Shifting demographics changing the math in bellwether ridings
Everyone likes a winner. But voters in a few federal ridings have proven remarkably consistent at picking the winner, going all the way back to the days when the elder Trudeau was prime minister. While there are a number of tight races for seats that are considered swing ridings in the current campaign, bellwether ridings […]
A true-blue Tory in the Conservatives’ big tent? In search of Erin O’Toole
OTTAWA—Erin O’Toole has learned that it doesn’t matter what your convictions are as long as you say things people want to hear and deny it when you don’t. A former corporate lawyer who portrays himself as an average Joe, the Conservative leader is running a campaign that is a study in ambiguity and vagueness, touching […]
The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties
CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in the polls, that is? For most Canadians, voting isn’t burdensome. It means a quick visit to a polling station, or, this time, applying for and then returning a mail-in ballot. There […]
Expect a ‘dog fight’ in Atlantic Canada on Sept. 20, say veteran political insiders
The Progressive Conservative Party’s surprise come-from-behind victory last week in Nova Scotia is a “huge morale boost” for the federal Conservatives, say political insiders, who predict a “dog fight” amongst all federal parties in Atlantic Canada on Sept. 20. No federal party can win a majority without winning rural seats across the country, said some […]
Election period is ‘the best time’ to engage on some policy issues, says H+K lobbyist
The federal election period can provide a prime opportunity for lobbyists to gain traction on some policy issues, say some in the lobbying business. The dissolution of Parliament and caretaker convention restrict the actions a government can take, but political parties may be more open to policy proposals. “Some people say, ‘Well, you know, the […]
No knockout punches thrown on campaign trail yet, but keep an eye on childcare
Many punches were thrown in the first week of the campaign. Few landed. From vaccines to abortions, the two main leaders sparred on the wedge issues that could shape the campaign. But the one issue that could be decisive got no attention whatsoever. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole unveiled his party’s slick promotional magazine touting various […]
Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?
OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political plans. Once an election is fully underway, such as now, campaign teams will almost always have to deal with unexpected stuff. Sometimes bad stuff happens, sometimes good stuff, but either way, […]
Let’s not go back to the way we engaged with government pre-pandemic
A child-care consultation earlier this year simultaneously included stakeholders from Yellowknife, Winnipeg and Toronto. Late last year, 36 youth held 25 meetings with MPs across eight provinces and territories to talk about how COVID is impacting their health, employment, and communities. Gender equity advocates from across the country spoke with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland about […]
Liberal election promises of tighter gun control are ‘completely disingenuous,’ says gun control advocacy group
One of Canada’s most prominent advocates for tighter gun control has dismissed the Liberal Party’s “completely disingenuous and obviously political” election campaign promises for tighter gun control, but also found little to like about the opposition parties’ stances on firearms. “[The Liberals] promise things, but they don’t totally deliver. They just put small steps … […]
How should we grow our economy? Statistics Canada is looking for answers
TORONTO—Whoever wins the September 20 election will face a big task: creating the good jobs and good health Canadians need and want. While Conservative leader Erin O’Toole confidently declares in his party’s election platform that “Canada’s best days lie ahead,” that will only be true if we get our policies right. How can Canada move […]
