Lack of meaningful consultation over search for new ethics commissioner ‘incredibly problematic,’ says Tory ethics critic
Canada has gone more than six months without a permanent federal ethics commissioner, and the absence of one impedes certain functions of the ethics office.
What happens with no ‘gatekeepers’? Just look at Ford’s Greenbelt scandal
The Greenbelt property sell-out is as sordid a saga of backroom dealings, favouritism, greed, and government corner-cutting as you are ever likely to encounter.
Political environment a tough one for watchdogs to step into
A long-standing issue for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has been the inability to make appointments in a speedy manner. Key posts have stagnated, judicial benches have been languishing, and byelections have gone uncalled for reasons yet to be properly explained. All this despite the Liberals’ 2015 promise to be open and transparent, especially regarding […]
Gun-owner advocates will push to scrap Bill C-21 in fall session
Legislation related to firearms and cyber security are on the fall agenda.
AI tools improve advocacy campaigns in ‘way that doesn’t break the bank,’ but can carry risks, say public affairs pros
Users should be sure that the content generated by AI programs are appropriate for their campaigns, according to Megan Buttle, digital strategy practice lead at Earnscliffe Strategies.
Environment a hot topic for advocates during first half of 2023, according to lobbyists’ registry
‘This is probably the most attention I’ve seen on the environment’ since carbon pricing started in Canada, said Philip Gass from the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Food insecurity for schoolchildren among top issues for first half of 2023: lobbyist registry
The Breakfast Club of Canada is pushing for follow through on a Liberal promise to invest $1-billion over five years towards a national school nutritious meal program.
Advocacy groups should plan an approach for ‘limitless’ Threads, say digital campaign experts
Since its July 5 launch, Threads set a new record as the most rapidly downloaded app in history, reaching over 100-million users within its first week.
MPs should be reading the bigger-than-fine print
Given how dicey ethics scandals and concerns can be and how easily the smallest mistake can be weaponized, one would think that any changes to the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons would be eagerly and swiftly devoured. But, as The Hill Times’ Laura Ryckewaert found out, not only do […]
A gag on MPs? No-comment period for MP ethics complaints extended
While Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher is bothered by a recent change to the MP conflict code, Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux welcomes it as ‘healthy’ for democracy.
