‘Something’s gotta give’: Liberal agenda needs a majority to make progress in 2026, says Grit strategist Joe Jordan

With only two substantive bills receiving royal assent since the spring, Conservative strategist Ashton Arsenault says the Liberals' legislative performance this fall would be an ‘embarrassment’ under any other Parliament.

Even though Prime Minister Mark Carney is inching closer to a majority government via floor crossings, the Liberals' pace this fall isn't matching the 'transformative agenda' he campaigned on, say strategists. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

‘Something’s gotta give’: Liberal agenda needs a majority to make progress in 2026, says Grit strategist Joe Jordan

NewsBY STUART BENSON

With only two substantive bills receiving royal assent since the spring, Conservative strategist Ashton Arsenault says the Liberals' legislative performance this fall would be an ‘embarrassment’ under any other Parliament.

‘Something’s gotta give’: Liberal agenda needs a majority to make progress in 2026, says Grit strategist Joe Jordan

NewsBY STUART BENSON

With only two substantive bills receiving royal assent since the spring, Conservative strategist Ashton Arsenault says the Liberals' legislative performance this fall would be an ‘embarrassment’ under any other Parliament.

THE LATEST

MPs approve House admin spending trim, but overall budgets still on the rise

NewsBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Despite planned cuts to administration spending, the House’s overall main estimates ask for 2026-27 is still up by 1.9 per cent. The Senate’s budget is also set to jump by 1.5 per cent.

MPs approve House admin spending trim, but overall budgets still on the rise

NewsBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Despite planned cuts to administration spending, the House’s overall main estimates ask for 2026-27 is still up by 1.9 per cent. The Senate’s budget

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‘This is a process unlike any we’ve ever seen’: questions loom over Canada’s readiness for CUSMA review

NewsBY NEIL MOSS

Canada is being encouraged to 'ramp up' consultations as the CUSMA review nears.

Canada is being encouraged to 'ramp up' consultations as the CUSMA review nears.

Senators to get earlier look at documents, hear more budget requests publicly after CIBA practices questioned

NewsBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

The Senate’s executive committee has set out new processes for the sharing of documents, and the handling of requests for exceptions to its office management policies.

The Senate’s executive committee has set out new processes for the sharing of documents, and the handling of requests for exceptions to its office

Redactions up: foreign ministry hiding more memo titles with 38 per cent kept secret this year

NewsBY NEIL MOSS

Titles and reference numbers for memos prepared for a cabinet minister or deputy head must be proactively released by law, but are becoming 'less obtainable' as government entities exploit a 'loophole,' say transparency advocates.

Titles and reference numbers for memos prepared for a cabinet minister or deputy head must be proactively released by law, but are becoming 'less

POLITICS THIS MORNING

Unpacking Sean Fraser’s femicide bill

Plus, Champagne calls back from Berlin.

BY PETER MAZEREEUW

OPINION & COLUMNISTS

Carney is shifting the goal posts in bid to redefine voter coalition

The Liberals appear to have made the calculation that securing new voters from the Conservative base is far more advantageous than strictly appealing to the existing coalition that re-elected his party.

BY JOSIE SABATINO

Opinion

BY TIM POWERS

Will Poilievre find the right thread to pull, or will his coalition unravel in 2026?

Opinion

BY LES WHITTINGTON

2026: Another year on the edge for Carney and Canada

Opinion

BY ANDREW CADDELL

Time to look back, and ahead

Opinion

BY ASMA FAIZI

‘End our suffering’: refugees from Africa face inequity and delays resettling in Canada

PODCAST: THE HOT ROOM

Mark Critch on Donald Trump, Canadian politics, and being TikTok famous

NEWS

‘A disturbing sign for allies’: Trump’s national security strategy raises red flags as Ottawa works on Canada’s response

NewsBY STUART BENSON

The question of how Canada will adapt should be top of mind as Washington makes clear it's no longer interested in being a reliable security partner, says former CSIS analyst Stephanie Carvin.

‘A disturbing sign for allies’: Trump’s national security strategy raises red flags as Ottawa works on Canada’s response

NewsBY STUART BENSON

The question of how Canada will adapt should be top of mind as Washington makes clear it's no longer interested in being a reliable security partner, says former CSIS analyst Stephanie Carvin.

Feds push ahead with ‘transformative’ $60-billion to $90-billion high-speed rail project as experts urge caution over major cost over-runs, land acquisition powers

NewsBY IREM KOCA

Quebec MPs noncommittal on support for province’s controversial constitution bill

NewsBY ELEANOR WAND

Bill calling for more serious punishment for assaulting first responders not fast-tracked despite Conservative MPs’ efforts

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

Canada Is Missing the Biggest Industrial Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight

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HILL LIFE & PEOPLE

Parliamentary Calendar

Decked halls of Parliament on pause until House returns on Jan. 26

Podcast

Cut, not cap? The latest on public service downsizing, with Marlo Glass

feature

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Best Books in 2025

List

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

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Working Together to Strengthen Canada’s Workforce

Senior Advisor, Government Relations (Telework/Hybrid)

Insider’s Guide to Parliament: 2025

Premier conseiller ou première conseillère, Relations gouvernementales (télétravail/hybride)

Policy Briefing – Infrastructure

HILL LIFE & PEOPLE

PSPC eyes possible ‘invisible lift’ for Centre Block

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Plus: Ex-Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer is mulling a federal comeback, former Bloc MP Kristina Michaud writes about the perils of riding redistribution, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas joins Counsel Public Affairs.

