Three-quarters of Centre Block-based MPs have moved out
Three-quarters of MPs have cleared out of Centre Block and into their new Hill offices in the Parliamentary Precinct in advance of the House of Commons moving into its temporary home next door this winter. Despite the daily bustle in Centre Block halls since Parliamentarians returned from their summer recess last month, fewer MPs can […]
To guard mental health, Hillites recommend exercise, eating right, and saying no
When it comes to achieving good mental health, elected officials and staffers say it’s important to set good boundaries, get in regular physical activity, and stay away from the food at receptions. The Hill Times spoke to more than 15 MPs, Senators, and staffers about how they manage their mental health in a job where it […]
Too many are still suffering in silence on the Hill. This has to change
PARLIAMENT HILL—They come to Parliament Hill, the best and brightest people, eager to watch from a front‑row seat as history is being made. They are the thousands of political staffers who work here—dedicated and driven, with an unwavering desire to serve. They may not know it, but when these people begin their parliamentary careers in […]
Parties ‘doing more’ to boost awareness of mental health resources, Liberals to hire HR adviser for staffers
The parties with the largest presence on the Hill say they are upping efforts to bring awareness of mental health resources available to political staffers working on Parliament Hill, including the planned hiring of a human resources adviser for Liberal employees. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesperson Eleanore Catenaro said via email that the Liberal Party has […]
Shine your dancin’ shoes: here’s your guide to the fall’s hottest shindigs
“I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties, there isn’t any privacy,” said outspoken Jordan Baker in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and whether or not you prefer your parties crowded or intimate, filled with food or with a rockin’ dance floor, Hillites can agree all around that there are plenty in Ottawa […]
Former Chrétien-era minister to host ‘last supper’ at Parliamentary Restaurant
Former Liberal MP-turned-lobbyist Don Boudria wants to “pack” the historic Parliamentary Restaurant “to the rafters” just before it closes in December for at least the next decade. Mr. Boudria has been sending out invites to former and current MPs in the hopes that they’ll break bread with him for a “last supper”—possibly the last night […]
After MRIA’s demise, new polling industry group aims to set ‘high bar’
A month after a national polling association shut its doors, a new one has popped up. The who’s who of Canadian polling joined forces to open the currently nameless new polling association on Aug. 30. “We have a rare opportunity here to start fresh as an emerging industry association and to set a really high […]
West Block will be House Chamber’s home for at least 10 years, but part of new glass roof only warrantied for five years
The House Chamber moves into the West Block’s courtyard in 2019, where it will remain for at least a decade, enclosed by a new glass roof specifically designed for the space—but the motorized system to control light installed in the glass roof only comes with a five-year warranty. Project planning documents, obtained by Ottawa researcher […]
Centre Block occupants prepare for summer clear-out
Plans are underway for those who call Centre Block their second home to start the long goodbye. As part of the phased-move approach that will eventually see the iconic Parliament Hill landmark shut down for a decade or more, Parliamentarians with offices in Centre Block are preparing to move into new accommodations this summer. Last […]
Senators racked up fines for absences as parliamentary session dragged on
Some Senators have blown past their 21-day limit for unexplained absences from the Red Chamber as the historically-long parliamentary session has dragged on, racking up fines of $250 for every day beyond the limit. The Parliament of Canada Act allows Senators and MPs to miss 21 sitting days per session of Parliament before they are […]
