Mental health support for post-secondary students has never been more critical
The creativity, perseverance, and achievement of students, faculty, and staff at universities across the country have been inspiring in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic has illuminated cracks in the foundations of many institutions that support our society. It has shone light on the pressure points—the bruises and hidden […]
Alleged assassin needs to be sent back to Bangladesh, says new envoy
The immigration status of a man who has been convicted for his role in the 1975 Bangladesh coup is the most important issue to resolve to improve ties with Canada, says the new Bangladeshi high commissioner. Nur Chowdhury was convicted in absentia in Bangladesh for taking part in the coup that led to the killing […]
When it comes to managing political work, have the courage to try again tomorrow
Recently, a friend asked me, “How are you?” I replied, “I don’t know.” We both laughed, as my answer resonated deeply and felt emblematic of life in the 2020s. It has been a long 15 months. Political work is high-stress and fast-paced at the best of times. These are not the best of times. As […]
On O’Toole’s post-run beverages, and why this pandemic needs to end
OTTAWA—Victoria Day weekend has come and gone. But one thing remains, an ongoing discussion, if you can call it that, about a photo Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole posted on social media of himself post run with a beer he said his wife brought to him. People, clearly drained by being locked in too long and […]
NDP’s Qaqqaq announces planned departure from federal politics
NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, who garnered attention this year for her Nunavut housing tour, announced on May 20 that she will not be re-offering in the next election. The news broke on Twitter through a written statement from the first-term MP, which did not touch on the exact reason she decided to leave politics. Ms. […]
Meet Marci Surkes, the PMO’s air traffic controller
Marci Surkes, now executive director of policy and cabinet affairs to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has seen a lot over her 14 years on the Hill—spanning five Parliaments and four Liberal leaders—but nothing like the challenges, and pressures, wrought by the outbreak of COVID-19. “Everyone in these positions [of power] felt that similar pinch, of […]
‘Cautious optimism’ in talks to reopen non-essential travel with Canada, says new EU envoy
It may soon be time for Canadians to pack their luggage for Europe as European Union member nations are currently in talks over how and when borders will reopen for non-essential travel, says the European Union’s newest envoy to Canada. EU Ambassador Melita Gabrič said resuming non-essential travel will be based on a number of […]
Rapid testing at the border is a shot in the arm for Canada
Getting tough at the border can be done in an intelligent, targeted way. As Canadians, let’s do ourselves a favour by opening the border to the U.S.—in planned stages—starting before the summer tourist season. Having another summer of border shutdown will do unnecessary, perhaps irreparable, harm to an economic sector, tourism, and hospitality, where “working from home” […]
Unfinished political business piles up as pandemic drags on
OTTAWA—People with broken teeth are putting off visits to the dentist. In Ontario, you haven’t been able to get a replacement for a disintegrating licence plate for your car. Broken or outdated reading glasses go unimproved, personal care habits are out of bounds, remote family ties wear thin, and who visits a doctor unless absolutely […]
Industry reps, MP urge swift action on committee calls to help interpreters
The House Official Languages Committee has backed a number of recommendations to improve the working conditions of interpreters supporting Parliament during the shift to virtual, including unanimously urging the government to adopt a new definition of remote interpretation—changes industry reps say they hope to see acted on as soon as possible. “Parliament could be paralyzed […]
