Conservative MPs’ endorsement of Ottawa’s ongoing occupation indefensible
At this point, what started out as a convoy and became a protest against all COVID-19 restrictions has again morphed this time into a week-long occupation of downtown Ottawa. It is hurting the very same people the protesters claim to want to help: working-class folks struggling with the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on their lives […]
Trucker-protest paralysis reveals need for leadership in Ottawa, occupation of Canada’s capital shouldn’t be left to just Ottawa mayor and chief of police
As the end-of-January truckers’ protest near Parliament Hill transformed into the early-February occupation of Ottawa’s downtown core, residents and their representatives on the capital’s city council have reached their breaking point and are desperately looking for leadership from the many elected officials in town. The other group desperate for leadership are the truckers themselves, according […]
Canada’s trying to become a true nation of innovation
TORONTO—Canada is trying to become a true nation of innovation, as it must. Our future prosperity, including our ability to generate the taxes we need to finance future education, health care and other public goods, depends on our success as innovators. In fact, the need is now greater than ever. As the growth in the […]
Truckers’ protest reflects rise in ‘disruption politics,’ increasing polarization, say political insiders
The “Freedom Convoy,” which has paralyzed the nation’s capital for more than a week, could eventually be a political gift for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, say some political insiders, but others warn the rise in “disruption politics” could turn into an “Occupy Parliament Hill movement” and become a major headache for the prime minister and […]
Public policies in place for Afghan refugees are being kept private
Public policies that enable the government to implement special immigration measures for Afghan refugees are being kept under wraps, even as those working to assist Afghans navigate the immigration system say the lack of information is causing confusion and chaos. Ministers of immigration have the power to issue public policies to work around certain immigration […]
A letter to my federal Conservative colleagues
After nine years as a Member of Parliament, my plan was to spend a bucolic retirement in the Manitoba hinterland, but the political addiction remains. So I participated in our leadership campaign as a strong Erin O’Toole supporter and continue to obsess over public policy and the dynamics of the Conservative caucus. It was with […]
Promotions and new hires post-election in Justice Minister Lametti’s office
Justice Minister David Lametti was one of nine ministers who didn’t switch cabinet assignments last fall, but the post-election staff shuffle has nonetheless led to movement in his office, with three new staffers on board along with a handful of promotions, including Lisa Jørgensen’s elevation to director of policy. As previously reported, Alexander Steinhouse continues […]
Big difference between a protest and issuing an ultimatum
HALIFAX—Just two words for the mob holding Ottawa hostage: truck off. Everyone in this country believes in the right to protest. A protest allows free people to display their dissent over public issues. The right to protest is invaluable. It has worked miracles in changing the course of history. The civil rights marches and protests […]
‘That horn is designed to be a wake-up call’: a journey through the streets of Ottawa during the ‘Freedom Rally’ occupation
As I walked through the streets of downtown Ottawa on Feb. 3, where the city’s Parliament Hill and its surrounding neighbourhood have been occupied since Jan. 29 by protesters who say they won’t leave until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, there were people cheering, dancing, waving flags, and warmly conversing with one another. It was loud, […]
Chagger brings past successes and lingering ghosts to new role as PROC chair
Left out of the cabinet lineup last October, Liberal MP Bardish Chagger is now chair of the all-important Procedure and House Affairs Committee, and while some politicos don’t perceive the move as a personal slight, and laud her skills and experience, others question whether she’s the best fit for the role. While committee chairs are […]
