Liberal tilt to the left could have electoral consequences for NDP, say pollsters
The Liberals may use the upcoming Throne Speech to signal a tilt to the political left and try to consolidate support among progressive voters, but while political insiders say that could cause big problems for the NDP, a veteran New Democrat MP says his party is not worried. In an interview with The Hill Times, […]
Aline Chrétien, former PM’s ‘closest confidante,’ remembered as ‘class act’ by politicos, Hillites
Hillites and Canadian politicos mourned the loss of Aline Chrétien last week. Partner to former prime minister Jean Chrétien, she passed away at the age of 84 on the morning of Sept. 12 at her residence near Shawinigan, Que. The well-liked Chrétien, nicknamed the “rock of Gibraltar” by her husband, has been described as part of […]
Trudeau Liberals risk leaving ideological centre open by tilting further to the left in Throne Speech, say some Grit MPs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are expected to tilt further to the left in their high-stakes Sept. 23 Throne Speech, but some MPs and former candidates say they’re nervous that would leave an opening in the ideological centre, home to most Canadian voters and where the Conservatives can make gains in the next federal election. […]
A fall election has few benefits, so don’t hold your breath for its call
OTTAWA—Making predictions is often a fool’s errand. But, being a fool, I am prepared to make the leap. There will be no election this fall. Especially one perpetrated by confidence motions stemming from the Sept. 23 speech from the throne. Let me lay out two caveats, though. The first: unless the Liberals have some stunning […]
Putin and Lukashenko: two sides of same misgovernance coin
Democracy is under attack in some countries, but recent events in Russia and Belarus provide lessons for accountable governance globally. While Alexei Navalny, Russia’s best-known democracy and anti-corruption advocate, recently struggled for life in a coma from poison in a Siberian hospital, President Vladimir Putin followed his ongoing practice—refusing to voice the opposition leader’s name. […]
A new O’Toole for the main event
HALIFAX—Has anyone else noticed that counting votes has suddenly become more complex than quantum mechanics? The species can land a spacecraft on Mars, but is dumbfounded by counting 175,000 votes at a leadership convention. For seven, miserable hours, the CPC gaslighted Canadians with a pathetic explanation: the machine designed to open the envelopes containing ballots […]
‘He’s not exactly a household name:’ Erin O’Toole’s ‘well-funded’ team ready for a fall election, say strategists
Conservative strategists say the party is in good shape to jump into a campaign if an election is triggered by the government’s upcoming Throne Speech, and that national campaign manager Fred DeLorey has put together an leadership organization which can be quickly converted for a Canada-wide campaign. Erin O’Toole was announced the winner of the […]
Leslyn Lewis has ‘earned’ shot at solid blue riding after remarkable leadership run, say party members
Leslyn Lewis’ remarkable ascent within the Conservative Party after her failed leadership bid means she likely has a wide range of ridings to choose from as she pursues a seat in the House, say strategists and party members. But support from local members on the ground will be key in her run. Ms. Lewis, who […]
Legendary Hill scribe Richard Gwyn dies at 86
For years, Richard Gwyn was regarded as one of the best political journalists in Canada. He died last week from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 86. Mr. Gwyn made a name for himself as a national affairs columnist at The Toronto Star, where he covered the governments of Pierre Trudeau, Joe Clark, John Turner, […]
Introduction of remote voting in the House could come without unanimous support
The House Affairs Committee recently recommended the Lower Chamber adopt a system of remote electronic voting for use in exceptional circumstances, requiring changes to the Standing Orders, but enduring Conservative opposition could see the government move ahead without unanimous support this fall. While it’s seen as good form and tradition for amendments to the Standing […]
