Priorities for Canada as 2026 gets underway
This government would flunk any test for transparency. Why are new programs, such as Build Canada Homes, the Major Projects Office and the Defence procurement office being established as ‘special operating agencies’ under the Treasury Board’s cloak of confidentiality?
Who’s Tory now? It’s complicated
If traditional conservative voters, and others, are looking for an effective, intelligent and nimble centre-right leader, they already have one in Mark Carney. We’ll see how long this lasts.
The independent Senate in 2026: an anchor of stability
For the Senate to contribute effectively in 2026, Parliament must recognize that the Senate’s independence is essential to effective decision-making and to the strength of Canada’s democratic system.
Health workforce, toxic drug crisis on health critics’ agendas this winter
Conservative health critic Dan Mazier says an upcoming committee report on immigration and health care will include ‘damning evidence’ that will surprise people.
Ontario national councillor Mitas expected to challenge Barber for Conservative Party presidency
Senior Conservative sources tell The Hill Times that current party president Stephen Barber and Christina Mitas have been strategizing and reaching out to potential supporters ahead of the national council election at the end of this month.
Liberal MPs shrug off Trump’s latest tariff threat if Canada pursues trade agreement with China
Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, said there is ‘no pursuit’ of a free trade deal with China.
Public service watchdog sounds alarm over funding shortfall to investigate whistleblower complaints
Canada’s Public Sector Integrity Commissioner says the office is struggling to handle ‘unprecedented numbers’ of wrongdoing and reprisal cases, and ‘resources have not kept pace, causing detrimental delays to investigations.’
Lack of pre-sitting cabinet shuffle doesn’t take it off the table for the winter, say political strategists
Although a cabinet shuffle isn’t in the cards before the House resumes after winter break, it could still be a possibility as byelections create opportunity for fresh blood to get elected to Parliament, say politicos.
Liberals ‘taking a sledgehammer’ to the public service, says interim NDP leader Davies
Approximately 8,500 public servants were notified this week that they may be impacted by potential job cuts, and more than 17,000 such notifications have gone out since December, public sector unions have confirmed.
Who’s backing the NDP leadership contenders?
Five New Democrats are in the running to be the party’s next leader, but three are securing the most public support: Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis, and Rob Ashton
