De Gaulle’s ‘Vive le Quebec libre!’ haunts Canada

The “us versus them” mentality is baked into Quebec’s political psyche. With all the uncertainty in today’s world, it’s not hard for Quebec’s separatist-minded politicians to whip up those feelings, which is why nationalism could easily resurface as a political force.
Arctic deserves more than promises for improved security

While southern Canada debates the purchase of drones and submarines, the North still waits for basic investments in safety, predictability, and connectivity.
Ottawa needs to do more to recognize Newfoundland and Labrador’s ‘positive impact’ on national agenda, says former premier Ball

A recent study of the provinces found that Newfoundland and Labrador residents are the most frustrated with their
place in Canada. Among the reasons for discontent is a feeling that fisheries are ‘unfairly managed’ at the federal level, says Dwight Ball.
Political commentary on convoy protest organizers Lich and Barber’s sentencing ‘corrosive’ and ‘dangerous,’ say observers

Progressive Senator Andrew Cardozo says politicians shouldn’t be telling judges what to do, as judges are only applying laws passed by Parliament.
New Leaf Liberals want to root out Ontario Liberal shortcomings, not back a particular leader, says co-founder

The push to oust Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie in September is heating up as her supporters go on the offensive, accusing the still-budding New Leaf Liberals of colluding with Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith.
The One Canadian Economy Act: a new governance framework

Governance is about relationships as much as it is about rules and structures. The legislation is only the framework. So far, there has been much unity around the first ministers’ table. But time will tell how durable this solidarity is and whether it can have a positive effect on Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
Feds dropped internal trade barriers, but provincial deals risk ‘solving a patchwork with another patchwork’

Ontario is leading the pack, having signed 10 inter-provincial trade deals. One internal trade expert says the feds should have played a bigger role in harmonizing internal trade between the provinces.
Time for a public national first ministers’ meeting with First Nations

This meeting cannot be symbolic. It must focus on First Nations priorities—not just federal and provincial talking points.
Wildfire response needs to improve before another national park burns, says Alberta MP McPherson

A review of the Municipality of Jasper’s 2024 wildfire response is causing tension between the provincial and local governments. Alberta Senator Paula Simons says she doesn’t blame people for pointing fingers, as ‘hearts were broken’ by the blaze that burned more than 32,000 hectares of the national park.
‘He’s using us’: independent byelection candidates say ‘frustration’ getting ‘louder’ over Poilievre parachuting into Alberta riding

Pierre Poilievre has chosen one of the safest Tory seats in the country to try to punch his ticket back to Parliament Hill, but his opponents say the Conservative leader is using their riding as a ‘political pawn’ and his win isn’t a sure thing.