Small communities on the Rock being left to erode as hard times hit
CORNER BROOK, N.L.—Politics is a hard business anywhere, but in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is a blood sport. And in a tough economy, it gets even harder. Cycling across the west coast of the island, I am reminded of how challenging life can be here. The gaps between towns are punctuated by abandoned restaurants and […]
Canada’s upcoming federal election could expose deepening societal rifts and ‘ordered’ populism, says Graves
Canada’s upcoming federal election could expose deepening societal rifts that will test the country’s immunity from Trumpian-style populism, says one leading pollster, but other politicians and political observers say while there are worrying signs, it has limited appeal. Thanks to economic stagnation, the hyper-concentration of wealth, and a brewing cultural backlash, Canada’s political climate is […]
Conservative premiers on campaign trail give Scheer little boost, say pollsters
Campaigning conservative premiers pose little gain for federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and his party in preparation for the October election, pollsters say. A group of five conservative-minded premiers, who met two weeks ago ahead of the Council of the Federation —a biannual meeting of the 13 premiers of Canada’s provinces and territories—to present themselves […]
Lack of Inuit language supports a key concern for advocates 20 years after Nunavut formed
Twenty years after legislators carved out Nunavut from the Northwest Territories as a new, majority-Inuit territory, advocates say Ottawa must do more to protect and enhance language and culture to live up to that vision. One of the main objectives in forming Nunavut was to create a homeland north of 60 for Inuit—who represent 85 […]
When the art of the possible is an impossible dream, demagoguery takes hold
HALIFAX—I recently went to a book launch in Montreal in a local synagogue, at which many prominent citizens attended. The atmosphere of civility inside was in stark contrast to the political climate outside. A few days before, the Coalition Avenir Québec government had passed Bill 21, forbidding people in authority (including teachers, police, and judges) […]
Alberta inquiry into ‘foreign-funded’ anti-energy industry groups latest chapter in ‘misdirected attacks,’ says charity
Alberta’s inquiry into what its premier calls a “well-funded foreign campaign” against its energy industry is an attempt to put a “chill” on activism that could spill over into this fall’s federal election, say academics. Premier Jason Kenney announced the launch of the $2.5-million public inquiry on July 4, to look into “foreign special interests […]
Premiers’ meeting sheds light on the real dimensions of Canada’s energy politics
OTTAWA—With Doug Ford going on about how the increasingly conservative lineup of provincial leaders is a driver of concerted Canada-wide action, a reporter at a premiers’ press conference asked the Ontario premier if British Columbia fits that mould. “We look forward to meeting with Premier Hogirth…” replied Ford. Nearby, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney prompted: “Horgan.” […]
Singh looks to defend Quebec seats in weeklong tour across province
As federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh continues his tour across Quebec, where he’ll be defending the party’s remaining foothold in the province, pollsters say he should tread carefully when confronted with questions about the contentious secularism bill recently passed. Mr. Singh, who began his week in Montreal, has been hitting key ridings in cities, including […]
Federal parties are racing against time and losing
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Canada’s three main federal political parties have all managed to squander one of their most valuable resources—time. And yes, time is a resource, one that’s just as valuable as other political resources—money, organizational support, good candidates— if not more so. After all, it takes time to raise money, it takes time to raise awareness […]
Politicians fiddle while Rome burns
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared there’s a climate emergency, but also approved the Trans Mountain pipeline. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, who is promising green technology, and not taxes, to bring down greenhouse gas emissions, is against clean fuel standards and the carbon tax. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, who launched a constitutional challenge last month of […]
