‘Disturbing level’ of bullying, intimidation in public service must be rooted out, says PCO clerk
Canada’s top bureaucrat says while the kind of sexual harassment that sparked the #MeToo movement exists within the public service and needs to be addressed, there is a “disturbing level” of other harassment such as bullying, intimidation, and conduct issues. “We need to get to the bottom of where that’s coming from and how to […]
‘Too many unknowns’ to decide on summer move, Senators told, waiting could cost $11-million per month
Senators are as unsure as their House of Commons counterparts whether their temporary new home will be ready in time for a planned summer move. Any delay could cost $11-million per month, says the department in charge of the construction. During an April 19 Senate Internal Economy, Budgets, and Administration Committee meeting, Conservative Senator Scott […]
This just in: The Hill Times to host its Party on the Hill on May 23
The Hill Times is hosting its annual Party on the Hill on May 23, and everyone who works on the Hill is invited. The party will feature a taco bar, a dessert bar, a live band, a photo booth, and, of course, provide a perfect opportunity to network. Last year’s summer shindig in the East Block […]
Design changes, work claims among road bumps experienced on path to moving out of Centre Block: documents
It’s still unclear if Centre Block occupants will move into the West Block and the Government Conference Centre this summer, but it’s clear the costs are increasing. The government will pay $42-million for three new projects to accommodate extra broadcast, security, and infrastructure improvements related to the GCC, according to documents obtained through access to […]
It’s time to ensure Indigenous representation in Canadian institutions
OTTAWA—There is nothing sacrosanct about governmental structures. They are no more “divine” than past rulers who sought celestial sanction. Canada’s structure of bilateral federalism, with the provinces and Ottawa having separate and overlapping sovereign powers, is a reflection of 19th century political compromises accommodating, if not uniting, diverse peoples. Its survival for more than 150 years […]
MPs, Senators, staffers brace for Centre Block’s massive move-out, ‘a lot of us won’t be returning’
PARLIAMENT HILL—Spring is not the only thing in the air these days. There’s also a feeling of nostalgia as MPs, Senators, and hundreds of staffers on the Hill brace themselves for the upcoming and massive move from Centre Block which could be closed for at least 10 years for renovations. The move could happen this summer. […]
Down to the wire to decide on Centre Block summer move-out, Tory whip says delay ‘worrying’
With less than three months until the House rises for the summer, there is still no firm decision on whether MPs will return to Centre Block in September or move into their new digs in West Block as part of ongoing renovations, members of the House Board of Internal Economy were told last week. While […]
NDP MP Romeo Saganash says speaking Indigenous languages in Parliament is a ‘right’
NDP MP Romeo Saganash addressed the House Procedure and Affairs Committee in his native Cree language on Tuesday to call for the right to speak Indigenous languages in Parliament and have the words properly translated in French and English, calling it a “constitutional and human right.” Opening in Cree and then answering questions in English, Mr. Saganash (Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik-Eeyou, […]
Senators took a pass on votes nearly 200 times since election—a sign of ‘unconvincing’ speakers, says Sen. Cools
Yea, nay, or I won’t say: when it comes to voting in the Upper Chamber, Senators have collectively chosen to abstain from votes 190 times since the last election, about two-and-a-half times per vote. The Senate posted complete voting records online last month, covering each vote and each Senator since the last election. The Senate’s […]
Senators split over new clerk, Sen. McCoy calls him ‘prime minister’s man’ in the Red Chamber
Senators are divided over the Trudeau government’s decision to name a longtime House of Commons administrator as the interim Senate clerk, with some calling him the “prime minister’s man” in the Red Chamber. Several high-profile Senators also said they supported the appointment of Richard Denis, the former House deputy law clerk, to take on the […]
