GRIC exec stay on to see through review of Lobbying Act
The Government Relations Institute of Canada has extended its executive team’s terms by one year to focus on the upcoming Lobbying Act review. The ongoing executive, approved on June 28, are Global Public Affairs’ Philip Cartwright as president, Shaw Communication’s Alayne Crawford as vice-president, Canadian Automobile Association’s Jason Kerr as treasurer, and Earnscliffe’s Mary Anne […]
Fewer expected at U.S. ambassador’s Fourth of July party, amid trade tussle
The United States ambassador’s annual Fourth of July party is sure to take place next week in a much more subdued atmosphere than past years, as a looming trade war between the two countries settles in. As Canada prepares to slap tariffs on $16.6-billion worth of U.S. goods in retaliation for U.S. steel and aluminum […]
Brand control, ‘beefed-up’ war rooms more important in era of digital campaigns
Campaign war rooms are more important than ever, turning into “content shops” churning out material with the potential to go viral as the fight for attention turns away from conventional approaches to get the message out, say campaign veterans and experts. But even though incoming Progressive Conservative Ontario Premier Doug Ford shot to power earlier this […]
‘You can’t criticize people for evolving,’ says ex-MP Oliver as politicos get in on ground floor of cannabis boom
As Canada gets closer to the Oct. 17 legalization date, former politicians investing in and leading cannabis companies say they were drawn to a dynamic, fast-paced industry where their political expertise helped make sense of the highly regulated environment. And for some, their involvement represents a public about-face to their stance on the drug while holding office. […]
Last call: Parliamentary Restaurant reopens in September, closes at end of December for 10 years
If you were thinking the Centre Block was closing this month for 10 years and just had to get in that one last lunch or dinner, you’re in luck. The historic sixth-floor Parliamentary Restaurant with the killer west view of the mighty Ottawa River is closed for the summer, but will reopen in September until December […]
This just in: lobbying czar Bélanger tables her first annual lobbying report
Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger tabled her first annual lobbying report on June 7, making a bid for the government to provide more money for office technology upgrades. Ms. Bélanger’s report for 2017-18 says an increase in funds is “required to ensure the [lobbyists’ registry] remains current and up to date with rapidly evolving IT standards.” The […]
Parliament must pass CPTPP before summer recess
Legislation to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is now in Parliament. Canada has a chance to demonstrate much-needed leadership and co-operation on trade with like-minded global partners. It is imperative for Parliament to pass this legislation before its summer recess. This agreement will unlock valuable trade opportunities all while enhancing prospects for the […]
Talks underway for ‘ambitious’ clean fuel standard not broad enough, says Tory critic
Consultations on the development of a clean fuel standard to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions aren’t broad enough, according to the Conservative environment critic, though stakeholders say they’re generally content with the process the Liberals are using to obtain feedback. “The quality of the clean fuel standard will ultimately be the product of the quality […]
Strange bedfellows: industry and eco-advocates lobby together on CEPA reforms
Two leading environmentalist groups and Canada’s largest chemicals industry association have formed an unexpected alliance in pushing the federal government for consensus reforms to what is arguably the country’s most important environmental law. While industry and environmental advocates diverge on certain issues, they’ve established common ground on a series of recommendations for updating the 1999 […]
Defence deputy minister to start sweeping procurement-rules review this summer
Department of National Defence deputy minister Jody Thomas says she’ll work through the summer to review how the Canadian government buys defence equipment, with a view to paring down the procurement process to get projects out the door quicker. That could even mean more use of sole-source contracts, when it doesn’t make sense to hold […]
