First two-spirit MP aims to be architect of change, speak up for Indigenous, LGBTQ2+ voices
Newly elected New Democrat Blake Desjarlais didn’t always want to be a politician. The 27 year old, who recently won the riding of Edmonton Griesbach, Alta., originally had his sights set on becoming an architect, following in the footsteps of Indigenous trailblazer Douglas Cardinal. “I wanted to show people in North America that Indigenous people […]
The Conservatives’ post- election inquiry and the future of Canada’s politics
OTTAWA—Had the Conservatives won the election, what would Canadians be expecting now? People who should know say Erin O’Toole is indeed a centrist, and, despite winning the leadership by appealing to the Conservatives’ solidly right and social conservative factions, he was unshakable in his view that the key to winning power was to steer the […]
Trudeau, O’Toole, Singh have some soul-searching to do in light election outcome
Despite all their fervent campaigning, all the beseeching policy pledges to persuade undecided voters, all the millions of dollars poured into advertising, the electorate largely opted out of rewarding any of Canada’s political parties this election. Instead, voters delivered a Parliament that was virtually unchanged from the 2019 contest. As such, all the parties and […]
Explaining a fundraising folly
OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party landed in hot water after it sent out a fundraising letter in an envelope labelled “important: invoice enclosed.” The problem is, the letter didn’t actually contain […]
For someone who was ‘silenced,’ May is speaking loud and clear
OTTAWA—Someone should come and collect Elizabeth May before she opens her mouth. Again. A week after Annamie Paul’s resignation, Elizabeth May penned an op-ed in the Toronto Star in a naked, passive-aggressive attempt to excuse herself from culpability in the Green Party’s ignominious demise. In other words, May played the victim. It was a repugnant […]
Indigenous, historically marginalized groups felt the brunt of election disenfranchisement, say advocates
Although voter turnout overall wasn’t as bad as some predicted, reduced polling stations in densely populated urban areas and remote Indigenous communities, along with the lack of voting opportunities on post-secondary campuses were substantial hits to the franchise of some marginalized groups in last month’s federal election. Elections Canada says it’s looking into at least […]
‘The horizon, though still murky, was beginning to brighten’: defeated MPs reflect on losing their seats
Eighteen incumbents were defeated at the polls this election, and while the taste of defeat can be bitter and lonely—even more so thanks to COVID restrictions this time around—there are bright spots, too, as outgoing MPs turn their sights to life post-politics and reflect on their time in the House. Of the 18 defeated incumbents, […]
As Annamie Paul steps away from the Green Party, recent candidates say its future rests on fostering internal ‘unity’
After experiencing “disappointing” results in the 2021 election, the Green Party will need to sort out its issues with infighting if it is to thrive in Canadian politics, according to two recent party candidates and the president of the Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas constituency association. “I think our policies are incredibly relevant, but Canadians do want to […]
Three former staffers among new MPs-elect headed to the House
Elections often see staffers step out from behind the curtain to make a go of running for office—this year was no different, and among the new class of MPs headed for seats in the House of Commons for the first time are three former staffers, Conservatives Adam Chambers, Melissa Lantsman, and Dan Muys. Mr. Chambers […]
‘They lost the air war’: Trudeau Liberals missed their majority government by only 16,870 votes in 11 ridings, Hill Times analysis
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals could have won a majority government in the Sept. 20 election if they had received 16,870 more votes spread across 11 ridings, according to an analysis by The Hill Times. The 11 closest losses for the Liberals included three in Ontario, two in Quebec, and one each in Manitoba, Newfoundland […]
