Political veterans weigh in on the still elusive 2021 election ballot-box question
With speculation continuing to swirl around a 2021 federal election call, former Conservative deputy leader Lisa Raitt says she doesn’t see a clear ballot-box question and thinks the Liberals will be hard pressed to justify the choice to call an election in the middle of a pandemic, as MPs, candidates, and volunteers continue gearing up […]
Backroom handling of potential Liberal nomination in Kanata-Carleton causing fissures in riding, say riding association members and potential candidates
If the Liberals are planning on appointing a candidate in Kanata-Carleton, Ont., for the next election without consulting the riding association, or going through the regular nomination process, they should think twice, say some potential Liberal candidates and riding association members. “We would like a nomination process that’s open and transparent,” said Dr. Rouba Fattal, […]
Low public appetite for a federal election could still work in Liberals’ favour
OTTAWA—For the last few weeks, I have had some time off to recharge and reflect. I was lucky enough to get home to Newfoundland and Labrador on two occasions, including one trip with my son. It was bliss. A return, in some way, to the liberties we all enjoyed in the pre-COVID world. Let me […]
Rise in expat voting expected to continue, creating new political footholds, say experts
Expat voting tripled between the last two Canadian federal elections, and sources who recently spoke with The Hill Times say they expect numbers of those who cast ballots from abroad to continue to trend upwards, opening new opportunities for political parties. But while a conservative group launched in January is working to boost registration of […]
A walk in the park or a minefield? COVID election may break the mould
OTTAWA—All indications are that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will call an election after the week or two of holidays he is currently taking. And there’s no compelling argument against it, since the current Liberal government is on pace to meet the average lifespan of minority regimes. But whether it’s a good political move, from Trudeau’s […]
Closing gap between Liberals and Conservatives should force Trudeau to reconsider calling an election in coming weeks, say some pollsters
Calling an election when some public opinion polls suggest a closing gap between the Liberals and Conservatives should make Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reconsider right now because he could end up with a weaker minority or even losing the government altogether, say some pollsters. “There’s no need to have an election right now,” said Darrell […]
Liberals sign up 16,000 for nail-biter Brampton Centre nomination race, coveted Grit riding
With about 16,000 Liberal riding association members signed up in the coveted riding of Brampton Centre, “all eyes are on” the seven-way Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 nomination election where a multi-ballot nail biter is expected, as the party chooses its candidate for the next election. “With so many people running, no one’s going to […]
Homeless green voters are an election wild card
CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters can be forgiven for feeling confused and adrift. Their obvious home, the Green Party, has been imploding. Its senior ranks have been squabbling over Israel and Palestine, while its besieged leader, […]
‘Be ready for Aug. 8’: some senior Liberals expect to kick off federal election campaign in a week
With politicos across the country caught in election fever, Liberal MPs, candidates, and campaign managers are preparing for an election campaign to get started on Aug. 8 or Aug. 15, with the election date set to be Sept. 13 or Sept. 20. “‘Be ready for the writ to be dropped on Aug. 8’ is the […]
Foreign influence in our elections is real, so what are we doing about it?
MONTREAL—They say an election is in the air. Certainly, everyone in the political game seems to be ready for the writs to be dropped. Promises are abounding, rallies are being held, the leaders are everywhere. Yes, it smells of an election. The one message politicians are ignoring is the prospect the election result could be […]
