Yep, everything still revolves around the prime minister and the PMO
ST. JOHN’S, NFLD.—Quick: does the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have too much power? How you answer might have a lot to do with your impressions of him and the Liberal government’s policies. It is a question with no definitive answer. The media and critics aren’t complaining nearly the way that they did with […]
All major parties to ‘double down’ on 129 ridings won by 10 per cent or less margin, includes eight cabinet ministers
All major political parties will “double down on” on the 129 close ridings won or lost by a margin of 10 per cent or less in 2015 because they will play a critical role in the 2019 federal election outcome, say MPs, a pollster, and a Liberal political strategist. “The 129 ridings that were won […]
Canada Games have stood the test of time, so happy birthday to that
OTTAWA—Birthdays have a way of spawning new ideas. Whether it is a resolution to lose weight, a decision to do more good, or a plan to simply stop sweating the small stuff, milestone moments can be catalysts. That holds true for a country as well as a person. So many good ideas have been generated […]
‘Fomenting misunderstanding for partisan reasons,’ Green Leader May slams ‘horrific’ Conservative response to Khadr’s $10.5-million settlement
While the Conservatives have rallied to criticize the Liberal government’s $10.5-million settlement with former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says the Conservatives’ response has been “horrific” and that it’s “fomenting misunderstanding for partisan reasons.” “It’s horrific. There’s a complete disconnect from the reasons that the apology and some level of […]
Immigration Minister Hussen, Innovation Minister Bains see staff changes
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Ahmed Hussen recently hired two new ministerial staffers. Sebastian Clarke joined the minister’s political staff team last month as a new special assistant for operations. Mr. Clarke has been a director for the federal Liberal Markham-Stouffville, Ont. electoral district association, a riding represented by Health Minister and Liberal MP Jane Philpott […]
Conservatives play cheap politics on federal government’s payment to Omar Khadr
The Conservatives are saying Omar Khadr “murdered” U.S. Army medic Christopher Speer with a grenade in 2002. It’s all in their latest ad on the party’s website, headlined, “Meet Canada’s newest multi-millionaire—Omar Khadr.” There’s a big black and white photo of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined in red and photoshopped over another even bigger image […]
When every other explanation fails, there’s always stupidity
TORONTO—Stupidity. When every other explanation fails, there’s always stupidity. Remember that, boys and girls. Let us explain. Back at the beginning of time, when this writer wrote for the Calgary Herald and the Ottawa Citizen and the like, media folks still had expense accounts. It’s true, we did. We would gather at local canteen, and […]
Did Canada pay Khadr too much, its veterans too little, or a bit of both?
OTTAWA—Fierce and passionate responses surround Omar Khadr’s reported $10.5-million settlement. Some have compared the amount to what Canada begrudgingly gives its soldiers injured and killed in the line of duty. We should listen to them. Calculations to arrive at settlements for both Khadr and veterans occur in the world of tort law. The Supreme Court […]
Beware the Twitter echo chamber trap
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Whenever I’m plagued with self-doubt or afflicted with uncertainty, I turn to that one source guaranteed to provide me with the spiritual peace of mind I seek. It’s called Twitter. Yes, that particular social media outlet can always be relied upon to justify my points of view, to confirm my biases and to vindicate […]
Throwing fiscal restraint overboard no solution for British government
There’s been plenty of commentary about the causes of the United Kingdom’s unexpected election result. Conservative Party complacency, a flap about its manifesto, the youth vote, and a post-Brexit political realignment have all been blamed for reducing the Conservatives to a parliamentary minority and in turn contributing to political uncertainty in the face of upcoming […]
