Lobbying the money man: Morneau draws interest from wide range of government-relations practitioners
Being the gatekeeper of more than $300-billion in annual government spending—details of which for the 2017-18 fiscal year are to be released in the budget on March 22—it’s not surprising that so many people want an audience with Finance Minister Bill Morneau. A look through the federal lobbyists registry shows there have been 105 communication […]
“A number of indigenous MPs and others recently called for the Langevin Block to be renamed. Should it be? If so, to what?”
Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “There is no relationship more important to our government than the one with indigenous peoples. That is why we are fully committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. “Last year, we fully adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, one of 94 calls to action […]
Thinking outside the lab
Recently, the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) celebrated the fact that the average lifespan of Canadians has increased by more than 30 years since the early 1900s. That’s something we can all celebrate. If you asked Canadians why life expectancy in our country continues to rise—now 79 years for men and 83 for women—many might […]
Federal budget needs to invest in the pan-Canadian climate framework
It’s been three months since the pan-Canadian framework on climate change was agreed to by the federal government and most provinces. While the government continues with consultations and policy development of the framework, the upcoming federal budget must be used to take another big step forward on climate action in Canada. Equally important as the […]
Countering Sen. MacDonald’s ‘Canadian oil needs to get to world markets’ argument
Conservative Senator Michael MacDonald’s Feb. 27 column in The Hill Times, “Canadian oil needs to get to world markets” includes errors in fact. Access to world markets for Canadian oil has been available since 1956 when the Westridge dock was constructed in Burnaby, B.C., and linked to the Trans Mountain pipeline. The dock’s export capacity has […]
A call for a justice review of not-criminally-responsible defences
OTTAWA—With disturbing regularity, criminal review boards are granting absolute discharges to some of Canada’s most heinous criminals on grounds that they cannot be held “responsible” for their actions. The confidence that these boards seemingly have in psychiatrists is surprising, and the result is predictable: an undermining of, and faltering public confidence in, our legal system. […]
Trudeau government should adjust Trump strategy
It’s time to conclude, on a balance of probabilities, that Donald Trump will be merely an ineffectual president. For a while it seemed the White House’s listless new tenant might have some sort of trade strategy. For a few days he even seemed to be preparing for an attack on Iran. That seems so long […]
Canadian agricultural policy: why supply management?
OTTAWA—In Canada and in other countries, the markets for agricultural products are characterized by considerable instability due to factors such as unpredictable weather, technological advances, and changing demands. This poses an immense challenge to agricultural producers who often face fluctuations in prices that subsequently result in uncertain incomes. Supply management systems were established in Canada […]
Donald Trump as an entertaining paper tiger
TORONTO—Much fear and loathing preceded Donald Trump’s election as president. Dread and repugnance continue. Critics cite much of the poppycock he spouts. Fear not and relax: he is a fake president. Don’t allow Trump to upset you. Enjoy the show. It is political comedy, simultaneously funny, bemusing, and mesmerizing, packaged as reality TV. Many of […]
Trudeau lobbied by universities during his cross-country tour
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was lobbied by four universities that hosted town hall meetings for him during last month’s cross-country tour, according to the federal lobbyists registry. Communication reports on the registry indicating contact with Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) were filed by the University of Winnipeg for Jan. 26, the University of Saskatchewan for Jan. […]
