The many reflections of Pierre Poilievre
Described by political strategists both as “no bullshit” and as spouting bullshit, there’s no denying that Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre is a prominent and divisive figure as a finance critic, figurehead for criticism of the Liberals, and according to some, a person who would have a good shot at the party’s leadership. Poilievre was first […]
Time to take necessary steps for a more inclusive charitable sector
The pandemic has proven how essential the charitable sector is to the health and well-being of all Canadians. But it is sorely in need of new money—an argument that is gaining receptivity in cash-strapped Ottawa. The federal government launched consultations last year on whether it should raise the disbursement quota (DQ) for charities and foundations. […]
Red Chamber’s budget set to jump 5.4 per cent in 2022-23
Assuming a return to normal operations, the Senate of Canada’s budget will jump 5.4 per cent, or almost $6.3-million, to reach $121.8-million for 2022-23, but with Senators’ office budgets only set to increase by 1.9 per cent, a recently imposed Senate-wide retroactive staff salary increase is causing some “discombobulation.” The Red Chamber’s proposed main estimates […]
Delayed start puts accountability on hold in 44th Parliament
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his cabinet on Oct. 26, more than one month after the general election, it was clear that significant time and thought had gone into reconstituting his team. However, with Parliament not set to reconvene until Nov. 22, accountability and public participation in the budget process seem to be a […]
Guaranteed income supplement cuts for seniors reveal shortcomings in feds’ compassion commitment
One of the telling lessons from the coronavirus pandemic is that what governments do, or don’t do, carries far-reaching implications for the well-being of many in society. The most vulnerable—the elderly in long-term care, victims of opioid addiction, people who rely on mental health services, and Indigenous and racialized communities—were especially hard hit as a […]
Mission critical: key policy priorities for tough times and a minority Parliament
As Canada’s 44th Parliament prepares to kick off, it’s clear that policymakers will be tasked with addressing pressing challenges on multiple fronts—from the ongoing pandemic to the climate emergency, and deepening income inequality. Under a minority government, consensus building across the aisles of the House will be essential to ensuring the pandemic’s legacy is one […]
Budget 2021 is not up to the challenges we face
TORONTO—We need a new federal budget, this time one in which Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland clearly and candidly sets out the fundamental challenges facing the country and in which she also presents a clear plan on how to put Canada on the path to a more successful economy. Freeland’s first budget failed on both counts. […]
Feds need to better communicate ‘phase out’ of temporary programs, unsustainability of heightened government spending levels, say experts
With the 2021 election returning the Liberals to power in a minority government, one former Liberal finance minister says that after nearly two years of unprecedented supports, the federal government needs to eventually come to terms with projected spending levels that are not sustainable, and former clerk of the Privy Council Mel Cappe says although […]
Harper without a scowl: can O’Toole sell voters a package of Harper retreads?
OTTAWA—When Stephen Harper lost the election to Justin Trudeau and the Liberals on the night of Oct. 19, 2015, he left the stage of his campaign headquarters in Calgary without giving photographers a chance to catch him signalling his goodbye. No photo for the ages of Harper stepping down. But the Reformer who built the […]
Feed the children: Canada needs to sign on to Global School Meals Coalition
Internationally, school food programs are one of the most successful drivers of improved health, education, and economic growth, and yet Canada is the only G7 country, and one of the only countries in the highly industrialized Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) without a nationally harmonized school food program. Presently, all provincial/territorial governments, several […]
