Parties boosting internal security in face of foreign interference fears
Although they won’t get into specifics, the country’s main national political parties all say they’re boosting their internal security to protect against foreign interference in next year’s federal election. But, according to critics and experts, the real burden rests with the Liberal government to do the necessary work to ensure the 2019 election remains free […]
Maxime Bernier’s Twitter tirade a gift to Justin Trudeau
OTTAWA—Professional tip to all Members of Parliament, but particularly the Conservative ones, if you want to have a discussion about Canadian identity: Twitter isn’t the the best vehicle for you. That should seem self-evident but apparently that is not the case. Now if you want to wreak havoc, piss people off, and throw verbal hand […]
Liberals start nomination process for 25 unheld ridings
The federal Liberal Party opened up applications for potential candidates in 25 unheld ridings in late June, the first formal step towards candidacy for Grits in 2019, according to the party’s website. Those who want to run for the party in those opposition-held ridings can now formally ask the Liberal Party to send them […]
From tiny agency of six to department-in-the-making: elevating the Status of Women
Despite the Trudeau government’s efforts to brand itself as feminist and to transform Status of Women Canada from an agency to a full department, critics say it’s an open question whether Ottawa has elevated the portfolio of the Status of Women to a place where it has a similar level of prestige to other files. […]
Candidate selection: democratic or arbitrary?
Former Conservative Party of Canada minister Steven Fletcher sought his party’s nomination in his riding but it has, for no stated reason, been rejected by those controlling the party. The Canadian format for political parties electing candidates has traditionally been to hold riding conventions. After being nominated by party members, all candidates addressed the convention. […]
Tory strategist, Global anchor tie the knot, as politicians and pundits look on
Conservative strategist Rick Anderson wed Global National anchor Dawna Friesen in Vancouver on July 28. Mr. Anderson was the chief adviser to Reform leader Preston Manning and is a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group. Ms. Friesen has been the Global National anchor and executive editor since 2010. Previously, she was an NBC News foreign correspondent where she […]
Manning Centre’s training pullback disappointing, but conservative movement still healthy: Tory MPs
The Manning Centre’s retreat from training political operatives, while disappointing, doesn’t mean the conservative movement in Canada is any less strong, say Conservative MPs and party faithful. On July 24, the Calgary Herald reported the Calgary-based outfit founded by namesake Preston Manning, the former Reform Party leader, was stepping back from its advocacy work, according […]
Beware the Trumpenstein monster
OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you want a fun way to foresee how the Liberal Party’s communications strategy will unfold in next year’s federal election, then just imagine it playing out like an old-fashioned gothic horror story. To show you what I mean, let me walk you through it. To begin with, picture Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and […]
University of Toronto project brings parliamentary records into the 21st century
Have you ever wanted to read the House debates between prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and leader of the opposition Joe Clark in 1978? Or between opposition leader Lester B. Person and prime minister John Diefenbaker in 1962? Or how about reading Reform MP Jason Kenney calling Progressive Conservative MPs “a bunch of assholes” in […]
Ford has proven that the populist formula shouldn’t be underestimated
OTTAWA—When it appeared that Doug Ford was on his way to landing the job of Ontario premier, a lot of people tried to reassure themselves that the Progressive Conservative leader, while a coarse, macho populist, was no Donald Trump. But the Ford government has immediately shown its willingness to follow the demagogic, disruptive politics of […]