PSPC eyes possible ‘invisible lift’ for Centre Block

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Plus: Ex-Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer is mulling a federal comeback, former Bloc MP Kristina Michaud writes about the perils of riding redistribution, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas joins Counsel Public Affairs.

‘We have a point of vulnerability here’: Senator Quinn wants to reaffirm Canadian sovereignty of tiny Bay-of-Fundy island

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

POLITICS

Every vote counts: how the House Speaker factors in Carney’s majority math

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

The Grinch steals Conservatives’ Christmas, delivers the Liberals a miracle 171st seat

FeatureBY STUART BENSON

MPs head home for the holidays, but not before Conservative MP Michael Ma crosses the floor to Liberals

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

Democracy, like a Christmas gift, is best unwrapped

OpinionBY ROSE LEMAY

Finance ministers meet in Ottawa

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

Plus, the budget bill moves on to committee.

Finance ministers meet in Ottawa

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

Plus, the budget bill moves on to committee.

THE HILL TIMES NEWSPAPER

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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Monday, December 15, 2025

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Wednesday, December 10, 2025

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OPINION & COLUMNISTS

Opinion

BY MICHAEL P.A. MURPHY

Is an 88-jet fleet already out of date?

Opinion

BY JOSH TABISH

App store age verification won’t keep young people safe

Editorial

BY EDITORIAL

Can Canadian politicians unwrap compromise this holiday season?

Christmas came early for the Grits: Liberal MP Fisher

Opinion

Indo-Pacific strategy a rare example of clear-eyed realism

OpinionBY HARRY H.J. TSENG

Military service rests on a bedrock of trust

OpinionBY NISHIKA JARDINE

When VAC provides decision letters that deny a benefit without acknowledging the veteran’s arguments, evidence, or specific circumstances, the department risks destroying the sacred trust that has been afforded them by Canada’s veterans.

Military service rests on a bedrock of trust

OpinionBY NISHIKA JARDINE

When VAC provides decision letters that deny a benefit without acknowledging the veteran’s arguments, evidence, or specific circumstances, the department risks destroying the sacred trust that has been afforded them by Canada’s veterans.

Buckle up Canada, we’re in for an even rougher ride with Trump

OpinionBY EDITORIAL

Trump’s new national security strategy raises alarms, fears over threats posed to Canada’s sovereignty and prosperity

OpinionBY DAVID CRANE

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY DE ADDER

de Adder’s Take: 12-17-2025

de Adder’s Take: 12-15-2025

de Adder’s Take: 12-10-2025

Public Service

Public service unions demand answers addressing rumours about the end of remote work

The 'volume and specificity' of full-time return-to-office rumours 'warrant immediate clarity from Treasury Board' says union president Sean O’Reilly.

BY MARLO GLASS

Skeptics say billions of dollars in AI-driven government efficiencies ‘fiscally dubious’

Despite the budget's projections, grand promises of technology heralding big savings and government efficiency is evoking the memory of the disastrous Phoenix pay system for some observers.

BY MARLO GLASS

It’s time to fix how Canada delivers citizen services

You can’t modernize public service by simply digitizing outdated processes. It's time for performance reform: service design that starts with the citizen and measures success by outcomes, not inputs.

BY MICHAEL WILSON

Prison watchdog leaves post early with ‘frustrations’ as final report keys in on ‘grossly inadequate’ mental health care behind bars

Serving an ombud’s role gives a great deal of power to investigate Canada’s prison system, says Ivan Zinger, but his powers are ultimately limited to making recommendations.

BY MARLO GLASS

Proposed collective bargaining changes could ‘influence the opinions of arbitrators’ to consider feds’ fiscal situation: lawyer

The budget outlines plans to update the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, which federal unions are criticizing as ‘vague’ and ‘concerning’ for its potential to infringe on workers’ rights.

BY MARLO GLASS

FOREIGN POLICY

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

A self-sustaining path to recovery for Ukraine

OpinionBY MICHAEL CHOLOD, KATHERINE MULHERN

Renewable energy sector adds concerns about wind-tower costs to steel industry crisis talks: ‘there’s a ton of urgency’

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Trump’s many ‘peace’ deals turn sour

OpinionBY GWYNNE DYER

Canada’s China reset just got much harder

OpinionBY VINA NADJIBULLA

Trump’s national security strategy delivers grim message that Canadians downplay at our peril

OpinionBY SHAWN MCCARTHY

The Trump doctrine essentially portrays Canada as vassal state to American 'pre-eminence' in the hemisphere. Canada, Mexico and other nations of the Americas are expected to pursue their national interest—just as the U.S. does—but will pay a stiff price if their strategies do not align with MAGA America.

