In Speech from the Throne, a nod to Western alienation, promise to enshrine Indigenous rights
SENATE CHAMBER—In an effort to strike a conciliatory note after being reduced to a minority, the Liberal government is promising to “apply a spirit of collaboration” as it works to carry out its priorities, including introducing a middle-class tax cut as its “first act” and setting Canada on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050, […]
Liberals’ Anthony Rota elected Speaker of the House
In an upset, Liberal MP Anthony Rota was elected Speaker of the House, beating incumbent Speaker, Geoff Regan. He was elected by his peers in a preferential ballot system. Mr. Rota (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.), the former assistant deputy speaker, was one of five candidates running for the job. The others were: Liberal MP Geoff Regan […]
‘Thou shalt be there,’ government whip tells MPs as high-stakes minority Parliament kicks off Thursday
With a minority Parliament set to begin on Thursday, the chief government whip is hopeful there will be limited backdoor maneuvering by parties when it comes down to casting votes. Speaking to The Hill Times, Chief Government Whip Mark Holland (Ajax, Ont.) said in his discussion with other party whips “there’s an understanding” that they […]
Political ties, not diplomatic bona fides needed for next Canadian envoy in D.C., says former ambassador
To manage Canada’s most important relationship, the country’s next envoy in Washington, D.C. should be one who has the ear of the prime minister, and not a career diplomat, say politicos. Since David MacNaughton left the post as Canada’s top diplomat in the United States at the end of August, top trade official Kirsten Hillman […]
Diversity, inclusion minister should act as ‘catalyst’ with cross-ministerial power, say advocates
Renaming the multiculturalism ministry to diversity and inclusion has drawn mixed reactions from affected communities, as advocates await the release of the ministerial mandate letter to signal whether action is likely to come with the new title, or if it’s just “window dressing,” as some fear. Within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) expanded 37-member […]
Let the games begin: what to watch as Parliament returns
OTTAWA—Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer will no doubt be the happiest person in Ottawa with the short return of Parliament. He will want to have the opportunity to sink his teeth into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau instead of being the daily meal for the media and many frustrated Conservatives. Parliament’s commencement will be important to watch […]
Trudeau gets an unexpected ally in the climate change wars
OTTAWA—Central bankers, the arms-length public servants who try to enhance their countries’ economies by influencing commercial borrowing rates, are generally seen as some of the world’s most remote, pointy-headed, and cautious people. Aside from the apparent millions who view international banking authorities through the lens of idiotic, paranoid conspiracy theories, most citizens likely don’t think […]
The Ides of March are coming and Andrew Scheer may want to circle it on his calendar
OTTAWA—“Release the hounds!” is the resounding sentiment of many Conservatives after the bitter “L” they took in Election 43. Last week, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Andrew Scheer, faced even more scrutiny on his intentions to continue as leader as he announced his leadership team for the House of Commons. While current […]
New minister, same chief in environment portfolio
New Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson is getting his office in shape, and has confirmed Marlo Raynolds and Sabrina Kim will be staying on as his chief of staff and press secretary, respectively. It’s no doubt been busy days for Mr. Wilkinson since he was sworn in as the new face of the […]
‘Small but mighty’: New Democrats say they’re up to the task as MPs pile on critic jobs
The NDP’s lead critics say they’re feeling good about their “small but mighty” caucus, which they say can bring change in a minority government and attention to their “critical work” by hammering home the party’s “widely popular” priorities. At the Nov. 28 critic announcement, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, B.C.) said he was proud […]
