Trudeau versus Blue Liberals?
OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s lots of discussion these days about whether the federal Conservatives are moving too far to the right. And yes, I certainly get why that’s happening. But maybe we should also spend some time discussing whether the federal Liberals are moving too far to the left. It’s a point worth considering because, under the […]
Government missing golden opportunity to correct serious error in distribution of House seats
On Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Constitution Act, 1867, (Electoral Representation), the government is missing a golden opportunity to correct a serious error in the distribution of seats in the House of Commons. This error started when previous governments introduced bills to amend Sec. 51 of the Constitution Act, 1867, to give results […]
As the Conservative Party goes full MAGA, we all lose
OTTAWA—The Conservatives have removed their patina of integrity and propriety to go full MAGA. Finally. They’ve been swirling around this bowl for a while. If former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, who infamously defended the residential school system, was their great moderate hope, they have some serious problems. We are at a crossroads in this country. […]
‘She is literally birthing the party’s future as Pierre Poilievre’s most essential adviser’: Poilievre’s campaign buoyed by top political player, Jenni Byrne
Political campaign organizers normally don’t attract much attention when they make public appearances on behalf of their candidates. But Jenni Byrne is a unique political operative with a storied career in Conservative circles, and as a key adviser to Tory leadership front-runner Pierre Poilievre, she isn’t holding back. In an April 12 episode of CTV […]
Charest strategist Kheiriddin says Conservatives should ‘build a big tent,’ avoid appealing to ‘anger or fear’
Candidates running for the leadership of the Conservative Party who are hoping to “build a big tent” need to do that now, and not appeal to “anger or fear” during the race, according to Conservative commentator and strategist Tasha Kheiriddin. As the party plots its future and moves towards picking a new leader on Sept. […]
It’s still the Harper Party, a fact Poilievre is banking on
HALIFAX—Despite fawning praise from the usual suspects, the only thing Pierre Poilievre has going for him is the political death wish of the hard Right. And that may very well be why he becomes the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Winning the political mud-wrestling contest of the party leadership is a universe […]
Trumpification of Canada playing out in Conservative leadership race
OTTAWA—The Trumpification of Canada is playing out before our eyes in the current Conservative leadership campaign. Make America Great Again is being replaced by the Pierre Poilievre slogan to make Canada free again. Ex-Tory minister Peter Kent, tweeted last week that there was still plenty of time in the race for “moderate conservatives to resist […]
Poilievre has ‘captured the attention of Canadians,’ but unclear if this will translate into a win, say politicos
Political observers say it’s still unclear whether the large crowds Pierre Poilievre is drawing to his rallies and his traction on social media will translate into votes for the Ottawa-area MP considered to be the front-runner in the federal Conservative leadership race. “What’s clear is that he can generate attention, he’s got eyeballs, he has […]
CPC race needs clash of policies, not personalities
Conservative Party leadership hopefuls are running out of time to throw their hats in the ring. The Easter long weekend is the last chance for anyone still mulling it over, or who has already said they’re going to make the leap to join, or to awkwardly back out. By April 19, those interested and eligible […]
Size doesn’t always matter, unless you know what to do with it
OTTAWA—You reap what you sow. I have always loved that statement because it is so absolutely true. Over the years, through good fortune, I have been asked to comment on all manner of political happenings. Over the last two weeks, the most frequent question I have been asked is, “what do all those big crowds […]