Trump’s national security strategy delivers grim message that Canadians downplay at our peril

OpinionBY SHAWN MCCARTHY

The Trump doctrine essentially portrays Canada as vassal state to American 'pre-eminence' in the hemisphere. Canada, Mexico and other nations of the Americas are expected to pursue their national interest—just as the U.S. does—but will pay a stiff price if their strategies do not align with MAGA America.

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

Geoengineering for grown-ups

OpinionBY GWYNNE DYER

We need to use every viable technique to hold the average global temperature down while we work frantically to end our emissions.

A majority of early-career climate scientists now see geoengineering as necessary and inevitable, while many senior ones are still in transition, writes Gwynne Dyer. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay

Geoengineering for grown-ups

OpinionBY GWYNNE DYER

We need to use every viable technique to hold the average global temperature down while we work frantically to end our emissions.

Geoengineering for grown-ups

OpinionBY GWYNNE DYER

We need to use every viable technique to hold the average global temperature down while we work frantically to end our emissions.

The Elsie effect: women are essential to security

OpinionBY NATHALIE CHUARD

Diverse perspectives make teams sharper, more adaptive, more responsive, and more effective.

Czech Republic marks national day with song

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

Japanese Embassy delves into cultural diplomacy

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

Japanese Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi addresses guest gathered for a reception following the Japan-Canada-U.S. Partnership Through Culture and Diplomacy panel discussion at the official residence on Oct. 23. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Japanese Embassy delves into cultural diplomacy

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

Japanese Embassy delves into cultural diplomacy

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

The joys of winter biking aren’t without politics

OpinionBY ANDREW CADDELL

It's hard to believe something beneficial could be so controversial.

Likelihood of reaching long-term climate goals unclear until more details emerge from Alberta MOU, say environment experts

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

The Canadian Climate Institute released data in September showing that Canada made no progress on reducing emissions in 2024, and predicted that the 2030 emissions reduction target is now out of reach.

Budget suggests Carney blinked again in pursuit of digital sovereignty

OpinionBY ANDREW CLEMENT

Canada's digital ecosystem dependency on U.S. tech giants comes with high, largely invisible costs. Despite the urgency and a pledge in September, the government

THE LATEST POLICY BRIEFINGS

Environment

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features

Catching up with Finance Minister Champagne’s now 29-member team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Varun Srivatsan is now director of policy to the finance minister, while Rachel Sutton has returned to the Hill as Champagne’s deputy director of operations.

Catching up with Finance Minister Champagne’s now 29-member team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Varun Srivatsan is now director of policy to the finance minister, while Rachel Sutton has returned to the Hill as Champagne’s deputy director of operations.

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Carney and cabinet mix with top Liberal donors

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

Parl Sec Carlos Leitão talks globalization under pressure in Montreal on Dec. 11

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem to talk about Canada’s economy on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Montreal

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Two ‘Conservative leaders,’ one bank vault, and zero leaks: Poilievre’s gallery dinner surprise

NewsBY STUART BENSON

Senate publishes new accessibility plan

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

MPs to vote yay or nay for a pipeline, and an election

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

‘An extraordinary level of detail’: new edition of 1,339-page House Procedure and Practice book out now

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

Parliamentary Calendar

Joly to speak at Montreal Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday, Dec. 18

Podcast

Who wants an election? With David Coletto

News

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Lobbyists in 2025: lobbyists prepare for ‘significant reset’ as federal election begins

News

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

Podcast

Building a highway to the Arctic, with Caroline Wawzonek

Rookies’ Guide to Parliament 2025

Policy Briefing – EVs and EV Infrastructure

Policy Briefing – Environment

Policy Briefing – Health

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

EXCLUSIVE LISTS

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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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Ranking the best and worst federal departments, by public service survey results

The PBO’s take on public service bloat and staffing cuts

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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

A self-sustaining path to recovery for Ukraine

Now more than ever, Canada should encourage private sector investment for Ukraine’s recovery.

BY MICHAEL CHOLOD, KATHERINE MULHERN

Budget bill waits for House’s January return as ‘slow’ session comes to a close

The Liberals' budget implementation bill completed second reading on Dec. 10, and will be considered by the House Finance Committee after the House returns in the new year.

BY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Lack of primary care so ‘chronic’ that patients don’t even talk about it, says Liberal MP and doctor Powlowski

Two recent surveys find that a significant portion of Canadians do not have access to a primary care provider as governments across Canada attempt to tackle the long-time health human resources shortage.

BY TESSIE SANCI

Surge in lost public property sees total federal losses reach $730.4-million for 2024-25

Public property losses increased almost tenfold between 2023-24 and 2024-25—once again driven by a natural disaster—to total $374.8-million.

BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

Bloc joins push for mandatory labelling of genetically engineered foods

‘We want to know what's on our plate, we want to know what we're buying,’ says agricultural critic Yves Perron about the petition he recently tabled calling for labels.

BY TESSIE SANCI

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.