Liberals trailing Conservatives ‘new normal’ in federal politics, says pollster
Sitting back and expecting the Conservatives to self-destruct ‘is the kind of thinking that people use when they buy lottery tickets,’ a former senior Liberal says. Meanwhile, Liberal pundit Scott Reid says if the current poll were a movie, it would be The Exorcist. ‘For Liberals, it’s that goddamned scary.’
How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe
It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They should stop trying and start governing—especially on the all-important climate file—for the rest of the country, and the rest of the planet.
Feds are sending out carbon tax rebates to Canadians, but no one is noticing
Most confused Canadians received the payment with no explanation. If they already receive direct deposit payments, the climate bonus arrived with a simple annotation: Climate Action Incentive Plan. Talk about a missed opportunity.
New electoral map and diversity
Given ongoing high levels of immigration and thus citizenship, the number of ridings with large numbers of immigrants, and visible and religious minorities will continue. From about one in six ridings being a visible minority majority riding in 2021 to a likely one in five by 2025, political parties will need to pay attention.
Should we be capping immigration at 400,000 for the next few years?
High immigration is only one cause of the housing shortage. The bigger reason is the longstanding federal and provincial policy to exit the housing field. Luckily, Housing Minister Sean Fraser is finding more willing partners in provincial and municipal governments than ever before.
Sen. Brazeau still sober after four years, and pushing his Senate bill for health warnings on alcoholic beverages
Plus, Margaret Atwood receives a prestigious French award, Shari Graydon wants to boost gender parity in politics, Omayra Issa joins CPAC, Bruce Anderson is a painter, Don Martin is on a trip, Stephen Maher is sailing, and Charlie Angus writes another book.
Who’s who on Deputy PM and Finance Minister Freeland’s team
A number of staff joined Freeland’s office this past fall, including Guillaume Bertrand, who’s taken on the role of director of Quebec outreach and strategy.
This year’s resolution: Canadians want a better future, writes British Columbia reader
This new year has a resolution of its own: let’s do away with the old politics that are ruining this country, and putting people in dire straits. Homelessness is not a three- or four- or a 10-year plan to house the people who are in need in this moment. Hunger is not a solution resolved […]
Alberta Premier Smith to speak at Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa on Feb. 5
SUNDAY, JAN. 21—TUESDAY, JAN. 23 Prime Minister to Hold Cabinet Retreat—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will hold a Cabinet retreat from Jan. 21 to 23 in Montreal, Que. Details online: pm.gc.ca. MONDAY, JAN. 22 House Not Sitting—The House is adjourned and is scheduled to return on Monday, Jan. 29. It’s scheduled to sit for a total of 125 days in 2024. […]
Trudeau cabinet to hear from experts on middle class, Canada-U.S., and housing during pre-Parliament retreat in Montreal
At the Jan. 21-23 cabinet retreat, Justin Trudeau and his cabinet will prepare for a high-stakes winter sitting of Parliament, during which Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will deliver what could be her government’s last budget before an election.
