O’Toole’s opioid crisis plan part of a ‘broader move’ to the left, says pollster
The Conservatives’ new plan to tackle Canada’s opioid crisis, treating it as a national health emergency to help those battling drug addiction, is evidence that the party is attempting to court more voters on the left, according to one pollster. “It seems to be part of a general attempt to open up a position much […]
Early Afghanistan focus unlikely to place campaign spotlight on oft-ignored foreign policy, say experts and politicos
Absent from many election campaigns, foreign policy has emerged on the trail amid an mounting humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, but many doubt it will lead to Canada’s role in the world becoming a ballot issue for voters. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) has begun a number of campaign events talking about the unfolding situation […]
The global Green movement used to shaky ground, but not to Canadian degree, say international members
Internal conflict in the Greens isn’t uncommon for the global brand, international collaborators say, but whether it spells electoral doom in Canada remains unclear. The Green Party has been at the centre of a storm of internal conflicts and media controversy for months. Starting with the June defection of now-Liberal Jenica Atwin (Fredericton, N.B.) over […]
Women of colour are changing the face of Canadian politics
Last year, an analysis of 194 countries published by the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the World Economic Forum highlighted the massive differences between male and female leaders during the COVID-19 crisis. The report was very clear: female-led countries had “significantly” better COVID-19 outcomes than countries led by men. The report seemed to show […]
Peaks and pitfalls: parties’ social media presence could make or break campaigns
It’s unclear whether a party’s social media effectiveness directly translates into electoral success, but the various approaches used during the campaign will have some kind of impact come election day, political and marketing experts say. Digital campaigns may be particularly important this year, given the increased focus on online spaces during the pandemic. “This campaign, […]
A pox on all their houses: the major parties pander shamelessly on language
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—One of my mother’s cousins was married to a prominent Franco-Ontarian, Marcel Joyal, who was a lawyer in Ottawa and later became a Federal Court judge. They summered here, and I was lucky enough to enjoy his company from time to time. Joyal was a passionate Canadian, and late into the Kamouraska summer nights, […]
Liberal sick days promise still a day late and a dollar short
OTTAWA—Is this election over yet? This is not the start the Liberals had been hoping for and it behooves one to consider the possibility of another minority Liberal government; they may end up spending millions of dollars on an election just to wind up with the same result. The election is still in its early […]
Politics This Morning: Trudeau meets with G7 leaders on Afghanistan; O’Toole heads to Brantford, Singh in Windsor
Good Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met virtually with G7 leaders yesterday to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, saying that Canada is prepared to remain in the country past an Aug. 31 deadline that’s been set for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. In the past few weeks, the Taliban have swiftly and decisively retaken […]
Isn’t an election the time to talk about health-care reform?
OTTAWA—It’s best to start with a full disclaimer before some eager Liberal or NDP war room staffer decides to run with the following as proof the Conservatives have a hidden agenda on private health care: I am not involved in the Conservative campaign, I am not advising any living or breathing candidate in the campaign, […]
The revolution will not be memeified
There’s absolutely no arguing that politics happens online just as much, if not more, than it does in the House of Commons Chamber. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and now TikTok are all places where the political class and those working hard to join it try out new material and rally their base. Every so often, something […]
