Libs, Conservative government clash over timing and enforcement of upcoming bans on political donations
There’s significant confusion over whether the upcoming bans on political donations will affect the Liberal leadership race, but the Liberal Party of Canada and the Conservative government are currently disagreeing over the issue and Elections Canada can’t answer the question. The Treasury Board told The Hill Times that if the proposed Federal Accountability Act is […]
‘It’s an exciting time’ to be a federal public servant: PCO Clerk Lynch
Privy Council Clerk Kevin Lynch says it’s an exciting time to be a federal public servant in the 21st Century, but as Canada renews its organization and recruits the next generation of public servants, it must “make excellence its quest”and it must do a better job of recruiting, retaining, planning and transferring knowledge. Moreover, Mr. […]
MacLeod returns to Hill as Skelton’s
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Carol Skelton has hired a veteran former Conservative Hill staffer as her director of communications. Fiona MacLeod, who is on a leave of absence from the Transport Department, started her new job in the minister’s office as director of communications last Tuesday, April 18. Born […]
Praise and criticism of proposed Federal Accountability Act are both exaggerated
Media outlets and commentators on the so-called “Federal Accountability Act” (Bill C-2) introduced by the new federal Conservative government have, unfortunately, been exaggerating the good effects of the act or offering unlikely, worst-casescenario criticisms (and sometimes both). Some have called the act “a recipe for true accountability” while others have criticized it as “overkill” that […]
“The speculation is that if Prime Minister Stephen Harper can pass three of his five priorities before the next election, the Conservatives can win a majority. Correct or not correct?”
Mike Storeshaw Conservative strategist “Yay! Speculation is fun! Unfortunately, it’s not all that helpful to do, whether you’re in opposition or government, so I’ll avoid jumping on the bandwagon here. “What I will say is that all five of the government’s key priorities are concrete, tangible initiatives that enjoy wide public support. I hope that […]
Now for some good news…
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who promised to bring in more accountability and transparency to government, resumes the House of Commons this week as he moves into a critical part of his agenda between now and the summer break. Prime Minister Harper came up short on his Federal Accountability Act, indeed. However, there is still some […]
Forget crossing the floor legislation, maybe we should look at India’s formula for amending its Constitution
The recent raft of floor-crossings in our House of Commons has spurred some honourable members to propose legislation that would force MPs wishing to change parties in mid-Parliament (or, if you’re David Emerson, at the early onset of post-election blues) to first consult with the electorate by resigning and contesting a byelection. When compared to […]
Will the federal Liberals defeat themselves in the leadership campaign?
The individual succeeding Paul Martin as Liberal leader will face a major challenge overcoming the attacks levied against them during the upcoming leadership contest. Recent examples from the U.S. where a new party leader faced an incumbent president illustrates how counterproductive the process can be for the winner. In their quest to occupy the White […]
Canadian Screenwriting Awards this week, also Treasury Board President Baird and Liberal finance critic John McCallum to speak
Canadian Screenwriting Awards this week, also Treasury Board President Baird and Liberal finance critic John McCallum to speak MONDAY, APRIL 24 Canadian Screenwriting Awards-Host Scott Thompson, formerly of the Kids in the Hall, will announce winners at the 10th annual awards gala at the Brant House, 522 King St. West, Toronto. For more information, please […]
Canada languishes in innovation and investment in telecommunications industry, says Russell
Two years ago, the CRTC began lengthy consultations about Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is a technologically proven, commercially available and rapidly growing internet application. It enables online users to communicate by voice anywhere and anytime. In Canada, the barriers to entry are so low that literally scores of companies currently offer VoIP communications across […]
