Updated mandate letters allow Grits to showcase pandemic fight without being attacked for abandoning promises, say politicos
With the release of updated mandate letters, the federal government has positioned itself as confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, yet not shying away from past commitments that could lead to opposition attack. After months of waiting, the Liberals released supplementary mandate letters on Jan. 15 for cabinet ministers focused on the pandemic and economic recovery, but […]
The Canadian lobbying regime works as intended, but there’s always room for improvement
Canadians deserve to know who is communicating with their federal officials and expect that lobbying activities be conducted in an ethical manner. A global pandemic is no exception. Profoundly affected by change and uncertainty brought on by a global pandemic, businesses in various industry sectors, health and social services, individuals, and families alike, competed to […]
Lobbying for a better post-COVID Canada
Governments have perhaps never been more present in our lives than they have been in the last year, in terms of both their words and their actions. Political leaders and public health officials speak to us on a daily basis, via televised briefings, about the spread of COVID-19 and the behaviours and restrictions required in […]
New Serbian envoy hopes for ‘more intensive’ political dialogue with Ottawa
Serbia’s new ambassador to Canada is hoping to move the needle on increased political discussion to strengthen Belgrade-Ottawa ties. Dejan Ralević said he wants to see “more intensive” political dialogue between the two countries, noting that Serbia is not among the top priorities for Canada, as it is not currently an EU member nation nor […]
As Ford declares second state of emergency, some federal Ontario MPs say situation at ‘critical point,’ looking for more clarity
Following Ontario’s second state of emergency declared last week since the pandemic began as a result of escalating COVID-19 numbers, a number of Ontario MPs are saying the pandemic has reached “a critical point” and are looking for more clarity from the provincial government around stay-at-home orders that will persist until well into February. The […]
Pandemic election bill far from the finish line, as talk of spring vote continues
A mid-pandemic spring election would cause big problems, and it could come before proposed changes to make the electoral process safer have come into effect, says former head of Elections Canada Jean-Pierre Kingsley. Political pundits have speculated for months that either the government or opposition would trigger an election this spring. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau […]
Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle yet another indication Liberals ‘clearing the decks’ for a spring election, say political watchers
The Liberals deny it, but political insiders say last week’s cabinet shuffle is yet another indication Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is setting the stage for a spring election, and that the new cabinet is the governing party’s election cabinet. Last week’s shuffle was triggered after Navdeep Bains (Mississauga-Malton, Ont.) informed Mr. Trudeau (Papineau,Que.) that he […]
Prisoners owed ‘remedy’ for harsh conditions in prisons amid COVID, says watchdog
The federal government is vulnerable to legal challenges based on the “harsher,” solitary-like conditions thousands of prisoners have been kept in amid COVID-19, says Canada’s prison watchdog. Correctional Investigator of Canada Ivan Zinger said the government could consider giving prisoners extra credit for the harsh conditions they are experiencing while in prison during the pandemic. […]
COVID-19 is causing a national mental health crisis and Canada needs a national response
Canada has never seen a public health crisis like the one caused by COVID-19. It has also never seen anything like the mental health toll the pandemic is taking. The latest evidence comes with the tragic death by suicide of Dr. Karine Dion, a front-line physician from Granby, Que. Dion’s death eerily mirrors the one that shocked […]
Liberals may want early election, but COVID will be the real decider
OTTAWA—Signs are everywhere that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is setting the stage for an election this year. On Jan. 12, he shuffled his cabinet, moving out Navdeep Bains, who is not running again, while giving profile opportunities to others, like former minister Jim Carr and the well-regarded Omar Alghabra. There is always a rationale in […]
