No political ads impress strategists yet; best play to ‘subtle truths,’ exploit vulnerabilities
This election campaign has yet to produce stand-out advertisements, say two political strategists, but parties would do well to create ads similar to those the Conservatives made against former Liberal leaders Michael Ignatieff and Stéphane Dion, which are some of the best in recent memory. David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, said those ads were […]
Police union wants boosted training capacity, mental health supports for Mounties after election
The National Police Federation is calling on whoever forms the next federal government to increase training capacity for the RCMP, prioritize equipment modernization, and increase access to mental health supports for its members. Canadians have done a “really good job” of focusing on mental health and reducing stigma around the issue, according to Brian Sauvé, […]
All-party support mutes impact of supply management in election, despite political sniping
Despite concessions in successive trade deals on access to Canada’s supply-managed dairy sector, cross-party support means it is unlikely to be a decisive ballot box issue in crucial rural ridings in Ontario and Quebec. All five major political parties have pledged their backing for the supply management system, with the Liberal government committing not to […]
Politics This Morning: O’Toole in Newfoundland, Singh in Thunder Bay; Trudeau condemns Afghanistan attacks
Happy Friday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned the deadly attacks that took place near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan yesterday that saw a number of American troops and Afghan civilians killed. The “heinous attacks” took the lives of many innocent people looking to leave the embattled country, as well as those […]
It’s a guy thing: will male voters’ hostility sink Trudeau?
OTTAWA—Canadians liked what they saw of Justin Trudeau in 2015, particularly in contrast to Stephen Harper. Nearly six years later, women voters still approve of Trudeau and the programs he has prioritized during his time as prime minister. But it’s different with men: it’s safe to say at this point that if the Liberals lose […]
Chinese ambassador says some politicians putting ‘personal political interests’ above Canada-China relationship
Amid a narrowing federal election, the Chinese ambassador to Canada says some politicians are putting their own “political interests” ahead of the Canada-China relationship, in an apparent reference to the Conservative Party. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) has been a vocal critic of Beijing and has called for Canada to realign its relationship with […]
Canada’s wingless election
OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant, a candidate who promoted a clear right-wing or left-wing ideological agenda could more easily energize and mobilize his or her base. And mobilizing a political base does matter. As noted American […]
Politicos worry snap election, short campaign a barrier to nominating women in key ridings
With the snap election announced in August, political insiders and analysts say they’re worried the pandemic and short campaign period may deter women from raising their hands to run this year and prevent parties from putting women in ridings where they have a chance. “I think what’s going to end up happening is you’re going […]
Politics This Morning: Defence Minister talks Afghanistan evacuation; Trudeau in Quebec; Singh in Winnipeg
Happy Thursday and day 12 of the campaign! Yesterday, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, and Minister for Women and Gender Equality Minister Maryam Monsef held a news conference to update Canadians on the situation in Afghanistan. Mr. Mendicino said that as of Aug. 24, Canada had airlifted more than 2,700 people out […]
How Trudeau’s cabinet ministers did in the last election
All but one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) cabinet of 37 are vying for re-election. Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna, who has represented Ottawa Centre, Ont., since 2015 is stepping away after winning the riding by a healthy 19.7 per cent margin in 2019. All the other members of Mr. Trudeau’s cabinet were incumbents […]
