee aspires for a ‘truly bilingual public service’

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Kelly Burke, the nominee to become the next official language commissioner, says her goal in that position is ‘substantive equality’ between French and English across Canada.

‘Tumbler Ridge represents the very best of Canada’: House mourns victims in special address

NewsBY MARLO GLASS

POLITICS

Harper, from brawler to statesman

OpinionBY GERRY NICHOLLS

Here’s how Parliament can tackle the rise in anti-feminist ideology

OpinionBY SHARI GRAYDON

An aging democracy needs youth voices

OpinionBY ALEKSI TOIVIAINEN, ERIKA DE TORRES

‘The goal isn’t perfection’: Grit MP St-Pierre encourages colleagues to do 2,000 push-ups over 23 days for mental health cause

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Flags fly at half-mast after Tumbler Ridge tragedy

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

Flags fly at half-mast after Tumbler Ridge tragedy

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

THE HILL TIMES NEWSPAPER

Monday, February 16, 2026

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Wednesday, February 11, 2026

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Monday, February 9, 2026

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OPINION & COLUMNISTS

Opinion

BY WAHEED KHAN

Celebrating Black Canadian trailblazers who’ve played a critical role in public life

Opinion

BY TRACEY MAULFAIR

Why Canada must act now to uphold refugee protection and stability

Opinion

BY BRENDAN MOORE

A partial table cannot deliver justice for Indigenous people

Beyond funding: why flexible, locally grounded care models matter now

OpinionBY BERNARD LORD

When care models are designed around patient needs and unique local realities they can expand access, protect system capacity, and deliver better outcomes.

MPs should revamp Question Period, actually elect House committee chairs, give House Speaker more power, and should consider ending hybrid sittings

OpinionBY EDITORIAL

The real rupture we face: what Carney’s next speech needs to say

OpinionBY TREVOR HANCOCK

A recent report from the United Kingdom warns that ‘critical ecosystems are at risk of collapsing,’ and if ‘current rates of biodiversity loss continue, every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse.’

The real rupture we face: what Carney’s next speech needs to say

OpinionBY TREVOR HANCOCK

A recent report from the United Kingdom warns that ‘critical ecosystems are at risk of collapsing,’ and if ‘current rates of biodiversity loss continue, every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse.’

Building Canada’s digital future

OpinionBY DELPHINE ADENOT-OWUSU

Poilievre, the Super Bowl, and the cautionary tale of the Buffalo Bills

OpinionBY KEN POLK

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY DE ADDER

de Adder’s Take: 02-16-2026

de Adder’s Take: 02-11-2026

de Adder’s Take: 02-09-2026

Public Service

Cost of public servants continues to rise, though growth of bureaucracy began to slow in 2024-25: PBO

In 2024-25, the government spent a total of $76.3-billion on public servants, an increase of six per cent from $71.9-billion spent in 2023-24.

BY MARLO GLASS

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

FOREIGN POLICY

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Could a Canada-Cuba hookup be in the cards?

OpinionBY ROBERT BOSTELAAR

The symbolic vote that signals a deeper shift in North American trade

OpinionBY AKOLISA UFODIKE

Surviving the population crash

OpinionBY GWYNNE DYER

He came in like a wrecking ball, and he keeps on coming

OpinionBY JOHN MCKAY

Trudeau, Carney, Davos, and Liberal dexterity

OpinionBY NELSON WISEMAN

Canadians like getting the world’s attention because it counters the view that we are boring. Mark Carney’s impact at Davos boosted Liberal popularity to 51 per cent in a Mainstreet poll. Speculation swirled that he might call an election to capitalize. He won’t. Carney prefers governing to politicking on the hustings.

Trudeau, Carney, Davos, and Liberal dexterity

OpinionBY NELSON WISEMAN

Canadians like getting the world’s attention because it counters the view that we are boring. Mark Carney’s impact at Davos boosted Liberal popularity to 51 per cent in a Mainstreet poll. Speculation swirled that he might call an election to capitalize. He won’t. Carney prefers governing to politicking on the hustings.

BOOKS, BIG IDEAS, Q&As

The Coutts Diaries is the most revealing book ever written about Canadian politics

FeatureBY DAVID HERLE

This is a previously unseen view of Pierre Trudeau, one that is sure to alter your opinions of him. It is an unvarnished look inside the government that brought you wage and price controls, the Charter of Rights, and the National Energy Program. And it is a darkly moving account of the life of a senior political staffer.

The Coutts Diaries is the most revealing book ever written about Canadian politics

FeatureBY DAVID HERLE

This is a previously unseen view of Pierre Trudeau, one that is sure to alter your opinions of him. It is an unvarnished look inside the government that brought you wage and price controls, the Charter of Rights, and the National Energy Program. And it is a darkly moving account of the life of a senior political staffer.

‘Don’t be indifferent’: Iranian-Canadian author shares story of his life inside infamous Tehran prison in new book

FeatureBY IREM KOCA

‘Treating politics as a system of balance, not battle’: new book brings fresh insights into Mackenzie King and lessons for today’s leaders

FeatureBY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN

First Nations are ‘ready’ to move beyond the Indian Act, but time’s running out, says author Bob Joseph

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

The Finest Hotel in Kabul is a window into Afghan endurance through the eyes of locals working at the Intercontinental Hotel

FeatureBY ELEANOR WAND

‘Back to the future’: Senators react to idea of turning Senate Building back into original train station for high-speed rail hub

NewsBY IREM KOCA

David Jeanes, a retired engineer and former president of Transport Action Canada, says the Senate Building would be an ideal spot for a downtown Ottawa station, and says it could be linked to the rest of the line with a tunnel going under part of the Rideau Canal.

