Conservatives’ $189K Alberta byelection spend ‘left nothing to chance’ on leader’s return to Parliament, say strategists

The ‘all-in’ bet on Pierre Poilievre’s August byelection campaign paid off, but the 24-to-1 fundraising deficit to his right-flank reveals an 'undercurrent’ that could snowball if left unchecked, says Liberal strategist Dan Arnold.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre celebrates winning the byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on Aug. 18. His campaign posted nearly $190,000 in expenses, relying on party and riding association transfers to cover the difference between his $2,800 in fundraising from four contributors. Photograph courtesy of X

Conservatives’ $189K Alberta byelection spend ‘left nothing to chance’ on leader’s return to Parliament, say strategists

NewsBY STUART BENSON

The ‘all-in’ bet on Pierre Poilievre’s August byelection campaign paid off, but the 24-to-1 fundraising deficit to his right-flank reveals an 'undercurrent’ that could snowball if left unchecked, says Liberal strategist Dan Arnold.

Conservatives’ $189K Alberta byelection spend ‘left nothing to chance’ on leader’s return to Parliament, say strategists

NewsBY STUART BENSON

The ‘all-in’ bet on Pierre Poilievre’s August byelection campaign paid off, but the 24-to-1 fundraising deficit to his right-flank reveals an 'undercurrent’ that could snowball if left unchecked, says Liberal strategist Dan Arnold.

THE LATEST

PMPRB closes all open drug-pricing investigations before implementing new guidelines on Jan. 1

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

But that doesn’t mean the drug pricing tribunal can’t look at past years’ data to inform future reviews of drug prices, says director general Guillaume Couillard.

PMPRB closes all open drug-pricing investigations before implementing new guidelines on Jan. 1

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

But that doesn’t mean the drug pricing tribunal can’t look at past years’ data to inform future reviews of drug prices, says director general

Building Canada’s Digital Future: Why High-Performing, Trusted, and Energy-Efficient Networks Matter More Than Ever

Stalled legislation means Liberals ‘on the hunt’ for opposition MPs to cross over to achieve majority, say politicos

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Seven bills tabled since the start of the 45th Parliament began reached royal assent before the winter break, of which three, C-6, C-7 and C-17, were appropriation bills. Of the remaining bills still moving through the legislative process, several are 'core to the government’s overall agenda,' says Dan Arnold. Any legislation related to the border with the U.S. would be important because of the current negotiations during the current trade war.

Seven bills tabled since the start of the 45th Parliament began reached royal assent before the winter break, of which three, C-6, C-7 and

Ottawa’s AI strategy could help Canada capitalize on homegrown innovation, say task force members

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon has promised to release a new strategy for artificial intelligence by early 2026.

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon has promised to release a new strategy for artificial intelligence by early 2026.

Solution to substance abuse in Ottawa will come from collaboration, say area politicians

NewsBY SOPHIA LAPORTE

The federal government will invest $1.2-million in a project created by the City of Ottawa and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to deter people from harmful drug use, and towards care and health services.

The federal government will invest $1.2-million in a project created by the City of Ottawa and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

POLITICS THIS MORNING

Do the DM shuffle

Plus, Mandy Gull-Masty makes an announcement about child welfare.

BY PETER MAZEREEUW

OPINION & COLUMNISTS

A decade of delays on Indigenous rights

Call me a dreamer, but this winter solstice season I’m practising hope that 2026 is the year Canada recognizes its strength and credibility as a democracy rests on reconciliation.

BY ROSE LEMAY

Opinion

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

One of the best things about Canada is we’ll never elect a Donald Trump

Opinion

BY GERRY NICHOLLS

Poilievre needs the NDP

Opinion

BY BHAGWANT SANDHU

The NDP leadership race might be sleepwalking to irrelevance

Opinion

BY DAVID CARMENT, DANI BELO

Ukraine-Russia: next steps

PODCAST: THE HOT ROOM

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

NEWS

Trump’s trade rep targets Online Streaming Act, Online News Act, raising questions about future of Canada’s cultural exemption

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

On Dec. 17, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canadian cultural laws 'discriminate against U.S. tech and media firms.' But Canadian cultural groups insist both the Online Streaming Act and the government’s free-trade exemption are critical to supporting this country’s arts and media industries.

Trump’s trade rep targets Online Streaming Act, Online News Act, raising questions about future of Canada’s cultural exemption

NewsBY DAVIS LEGREE

On Dec. 17, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canadian cultural laws 'discriminate against U.S. tech and media firms.' But Canadian cultural groups insist both the Online Streaming Act and the government’s free-trade exemption are critical to supporting this country’s arts and media industries.

Deputy minister shuffle sees shakeup to Privy Council Office, nine new leaders in key roles

NewsBY MARLO GLASS

Poilievre’s future rests on what he tells delegates at leadership review convention next month, says senior party veteran Brodie

NewsBY CHRISTOPHER GULY

Bill to create modern treaty commissioner wins Bloc, NDP, and Green support

NewsBY PETER MAZEREEUW

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

NewsBY NEIL MOSS

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

Podcast

Who wants an election? With David Coletto

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

This year in photos: Trudeau exits, Carney enters politics, Parliament dissolves

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

The best photos from the first quarter of 2025 featured snapshots from the Canada-U.S. trade war, the fall and rise of two Liberal leaders, and the start of the federal election campaign.

