Trudeau could shuffle cabinet this summer, prorogue Parliament in fall, say insiders
PARLIAMENT HILL—With the summer break coming almost halfway through the Liberal government’s four-year mandate, speculation of a summer cabinet shuffle is swirling, along with the possibility of a fall prorogation, and sources say it could be a chance to hit the reset button and prep the front bench for the next election in 2019. “This […]
‘It’s time for government to hold up their end of the bargain,’ new defence policy promises 70 per cent hike in military funding, 3,500 increase in full-time troop strength
OTTAWA—Canada’s new defence policy etches out ambitious plans to recast the military into a better equipped, prepared, and modern fighting force, promising a nearly 70 per cent increase to annual funding in the next decade and $47.2-billion over the next 20 years for new equipment, infrastructure, and information technology purchases. The sweeping 20-year strategic guide, […]
Uber cranks up federal lobbying to fight requirement to charge HST
Three years since launching its alternative transportation service in Canada, Uber has recently become a significant lobbying presence federally in reaction to changes introduced in this year’s budget. Uber Canada Inc., the Canadian division of Uber Technologies Inc., has five active registrations in the federal lobbying registry, all of which are no more than a […]
Lake Huron still preferred nuclear waste site for OPG
TORONTO—Credit Ontario Power Generation for this: when it comes to choosing a place to store nuclear waste, the Crown corporation is consistent. It wants to bury the stuff beside Lake Huron. Period. And no matter how many times federal regulators ask it to seriously examine other locations, OPG respectfully rags the puck. It makes a […]
“The Liberal government is seeking to create a new Canada Infrastructure Bank. Is this a good move? Why or why not?”
Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “Last election, Canadians elected us on a platform to invest in a historic infrastructure plan. This plan will transform the way Canadians live, move and work, strengthen the middle class, and ensure our children and grandchildren have clean drinking water and clean air to breathe. “Canada has a very ambitious plan to […]
Bill C-16 and the future of trans kids
MONTREAL—For the second time in two years my 11-year old daughter and I travelled to Ottawa this month to ask the Senate to protect gender identity and gender expression in the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code. We want the Senate to pass Bill C-16 as an expression of its commitment to protect one […]
Sloan, Charlotte Cardin draw crowd to Hill, and beer, good weather keep them happy
PARLIAMENT HILL—I kept getting asked if I was going to the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) event. The way everyone spoke, it seemed like something I couldn’t miss. Held in the East Block courtyard on Parliament Hill on May 16, SOCAN hosted its annual party on the Hill with nearly 200 […]
Lobbying activity dips, stakeholders have difficulty getting meetings
While federal lobbyists enjoyed some increased access to decision-makers after the Liberal government came to power in 2015, there are signs both statistically and anecdotally that ministers and MPs are getting more picky about taking meetings with lobbyists. At least one former MP and lobbyist says prospects of a cabinet shuffle could be prompting ministerial […]
Green infrastructure saves communities and dollars
TORONTO—The usual euphoria brought on by spring has been tempered by dread and fear this year for many Canadians. Days of torrential rain and rising water levels were followed by extensive flooding throughout Quebec and eastern Ontario. There were desperate attempts to safeguard property, military-assisted sandbagging and evacuations, and extensive loss of private and public […]
Why the fundamental science review is good news for Canada’s smaller universities
ANTIGONISH, N.S.—Canadians can and should be proud of the excellent research taking place at universities of all sizes across the country. It’s clear in the recent findings of Canada’s Fundamental Science Review that many ingredients are needed to make that outstanding work possible, from adequate funding and smart infrastructure to the right focus. Also essential, […]
