Conservative Party a ‘rudderless mess’ and there’s bad blood between its fund and national council, say some Conservatives
Some senior Conservatives are describing the party’s internal political climate as “chaotic” and a “rudderless mess,” and predict the return of Parliament this week will be a major challenge for the Tories. The divisive leadership contest is on, there’s “bad blood” between the all-powerful Conservative Fund and the party’s national council over the firing of […]
Agriculture Minister Bibeau was the most-lobbied MP in 2019
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, House Veteran Affairs Committee chair Wayne Easter, and active backbench Liberal MP Francis Drouin were 2019’s top-lobbied MPs, according to a Hill Times analysis. Ms. Bibeau (Compton-Stanstead, Que.) became the most-requested minister for lobbyists soon after she was named to the agriculture portfolio in March 2019. At the time, Canada was […]
Lobby commissioner outreach continues under strategic plan
When she was nominated and quickly confirmed as the lobbying commissioner in late 2017, Nancy Bélanger said in her first public message that her office would be “committed to increasing outreach and education activities to foster a shared understanding of the obligations stemming from the Act and the Code.” Education and outreach has been one […]
Lobbying & Ethics Policy Briefing
Scheer exit opens door for reset, say members who welcome the chance ‘to spring clean’
Outgoing Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer’s departure brings a chance for some necessary “spring cleaning,” says one Conservative Senator as party members call the pending race a chance for a party in need of a reset, rebranding, and bold centre-right ideas. The race should bring “fresh blood” and serious economic policies to a party in […]
Opposition critics, House committees to be key lobbying targets in minority Parliament, say lobbyists
Hill lobbyists are bracing for a cultural shift in the new minority Parliament, anticipating a in period in which committees and opposition critics will take on a more influential role. “The government agenda is no longer made in the axis of the PMO, or the line-department minister,” said Yaroslav Baran, principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group […]
What’s at stake for Canadian business this election
After four years of Liberal leadership, we are three days away from major change in Canada. Despite campaign rhetoric, all political leaders have been silent on international trade and foreign policy. Canada is a trading nation and most dependent on exports for our total economy. Yet, all parties are appealing to voters’ worries about significant […]
If it’s a minority government, Liberals can stay in power even if Conservatives win more seats on Oct. 21, but could prompt public backlash
With public opinion polls suggesting Canada is heading towards a minority government, the Liberals will have the first crack at maintaining power if they can gain the confidence of the House of Commons, even if the Conservatives win more seats, but fail to gain a majority. As of Oct. 11, the CBC poll tracker projects […]
Rail safety is a shared responsibility
Canada grew up along the railroad. Those who work in the railway industry are immensely proud of that legacy, and their contribution to the economic development of hundreds of towns and cities, large and small, across this country. As Canada has grown and its population increased, the rail industry shares a common challenge with those […]
CIJA, Dairy Farmers lead last lobbyist push before election call
The summer months and final days before the official federal election call didn’t stop some lobbyists from reaching out to government ministers and their staff before the caretaker mode took effect. Lobbying levels in August, the last month ahead of the election call on Sept. 11, dipped by roughly a quarter from the month before. […]
