Some Conservative opponents to Leitch’s divisive leadership campaign still praise her, others say ‘who does she think she’s kidding?’
Despite running a Conservative leadership campaign labelled by some intra-party opponents as “irresponsible populism,” Trump-like, and negative, other caucus colleagues of Kellie Leitch—even those opposed to her in the leadership race—say she remains a respected member of the party. Yet, one Conservative insider who asked not to be identified said Ms. Leitch (Simcoe-Grey, Ont.) has […]
Conservative Party a shadow of its former self
TORONTO—Anyone seen the Conservative Party of Canada? They were here just a minute ago. Remember? Had just about half the seats in the House of Commons? Forty per cent of the vote, give or take? Seats in every province but one? Fundraising behemoth? Remember them? They were led by a guy who wasn’t particularly warm […]
O’Leary’s image used for get-rich-quick offers
While the Conservative Party doesn’t know yet whether it’ll be able to use Kevin O’Leary’s image to sell itself in the next election, one or more organizations aiming to recruit people into get-rich-quick schemes are not being shy about using Mr. O’Leary to attract clicks. Pictures of Mr. O’Leary, a potential Conservative leadership candidate, have appeared recently with […]
For Tories, time is of the essence
OAKVILLE, ONT.—When pondering the future of the once mighty Conservative Party of Canada, it’s easy to wallow in pools of pessimism. After all, the Conservative Party is bruised, battered, and bleeding; it’s currently enduring a leadership race that somehow manages to be both boring and fractious; it’s languishing in public opinion polls; its membership numbers […]
Raitt risks blood in her quest to sink the big fish
OTTAWA—Lisa Raitt has gone shark fishing! As someone who grew up in the era of the epic Jaws films, she knows it can be a pretty bloody endeavour to catch the big fish, but well worth the glory if you do. Last week, Raitt, who to date has had generally a quite uneventful Conservative leadership […]
Liberals look to edge out Conservatives in fundraising after failing to overtake Tories for most of 2016
The Liberals and NDP start 2017 looking to gain ground on the Conservatives in the race for donations, as the Tories’ well-oiled fundraising machine continues to outpace its rivals despite being relegated to the opposition ranks and lacking a permanent leader. In a year dominated by stories of high-priced, exclusive Liberal fundraisers, and allegations of […]
Hill journalist Clark joins lobbying outfit
Veteran Hill journalist Tom Clark has landed a new gig with Ottawa-based Global Public Affairs. Mr. Clark, former host of the Sunday political show The West Block and chief political correspondent for Global Television, joined the firm as chair of public affairs and communications on Monday. In the role, he will provide “executive-level” government relations and strategic […]
Raitt needs O’Leary to split Blue Tory vote
OTTAWA—Lisa Raitt’s campaign to stop Kevin O’Leary was brilliant. It vaulted her to the front of the news cycle during a January political lull. It also set her up as a foil to the Trump-like tendencies of some of the Blue Tories who are already in the race or thinking of joining. It would be […]
Scheer’s Conservative caucus support gives him the advantage, but leadership win not in the bag
PARLIAMENT HILL—Conservative MP and leadership candidate Andrew Scheer may have the most endorsements from his caucus colleagues on the Hill, but that doesn’t mean he’s got the leadership in the bag. The member for Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask. has 19 endorsements, according to his website, followed by MP Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) with the backing of 14 […]
Senate reform ‘an interesting experiment,’ says Sen. Nancy Ruth on her way out the door
Newly retired Senator Nancy Ruth says the Senate reforms being made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are an experiment in progress, but because politics thrives on power, she says the Upper Chamber is destined for an eternal power struggle under its current design. “I think the direction is unclear. It’s an interesting experiment,” said Nancy Ruth […]
