When the party establishment interferes in nomination battles, democracy loses
OTTAWA—Running for office is no walk in the park. If you aren’t rich, well connected with anyone in Ottawa, or expected to bring in the big fundraising bucks, it’s highly unlikely you’ll become a candidate. The party establishment has been accused in some cases of stepping in, muddling around, and working to influence riding association […]
Trudeau will have a close eye on B.C.’s spring election
VANCOUVER—With all hands on deck on Parliament Hill to keep Canada/United States relations on as even a keel as possible, the last thing Justin Trudeau needs is a political storm in British Columbia. With the province heading to the polls this spring, there are clouds on the horizon. Donald Trump’s presidential victory has already forced […]
Liberal candidates revolt in Markham-Thornhill as retroactive deadline seen as favouring top Trudeau aide Ng
Two candidates seeking the federal Liberal nomination in the vacant Markham-Thornhill, Ont., riding are crying foul over the party’s handling of the nomination process, saying the party is “doing everything they can” to get Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s director of appointments, Mary Ng, elected as the candidate in next weekend’s nomination meeting. “Mary Ng is […]
Kennedy leaves PMO for Government House Leader’s Office, and more PMO news
PARLIAMENT HILL—A few staff changes took place in the Prime Minister’s Office as of last week. Mark Kennedy, who had been a PMO communications adviser for parliamentary affairs and democratic reform, left the PMO for a new job in the Government House Leader’s Office. A former parliamentary bureau chief for The Ottawa Citizen and a longtime […]
“What do you think of Bill C-33 and how do you think it will improve Canadian elections?”
Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “When people vote they are doing far more than just filling out a ballot—they are joining a movement of people shaping Canada’s future. “That is why we have introduced Bill C-33, which will make it easier for Canadians to vote, ensure the views of young Canadians are heard, and build confidence […]
Carleton’s political management program has churned out Hill staffers aplenty
With five cohorts of alumni to date, Carleton University’s unique political management master’s program has seen many of its grads land jobs on the Hill, everywhere from the Prime Minister’s Office to cabinet and opposition offices, with others working in government relations and at other levels of government. Under the current Liberal government, that list […]
Feds’ Elections Act changes seen as ‘cover’ for broken electoral-reform promise
Changes to the Canada Elections Act, as proposed in Bill C-33, have the potential to increase voter turnout, but NDP MP Nathan Cullen says the legislation doesn’t go far enough. He added that it’s a “poor replacement” for changing the federal voting system and was introduced last fall to provide “cover” for the government. “This is […]
PMO hires two staffers, while Mary Ng takes leave as appointments director to run for Markham-Thornhill nomination
PARLIAMENT HILL—A number of staff changes have recently taken place in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office, including the departure of B.C. regional adviser Brittney Kerr and the addition of new special assistant for operations Hanna Kambo. Ms. Kerr first joined the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shortly after the last election in December 2015, having worked […]
Potential candidates question fairness of Markham-Thornhill Liberal nomination as Trudeau aide runs
Concerned that a top political aide to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is running for the Liberal nomination in the federal riding of Markham-Thornhill, Ont., some potential candidates are reconsidering their plans and questioning if the contest is going to be a fair fight. Liberal sources told The Hill Times that potential candidates are hoping to […]
‘Better is always possible’ for feds’ relationship with Quebec, says new Liberal Quebec caucus chair Massé
PARLIAMENT HILL—Liberal MP Rémi Massé, the new chair of the Quebec Liberal caucus, says he wants Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet to know that Quebec MPs are in tune with what’s happening on the ground in the province and they want more influence on the government’s decision-making process in the province. “Better is always possible, […]
