Bains most lobbied cabinet minister since Trudeau won power in 2015, hands down
Navdeep Bains, Canada’s minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, is, hands down, the most lobbied member of the Trudeau cabinet since the government came to office in 2015. Since the Liberals took over in November 2015 until earlier this month, a total of 245 communication reports outlining contact with Mr. Bains (Mississauga-Malton, Ont.) have […]
Budget criticized for lack of public-service investment, no Phoenix fix
“Meh,” was how one public service union leader reacted after the federal government’s budget was unveiled last week, though there were positive reviews coming from educational interest groups, mixed reaction from the health sector, and a range of other assessments from those who had some interests riding on this federal budget. Chris Aylward, national executive […]
Organic is good for the planet but needs more support, say authors of UBC study
Investing in organics is worth our while, concludes a study released Friday, March 10. While the study has received significant media attention, the coverage has missed the mark, suggesting that organic is not all it claims to be, or worse, is a risk for the planet. So what did the authors really say? Setting out […]
Is Wood Buffalo National Park’s world heritage status in jeopardy?
After years of governments ignoring their concerns about mounting changes to Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and its ecological centerpiece, the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD), the Mikisew Cree First Nation took their concerns to the United Nations’ World Heritage Committee in 2014. This precipitated a 10-day UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission to WBNP, which took place in […]
“The 2017 federal budget is out. What are your main takeaways?”
Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “Budget 2017 is the next step in the Government’s long-term plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class. With its strong focus on innovation and skills, Budget 2017 will help Canadians succeed in an increasingly globalized and tech-driven world. “From students looking to get work experience, to adult workers juggling […]
Feds want innovation, just not right now
TORONTO—If there is a core innovation message in the 2017 budget it is that we want and need a much more innovative Canada—but not right away. Increasing our capacity for innovation is critical for Canada’s future, as Finance Minister Bill Morneau said, over and over again, in his budget papers. So why not move on it? […]
Canada will start paying its way in NATO very soon, and that’s a very good thing
TORONTO—What Donald wants, Donald gets. Well, not really. He wanted a Muslim ban. Didn’t get it. Wanted Obamacare killed, and something else instead. Didn’t get that. Wanted—promised!—ISIS defeated in 30 days. Didn’t get, or do, that. But getting more money out of Canada for NATO? He’s going to get that. Now, if you were to […]
Liberals to meet for two-day caucus this week, some Grit MPs dissatisfied with level of cabinet consultation
Liberal MPs will hold a special two-day caucus meeting on Parliament Hill this week to plot parliamentary strategy for the remainder of the current sitting, but some backbenchers say they would like to see cabinet justify its policy positions better and improve its consultations with MPs. The meeting is a replacement for the usual winter caucus […]
Health Accord, opioids, assisted dying, and more keep lobbyists focused on Philpott
With the federal government having worked out new health-funding arrangements with most provinces, passed assisted-dying legislation, started a process to legalize marijuana, and facing a national opioid crisis, it’s not surprising Health Minister Jane Philpott would see an ample amount of lobbying since coming to office. Ms. Philpott (Markham-Stouffville, Ont.) has been named in 115 […]
Are pipelines a political pipe dream?
GATINEAU, QUE.—It is odd the way Canadian politicians—notably Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley—continue to promote oil pipelines as a key to economic prosperity. It’s odd, because that isn’t the way the market appears to be going, not now and possibly not in the future, either. At a key energy conference in […]
