As convoy inquiry rolls on, critics spar with feds over blame for ‘abandonment’ of Ottawa residents
Political finger-pointing is in full swing as witness testimony at the inquiry into the federal government’s Feb. 14 invocation of the Emergencies Act continues, with early comments focused mainly on the effects of the so-called “Freedom Convoy” on the residents of Ottawa, who said they felt “abandoned” while police and all three orders of government […]
Canadians ‘truly in a climate crisis’ as Atlantic Canada continues to rebuild from Hurricane Fiona two weeks later, say ministers, MPs
National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier, whose remote Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., riding was devastated by Hurricane Fiona two weeks ago, says Canadians are “truly in a crisis—a climate crisis.” Lebouthillier said “after experiencing this storm, it’s impossible not to believe in the climate crisis and that’s what some of my constituents are telling me,” as experts […]
Continued federal-provincial faceoff not a winning strategy for the country
OTTAWA—This week has the potential to be a fascinating and important week in Canadian politics. Why? With a just re-elected Coalition Avenir Québec government in Quebec under Premier François Legault and the potential selection of Danielle Smith as leader of the governing United Conservative Party in Alberta, we could see an uptick in federal-provincial friction. […]
‘Keep going’: Legault’s victory message suggests he’ll seek ‘more liberty’ and ‘more leeway’ with Ottawa, say observers
Quebec Premier François Legault swept into a second term on the evening of Oct. 3, and took to the stage for his victory speech saying voters sent “a strong message tonight: keep going!” While Legault did not speak directly about the federal government in his speech, political communications professor Mireille Lalancette said his message to […]
Climate change clashing with human speed limit
LONDON, U.K.—I’m writing this on a plane to Greenland—well, actually, on a plane to Denmark, because there’s no way to get to Greenland by a civilian airline without going through Copenhagen first—and it has occurred to me (not for the first time) to wonder where everybody else is. My wife and I are on our […]
Federal parties should take the long view and avoid ‘shock and awe’ if proposed Alberta sovereignty act comes to pass, say politicos
With perceived United Conservative Party leadership front-runner Danielle Smith doubling down on her plans to introduce an Alberta sovereignty act if she becomes premier, a number of observers told The Hill Times that—if such an act comes to pass—federal parties, particularly the governing Liberals, should try to take a calming approach focused on listening, to […]
Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy
OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the manner normally reserved for visiting heads of state, full of ceremonial-style military inspections, photo-ops, and joint press conferences. There are two possibilities for giving Stoltenberg the royal treatment. It could be […]
It is time Yukon became Canada’s 11th province?
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—I have returned home after a weeklong odyssey across the country to Whitehorse, 6,250 kilometres of driving with my daughter to move her to the Yukon capital. The last time I was in Whitehorse was October 2007, when I spent a week there doing outreach for the Department of Foreign Affairs at Yukon College […]
‘They’ve made a real mess’: north, south Ontario MPs upset over proposed riding redraw
Ontario MPs from north to south are speaking out against the province’s proposed new federal riding map, and are organizing to raise awareness and encourage turnout during the crucial, upcoming public hearing process—the timing of which is itself a concern, as MPs worry overlap with municipal elections in the province could hinder community feedback. Released […]
Privatization is no silver bullet to address health-care crisis, say advocacy organizations
‘This always comes up as a possible solution, and it never works,’ says Canadian Health Coalition director Steven Staples.
