Clash of the tired: pandemic fatigue and political opportunism at odds as COVID protest persists
Nearly two years into the global pandemic that has changed day-to-day lives, the frustration around an uncertain exit strategy is hitting Canadians hard. And according to polling—and more visibly, from the “Freedom Convoy” that recently took over downtown Ottawa, pandemic fatigue is setting in. Despite public health measures changing as often as they have, with […]
Russian minister willing to meet Joly anywhere around the globe, but feds mum on offer
With the Liberal government proclaiming its assistance for Ukraine amid a Russian military buildup on its border, in pursuit of de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, questions remain over how willing Ottawa is to be an active part of that solution, as the federal government has been quiet in response to Russia’s invitation to meet with […]
Right-wing Conservatives have incredible knack for being on the wrong side of history
OTTAWA—Imagine descending on the nation’s capital to protest being alive. In that respect, this Darwin Awards of a protest is one I can stand behind. Over the weekend, thousands of truck drivers drove to Ottawa from all over the country to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates and cause mayhem. From defecating on people’s property to peeing […]
New chair of House LTVP working group aims to boost project awareness
The new chair at the helm of the MP working group overseeing plans to renovate the Parliamentary Precinct says he’s looking to do more to ensure people across Canada are aware of the massive and “complicated” project being undertaken. “I’m still being informed of the whole process but I think this is a Canadian project […]
Navigating the new normal: hybrid sittings bring pros, cons for Parliamentarians with disabilities
Though some may decry its continuation, as politicians settle into another winter sitting of a hybrid House and Senate, Parliamentarians with disabilities say the ability to conduct business via video has opened doors—but also introduced some new hurdles. The experience can be overstimulating, said Liberal MP and Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion Minister Carla […]
Can NSICOP continue its work amid the Conservative boycott?
With the Conservative Party boycotting a committee of Parliamentarians charged with overseeing Canada’s national security and intelligence agencies, questions loom about how the group can continue its work. Amid the fallout of the Liberal government giving documents requested by the House of Commons regarding the firing of two scientists at the National Microbiology Lab in […]
Dear Conservatives: smarten up
OTTAWA—An open letter to the Conservative caucus: The vast majority of you are well meaning, decent, and enthusiastic public servants. You always do the best you can for the people you represent. As the official opposition, you work hard to hold the government to account and offer different options to Canadians. So, it is with […]
Trump comes to Ottawa
OTTAWA—The crowd of agitators, dissidents, right-wing extremists, and conspiracy dupes in Ottawa didn’t actually take over the Capitol (building) on the weekend as they did briefly last year in Washington, D.C., in an attempt to overthrow the 2020 election result. But the thousands who poured into Ottawa were allowed to take over Canada’s capital city. Local law […]
Astravas at helm of Emergency Preparedness Minister Blair’s new team
Now minister of emergency preparedness and president of the Queen’s Privy Council, Bill Blair has brought over his chief of staff of the last two years and counting, Zita Astravas, to run his new office. Astravas was chief of staff to Blair through his time as public safety minister, starting in December 2019. A former […]
Leadership in an age of disinformation is impossible without respectful relationships
OTTAWA—Aggressive convoys, conflicts, and wars all share a similar foundation—a decision to speak and act over others regardless of their rights and absent of our responsibilities to each other. Elder Woody Morrison would always smile in response to questions about what is truth. As an Elder, he carried with him the power of his community’s […]
