Newfoundland and Labrador’s suspended animation continues, raising new questions
OTTAWA—As the self-appointed Hill Times correspondent for Newfoundland and Labrador, it is my duty to report to you that our provincial election is still going on. In fact, results will likely not be known until early to mid-April. Just a reminder it was called Jan. 15. Yes, Jan. 15, and was originally supposed to conclude […]
In historic first, MPs to use remote-voting app as pandemic continues to rage
MPs are poised to hold their first-ever vote using an app developed by the House administration on Monday, marking another milestone in Parliament’s efforts to adapt to the constraints of the pandemic. Whereas roll-call Zoom votes on a single issue during the pandemic can take up to an hour to complete, the adoption of the […]
NDP to press for restoring access to on-campus voting during pandemic
The NDP says it plans to press for restoring access to on-campus voting for students, after Elections Canada moved last year to scrap the program due to the pandemic. NDP MP Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood-Transcona, Man.) said it’s still unclear whether his party will push to include an amendment to the feds’ elections bill that would […]
Former political staffer launches a program to support mental health in public workplaces
There’s a problem with mental health in the public service, says former executive director of the BC Liberal Party Emile Scheffel and current senior associate at lobbying firm Prospectus Associates That’s why he’s launching a program aimed at supporting those with mental health needs in political workplaces, such as federal Parliament and provincial legislatures. Launched […]
Liberal delay in moving on Bill C-19 ‘puzzling’ given election posturing, says NDP’s Blaikie
Tabled at the end of the fall sitting, Bill C-19, which proposes changes to the Canada Elections Act aimed at mitigating risks if an election is held during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been all but stagnant since—a lack of legislative progress NDP MP Daniel Blaikie calls “surprising,” given continued speculation of a snap election call. […]
N.L. election chaos a case study in COVID campaigning
OTTAWA—Even for Newfoundland and Labrador, a place with a colourful and controversial political history, the latest electoral plot twist enters Twilight Zone levels. You see, by now, the provincial election was supposed to be done, and the winner, likely incumbent Premier Dr. Andrew Furey, was going to go about the mundane business of governing. But […]
A seat at the table: inside efforts to boost diversity, Black representation in federal candidate nominations
Achieving a representative House of Commons requires diversity among the candidates nominated for election, and since 2019, new efforts are being made both within political parties and beyond to increase diversity, including Black representation, in federal politics. But new rules only go as far as a party has the will to take them, and Samara […]
Once vaccines get rolling, that’s the moment to trigger an election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has to keep saying that he does not want an election. Forcing the country into a vote in the middle of a pandemic may be seen as an impolitic move. However, the three provinces that have gone to the polls during this pandemic have all been rewarded with majority governments. So […]
‘Non-issue’ for Chief Justice Wagner to serve as administrator but a quickened appointment of a new GG would be favourable, say legal experts
While it is manageable for Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner to fulfill his constitutional role serving as the administrator of Canada, former judges say an appointment of a new governor general should be accelerated to lessen an awkward situation. Mr. Wagner assumed the responsibilities typically held by the viceregal after being sworn in as […]
Some potential Liberal, Conservative candidates in unheld ridings concerned nominations won’t be done before next election call
Liberals and Conservatives are picking up the pace on nominating candidates in unheld ridings across the country, but some potential candidates say they’re concerned the nomination process may not be done before the next election is called and suspect party leaders will appoint their preferred candidates, denying them a fair shot. “If you’ve got four […]
