Pitfield exits Petitpas Taylor’s office, Moussouni enters as new policy adviser
Caroline Pitfield has exited Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor’s office, where she’d been serving as director of policy since the beginning of 2016. Ms. Pitfield is listed as having officially switched to post-employment status as of Nov. 13, according to the federal conflict of interest and ethics commissioner’s online registry. She was originally hired to […]
Former veteran Liberal staffer McClinchey reflects on his quarter-century on the Hill
Longtime Liberal staffer Greg McClinchey marked his exit from Parliament Hill’s hallowed halls earlier this year, after 26 years in the trenches, and says while the job remains unmatched, life as a Hill staffer, and the level of guidance on offer, has come a long way. “Life on the Hill is hard. It takes your […]
Liberals talk a good game, but science is still struggling
Many credit the Trudeau Liberals with ending the war on science, after years of funding cuts and muzzling by the Harper Conservatives. Nothing seemed to demonstrate this more than the fundamental science review report (chaired by former University of Toronto president David Naylor) commissioned by the Liberals and released in April, followed by the appointment […]
Phoenix could be a big problem for the Liberals in 2019, say critics, union reps
The Phoenix pay system mess could prove to be a problem for the Liberals at the ballot box in 2019, says opposition MPs and union representatives, as the auditor general confirmed Tuesday it would take years to solve. According to auditor general Michael Ferguson’s report, the government’s $540-million earmarked to fix Phoenix will not be […]
“Talks continue on the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal. Is this a good deal for Canada? Why or why not?”
Cameron Ahmad Liberal strategist “The prime minister recently returned from two summits in Asia, both excellent opportunities for Canada to reiterate its commitment to a strengthened economic partnership with Asia-Pacific nations rooted in mutual respect and open dialogue. “While in Vietnam, our government demonstrated leadership on advancing open and progressive trade and advocating for Canadian interests […]
Indigenous Services Minister Philpott hires a new special adviser
Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott welcomed Kathy Kettler to her new ministerial office and political staff team earlier this month to serve as a special adviser. Ms. Kettler was previously a senior policy adviser who focused on mental wellness with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) in Ottawa, a national representational organization advocating for the rights and […]
Plenty of flash from the Liberals, but where’s the beef?
TORONTO—A good marketing plan combined with creative promotion have always been the essential ingredients for success. Whether in business or politics, if you can’t promote your product you are doomed to fail. If put your plan behind the face of an articulate and good-looking individual, success is guaranteed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team […]
Cannabis Act, finance minister’s ethics controversy to be front-and-centre for last sitting stretch of 2017
The House is back for the final four-week legislative stretch of the year and while the government is looking to make progress on its Cannabis Act, Bill C-45, opposition House leaders say they will continue to hammer away at Finance Minister Bill Morneau in the daily 45-minute drama Question Period. “We have a prime minister […]
New Quebec regional adviser for Immigration Minister Hussen
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Ahmed Hussen has hired a new special assistant for the Quebec regional desk in his office, with Emilie Audy officially stepping into the role a few weeks ago. Before that, Ms. Audy had been working as a lawyer with Langlois Avocats in Montreal. She’s a member of the Quebec bar […]
Debate over Quebec face-covering law displays a gap between polls and votes
Perhaps as early as next week, a Quebec court will be asked to suspend the recent provincial prescription that anyone dispensing or receiving provincial and municipal services do so with one’s face uncovered. Those challenging the newly adopted Quebec law on religious neutrality on behalf of the minority of Muslim women who wear the face-covering […]
