‘Elites’ has become ‘catch-all term of political opportunism,’ say experts
When politicians like Kellie Leitch and Donald Trump rail against “elites,” they are referring to a broad range of people seen as having influence on government, say experts. And they do it despite the fact that, given their backgrounds in business and/or politics, not to mention their economic means, there is an argument to be […]
Trudeau can say what he wants, proportional representation best choice for Canada
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, the newly appointed Minister of Democratic Institutions, Karina Gould, announced that the government would not be pursuing its election promise of electoral reform, attracting much opposition and public protest. In the House, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau energetically defended this decision, saying that he would not do something that was harmful […]
Five byelections will be first real test for Liberal government
OTTAWA—Five byelections across three provinces will be the first real test for the Liberal government. With vacancies in former Liberal ridings, the pressure will be on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grow his majority. Whatever happens, the outcome will likely result in a rise in diversity, as all ridings were formerly held by white men […]
Scheer to O’Leary: being Conservative Party leader ‘is not a part-time job, we need 100 per cent commitment’
OTTAWA—Being the leader of the Conservative Party isn’t a part-time job, and Kevin O’Leary isn’t fully committed to to the role, argued fellow leadership contestant Andrew Scheer during the Conservative leadership’s lively debate on Friday evening, which was part of the Manning Centre Conference at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. “You haven’t committed to winning […]
Carleton’s political management program has churned out Hill staffers aplenty
With five cohorts of alumni to date, Carleton University’s unique political management master’s program has seen many of its grads land jobs on the Hill, everywhere from the Prime Minister’s Office to cabinet and opposition offices, with others working in government relations and at other levels of government. Under the current Liberal government, that list […]
Israel’s ties with Liberals ‘peachy,’ friendship maintained from Conservative days, says envoy
Israeli Ambassador Nimrod Barkan is dismissing any suggestion that the Liberal government has somehow distanced itself from the steadfast position on Israel that became somewhat of a trademark of former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper’s years in power. “Everything is peachy,” the ambassador said in an interview last week, with a grin. The Israeli envoy arrived […]
Shades of Trump in Bernier’s foreign aid policy, reader suggests
Why is it that international aid, much like music in the schools, is one of the first things to go when the budget gets tight? Regarding foreign aid, Conservative leadership candidate Maxime Bernier has said: “Canada has to show solidarity and do its part…however, every year we spend millions of dollars funding job training, technology […]
Did someone say Joe Trudeau? Trudeau-Trump meeting went smoothly, almost
They almost got through it without incident, Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump, in the meeting between the two leaders in Washington, D.C., last week. Mr. Trudeau didn’t get preachy, Mr. Trump didn’t say anything too crazy. There was a photograph that showed Mr. Trudeau looking at an outreached hand of the U.S. president with what […]
Will the Conservative Party renew itself as Progressive Conservative Party?
The ideological and thoughtless character of the “new” Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidates calling for tax cuts to corporations and for the richest few reminds us that their politics are American neoconservative, not conservative and that they are not Progressive Conservatives. The Progressive Conservative Party of Canada stated clearly the view and principle that […]
Conservative leadership race flips into high gear
MONTREAL—With Kevin O’Leary on stage, the Conservatives had their first chance to watch the full slate of leadership hopefuls in action Saturday night. Here is a look at the state of play as the year-long campaign to find a successor for Stephen Harper moves into high gear. Maxime Bernier has collected more money than any […]