This year in photos: Trudeau exits, Carney enters politics, Parliament dissolves

FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE

The best photos from the first quarter of 2025 featured snapshots from the Canada-U.S. trade war, the fall and rise of two Liberal leaders, and the start of the federal election campaign.

Carney talks with the premiers

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

POLITICS

‘The funniest speech I’ve ever seen a leader give’: how Don Davies’ gallery dinner speech struck the perfect chord

NewsBY SOPHIA LAPORTE

Unpacking Sean Fraser’s femicide bill

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

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

NewsBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

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

OpinionBY TIM POWERS

‘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 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 GWYNNE DYER

Derzhavnost and ‘respect’

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

Rubio’s fantasy and the risk of forever war in Venezuela

Opinion

BY ALAN BROADBENT

Can Build Canada Homes make a dent in the housing crisis?

Is an 88-jet fleet already out of date?

OpinionBY MICHAEL P.A. MURPHY

In 2017, 88 jets were seen as ‘just enough’ for Canada to fulfill its obligations. Now, penny pinching has been replaced by a concern about how to spend at speed.

App store age verification won’t keep young people safe

OpinionBY JOSH TABISH

Can Canadian politicians unwrap compromise this holiday season?

OpinionBY EDITORIAL

The prime minister may be angling for a majority by any means necessary, but there's another option—the art of compromise—that he may want to try on for size in 2026.

Can Canadian politicians unwrap compromise this holiday season?

OpinionBY EDITORIAL

The prime minister may be angling for a majority by any means necessary, but there's another option—the art of compromise—that he may want to try on for size in 2026.

Christmas came early for the Grits: Liberal MP Fisher

Opinion

After America’s Genesis Mission, where is Canada’s AI North Star?

OpinionBY ALEXANDER LANDRY, BRENDAN CONWAY-SMITH

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

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

OpinionBY ASMA FAIZI

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

OpinionBY HARRY H.J. TSENG

A self-sustaining path to recovery for Ukraine

OpinionBY MICHAEL CHOLOD, KATHERINE MULHERN

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

OpinionBY EDITORIAL

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

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

The tightened tariff rate quotas for steel imports from non-free trade agreement partners will come into force on Dec. 26.

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

NewsBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

The tightened tariff rate quotas for steel imports from non-free trade agreement partners will come into force on Dec. 26.

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

Redesigning Canada’s health policy to spur innovation

OpinionBY E. RICHARD GOLD

When patents create an unbalanced system of protection, regulatory exclusivities, which safeguard a firm’s data from being copied by competitors while still allowing scientific collaboration, offer a better alternative.

If Canada is to address rare and complex diseases, we need to encourage firms to explore exclusivities that genuinely drive innovation, writes E. Richard Gold. Photograph courtesy of the National Cancer Institute via Unsplash

Redesigning Canada’s health policy to spur innovation

OpinionBY E. RICHARD GOLD

When patents create an unbalanced system of protection, regulatory exclusivities, which safeguard a firm’s data from being copied by competitors while still allowing scientific collaboration, offer a better alternative.

Redesigning Canada’s health policy to spur innovation

OpinionBY E. RICHARD GOLD

When patents create an unbalanced system of protection, regulatory exclusivities, which safeguard a firm’s data from being copied by competitors while still allowing scientific collaboration, offer a better alternative.

A deeper dive into Fraser’s crime bill

NewsBY PETER MAZEREEUW

A clause granting judges the ability to impose a prison sentence shorter than the one required by a mandatory minimum may prove the most impactful on Canada’s justice system.

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.

Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, left, and Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. When women serve in security institutions, these institutions work better, writes Nathalie Chuard. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Elsie effect: women are essential to security

OpinionBY NATHALIE CHUARD

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

The Elsie effect: women are essential to security

OpinionBY NATHALIE CHUARD

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

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

NewsBY TESSIE SANCI

The Senate bill is identical to MP Todd Doherty’s bill, which nearly became law but died on the order paper when the election was called this past spring.

Canada’s China reset just got much harder

OpinionBY VINA NADJIBULLA

Even modest Canadian engagement with China may be judged less on its merits than on how it is interpreted in the U.S. within a framework designed to ‘wind down adversarial outside influence.’

Czech Republic marks national day with song

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

The Hill Times

THE LATEST POLICY BRIEFINGS

Environment

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The Hill Times’ 100 Best Books 2025

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The North Policy Briefing

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features

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.

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

PostBY JESSE CNOCKAERT

Carney’s majority math

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

The Bubble catches its breath

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

New directors on deck for ministers Thompson, Ali

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

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

FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

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

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

Finance ministers meet in Ottawa

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW

Japanese Embassy delves into cultural diplomacy

FeatureBY SAM GARCIA

Parliamentary Calendar

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

Podcast

Building a highway to the Arctic, with Caroline Wawzonek

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

No ‘I’ in team: why party discipline has gone too far, with Alex Marland

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

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Carney government bills: tracking their progress into law

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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

Four key steps can help secure Canadian sovereignty

The government has not defined a clear strategy to build and maintain Canadian ownership of our assets. Combined with the federal budget’s focus on attracting private capital, there’s a real danger that Ottawa will enable a sell-off of Canadian firms to foreign investors.

BY JON SHELL

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

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.