Stories by Mike Lapointe
‘In a perfect storm right now’: labour supply, record immigration complicate daunting housing supply problem, say experts
Canada welcomed more than 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, 341,000 permanent residents in 2019, and was able to admit more than 184,500 over the course of 2020 despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen has been tasked with looking into an anti-flipping tax on residential properties as well as a temporary ban on foreign buyers of non-recreational residential properties.
With another year of holiday plans upended by rising case numbers, to a serious crunch felt by health care workers fatigued by the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to cast its ugly shadow over Canadians' lives.
Former public services and procurement minister and current Defence Minister Anita Anand took top billing as the most valuable politician in 2021, with climate change coming through as the number one issue.
New ministers at the helm of environment, natural resources, and fisheries will have their hands full in the increasingly urgent fight against climate change following the release of post-election mandate letters. 
Cabinet ministers will have their hands full in 2022 as the government takes on climate change, economic challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic that shows no end in sight with the Omicron variant spurring rising case coun
Employees and supporters recently picketed in front of the Wellington Street building where Auditor General Karen Hogan released two reports and addressed the media in a virtual press conference on Dec. 9. 
With millions of Canadians ready to receive their third COVID-19 shot, billions more in lower-income countries have yet to receive even one dose. Author
'I’m hoping that he’ll learn quickly and get up to speed quickly so that we can try to make some quick changes to the immigration policy,' says lawyer Evelyn Ackah of the new minister. 
Almost 80 per cent of outlets reported having no visible minorities or Indigenous journalists in one of the top three leadership roles in their newsroom, according to the CAJ's newsroom diversity survey. 
But the CFIB says it's wary of the legislation, saying it would expect the government to introduce bills favouring economic growth—and not additional costs to be bared by small business owners. 
There have been a variety of reasons why inflation has 'absolutely surprised' everyone, including the persistence of strong energy prices and how widespread supply issues have been globally, says BMO's Douglas Porter.
Parliamentarians have to be fully vaccinated in order to enter the House of Commons Precinct, as announced by the Board of Internal Economy on Oct. 19.
The federal government will continue to build flexibility into its work models, including hybrid work, 'where this is possible and where it makes sense,' according to Treasury Board spokesperson Martin Potvin. 
Plus, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada will host a webinar today on 'How Committees Work: From Parliament Hill to City Hall,' from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
From the 'echo chamber' of social media, to the isolation of individuals that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic, MPs from all sides of the political spectrum say they've noticed a deterioration of political discourse. 
Plus, Governor General Mary Simon is continuing her tour of Germany, and laid a wreath to commemorate the victims of war and tyranny at the Neue Wache in Berlin yesterday.
Plus, the Pearson Centre will host a session with former Senator Donald Oliver to talk about his new book, 'A Matter of Equality: The Life’s Work of Senator Don Oliver.' 
Plus, Liberal MP Alexandra Mendès is challenging Anthony Rota to become the next Speaker of the House of Commons.
Liberal MP-elect John McKay says he should have the 'absolute right' to expect that his colleagues in Parliament have done everything they can possibly do to make sure that they are not transmitting COVID-19. 
Plus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Big City Mayors’ Caucus today at 2 p.m. 
Plus, the number of reports surrounding online hate, threats, and harassment targeting journalists reported to the Canadian Association of Journalists jumped from 'dozens' to 'hundreds' in one recent week.
There are still many Canadians who are 'very comfortable right now' with temporary programs. 'We need to wean them off, we need to make sure they're temporary,' says former PCO clerk Mel Cappe.
Anyone who lies on their vaccination attestation will face 'severe consequences' and there will be verifications done over the following weeks to ensure that everyone is vaccinated, said the prime minister on Oct. 6.
Plus, Canada’s envoy to the United Nations, Bob Rae, will be presented with the Abraham Global Peace Initiative’s first annual Human Rights Award in New York today.
Plus, the federal government has invoked a 1977 treaty with the United States to settle the Line 5 oil pipeline dispute.
Plus, in an Oct. 3 Toronto Star piece, former Green Party leader Elizabeth May wrote that 'the promise of a fresh start and a bright future for Greens lies in ashes' following disappointing election night results. 
Following a May amendment to the claim, the number of proposed class members has increased from more than 500 to 1,031 current and former Black federal public servants who are now seeking $2.5-billion in damages.
Plus, the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place on Sept. 30, with The Hill Times taking a deep dive in today's special issue about federal efforts towards reconciliation.
Plus, former Liberal innovation minister Navdeep Bains has been hired by CIBC as vice-chair, global investment banking, and will officially join the bank on Oct. 4. 
The Liberals were on track to win 159 seats, the Conservatives 119, the Bloc Québécois 33, the NDP 25, and the Green Party two, as ballots from the Sept. 20 federal election were still being counted last week.
Plus, speculation around Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole’s future as head of the party continues to make headlines, with former Ontario premier Mike Harris arguing that Mr. O'Toole is still the best fit for the job.