Referring to the Senate Building's original purpose as downtown Ottawa's train station between 1912 and 1966, Canadian Senators Group Senator Scott Tannas says turning it into a train station is 'not a crazy idea ... It would be back to the future.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Back to the future’: Senators react to idea of turning Senate Building back into original train station for high-speed rail hub

NewsBY IREM KOCA

David Jeanes, a retired engineer and former president of Transport Action Canada, says the Senate Building would be an ideal spot for a downtown Ottawa station, and says it could be linked to the rest of the line with a tunnel going under part of the Rideau Canal.

‘Back to the future’: Senators react to idea of turning Senate Building back into original train station for high-speed rail hub

NewsBY IREM KOCA

David Jeanes, a retired engineer and former president of Transport Action Canada, says the Senate Building would be an ideal spot for a downtown Ottawa station, and says it could be linked to the rest of the line with a tunnel going under part of the Rideau Canal.

Bill C-15 is one of the biggest threats yet to Canada’s rule of law

OpinionBY GENEVIèVE PAUL, ANAïS BUSSIèRES MCNICOLL

The omnibus budget bill gives unprecedented power to federal ministers to exempt virtually any entity from all federal laws and regulations—except the Criminal Code.

Canada must take lead in fighting health misinformation as vaccine hesitancy rises and U.S. pulls back from WHO, say sector experts

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

In the face of bad advice coming out of the U.S., Health Minister Marjorie Michel needs to discuss how to best promote facts with federal agencies and departments, according to Canadian Medical Association president Margot Burnell.

Canada on path to become a superaged country

OpinionBY SHARON STRAUS, FRANçOISE BAYLIS

To successfully address the pending demographic shift to a superaged society, we need to be nimble and bold.

Secretary of State for Seniors Stephanie McLean. Meeting the health and social care needs of aging adults demands integration across health care, social care, public health, housing, transportation, and community services, write Sharon Straus and Françoise Baylis. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada on path to become a superaged country

OpinionBY SHARON STRAUS, FRANçOISE BAYLIS

To successfully address the pending demographic shift to a superaged society, we need to be nimble and bold.

Canada on path to become a superaged country

OpinionBY SHARON STRAUS, FRANçOISE BAYLIS

To successfully address the pending demographic shift to a superaged society, we need to be nimble and bold.

Securing sovereignty: why defending the care economy is a $100-million bargain

OpinionBY KATE MULLIGAN

By adopting new standards and social prescribing, Canada can turn an overstretched health system into a strategic reserve.

Canada’s health-care crisis is fuelled by too little public spending, not too much

OpinionBY DANYAAL RAZA

The federal government must substantially increase public health-care funding, financed by a fairer tax system that asks more from those who can most afford it.

AI is already in our clinics, but Canada is failing to train the people who use it

OpinionBY SAMIRA ABBASGHOLIZADEH-RAHIMI

Too many clinicians interact with AI tools without a clear understanding of how they work, what data they rely on, or where their limitations

THE LATEST POLICY BRIEFINGS

Health

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features

One out, two in for Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Meanwhile, there are some updates to note in Defence Minister David McGuinty’s office where Maya Ouferhat is now press secretary.

One out, two in for Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Meanwhile, there are some updates to note in Defence Minister David McGuinty’s office where Maya Ouferhat is now press secretary.

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

New polling-driven podcast explores the ‘why’ behind public opinion

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Carney postpones Europe trip

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

Canada, Luxembourg PMs ‘dialogue’ in Ottawa

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

Conservatives call for end to asylum claims by criminals

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA

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

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Carney lunches with Luxembourg’s Frieden

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA

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

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Parliamentary Calendar

Former Trudeau chief of staff Katie Telford sits down to discuss being ‘the right hand’ in Ottawa on Feb. 12

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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read the headlines, they want the full back story, the context and the implications.

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Take The Hill Times year-end news quiz

First-quarter expenses: MPs spent nearly $28-million

This Parliament’s ethics roundup: blind trusts, recusals, gifts, and more

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Carney government bills: tracking their progress into law

The number of sick days claimed by bureaucrats, broken down by department

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MPs’ annual office budgets for 2025-26

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

Post

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

Post

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

Post

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

Post

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

Finance & Budget

‘All about’ NATO: bulk of feds’ $5.4-billion spending request boosts defence programs

The $2.2-billion request for defence spending is ‘all tied’ to meeting NATO’s defence spending target, says Canadian Global Affairs Institute’s Craig Stone, but Macdonald-Laurier Institute's Christopher Coates says it should be seen as 'long overdue' modernization of the Armed Forces.

BY ELEANOR WAND

Liberals see path forward for budget bill, but Conservatives still have ‘huge concerns’ with cabinet’s ‘regulatory sandbox’

Conservatives have concerns about a clause buried in Bill C-15 that grants cabinet ministers the power to exempt any individual or firm from nearly any federal law—excluding the Criminal Code—for up to six years.

BY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Canada faces ‘an emergency of extraordinary proportions’ with Trump, say foreign affairs and trade experts

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent rant on X about the bridge linking Windsor, Ont., to Detroit, Mich., augurs badly for the upcoming review of North America's trade pact, says international trade lawyer Lawrence Herman.

BY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Bill C-15 is one of the biggest threats yet to Canada’s rule of law

The omnibus budget bill gives unprecedented power to federal ministers to exempt virtually any entity from all federal laws and regulations—except the Criminal Code.

BY GENEVIèVE PAUL, ANAïS BUSSIèRES MCNICOLL

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

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.