Orlando mass shooting may be watershed moment in U.S. presidential campaign
MONTREAL—Mere hours after the Orlando mass shooting it was already clear that its political fallout in the United States would be both divisive and significant. The tragedy is inflaming an already polarized presidential contest. It may yet turn out to be a watershed moment in the campaign. The echo effect of this tremor, if any, […]
Problem with Question Period is there’s too much of it
Sometimes simple changes inspire big shifts. Such is the case for the welcome change of putting an end to applause during Question Period. It has not caught on with all quite yet, but let us hope that as the first session of the newly elected Liberal government comes to a pause for summer adjournment, that […]
F-35 consortium agreement never seen as commitment to buy: Sajjan
A 2002 agreement Canada signed with the U.S. and seven other countries for development of the F-35 stealth warplane was never viewed by the partners as “a commitment to buy the F-35,” Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan’s office told The Hill Times. Meanwhile, a leading expert on military affairs said the Liberal government could make good […]
Trudeau’s aura eclipsing strong Quebec cabinet team, poll shows
MONTREAL—At this time last year, few were predicting a Liberal victory in the upcoming federal election. Fewer still were willing to bet on a majority win for Justin Trudeau. Even as he was ascending in voting intentions last fall, many assumed that if he became prime minister, Trudeau would need the crutch of a strong ministerial team. […]
My leadership advice to Kenney, MacKay: No matter how much sunshine got blown up your arse at the convention, decide for you and no one else
OTTAWA—Choosing to head up either of Canada’s two largest federal opposition parties is proving to be an unattractive or uncertain option for quite a few talented current or former politicians. And, frankly, who could blame them for not wanting to lead the Conservatives or NDP right now. It isn’t that Justin Trudeau is invincible come […]
Marc Mayrand’s early departure could pressure government on electoral reform
Chief Electoral Officer Marc Mayrand shocked Parliament Hill when he announced he had served notice to Commons Speaker Geoff Regan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week he would resign early from his post as the country’s election watchdog. His decision could pressure the government into speeding up the delivery of an election promise that […]
No tears for Harper as Ottawa marks new era at press gallery dinner
OTTAWA—The Conservatives have raised the bar in the hypocrisy sweepstakes ever since the election with their suggestions that the nastiness of the past decade originated with Stephen Harper and that “Hey, we’re just everyday, nice people.” Rona Ambrose cranked this newfound sense of decency up to its highest level yet at this year’s press gallery […]
Former Conservative staff land gigs at Scotiabank, BMO, electricity association, B.C. government
Hundreds of former Conservative staffers were released into the job market following their party’s defeat last fall, and Hill Climbers has learned where a number of them are working now. Kent Verge, a former senior policy adviser to Lisa Raitt as transport minister, has been chief of staff to B.C. Liberal Minister for Jobs, Tourism, and […]
Bernier’s frank talk on supply management starts Tory leadership race on right foot
TORONTO—During my previous political job, I had the opportunity to talk and privately meet many people in Ottawa, including then ministers of the former government of Stephen Harper. I learned a lot during those meetings and I had a chance to know good people and politicians. One of those who impressed me the most was […]
LeBlanc, Goodale, Philpott voted best cabinet ministers in Question Period: The Hill Times’ 24th Annual Politically Savvy Survey
Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, and Health Minister Jane Philpott were voted the best three cabinet ministers in Question Period in The Hill Times’ 24th Annual Politically Savvy Survey. Liberal MP François-Philippe Champagne (Saint-Maurice-Champlain, Que.), Mr. LeBlanc (Beauséjour, N.B.), and Mr. Goodale (Regina-Wascana, Sask.) were also picked as the most effective government MPs in Question Period, […]
