Next election shaping up to be a much more contested affair than originally predicted
OTTAWA—In light of the recent code of conduct clarifications around registered lobbyists and political commentary, I have arrived at the conclusion that the risk level involved is inversely proportional to the actual value of the strategic advice that is being offered, essentially being wrong is the new being right. So, if giving bad advice is […]
Liberals prepared to sit on trade bill, recall Parliament in summer if needed; some Senators warn Bill C-100 shouldn’t be rushed in Upper Chamber
The government is prepared to sit on its bill to implement Canada’s trade agreement with the United States and Mexico until those countries are ready to ratify the deal, even if it means letting it stay in the House after Parliament rises for the summer, and recalling federal lawmakers before Parliament is dissolved for the […]
MMIGW’s finding of ‘genocide’ will be a problem for Trudeau
TORONTO—Genocide is one of those words that one does not toss about, like confetti. One does not treat “genocide” like it has no meaning. It has a very specific meaning. Justin Trudeau knows it is a serious word because of what he has said in the recent past. He knows that the word “genocide” describes […]
Scheer should have removed Cooper as party’s deputy justice critic too
OTTAWA—In politics, and in life, we are judged by the company we keep. The decision of Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer to keep Michael Cooper in his caucus will cost him dearly. Scheer says the case is closed because Cooper apologized and was removed from the House Justice Committee. But in an inexplicable display of bad […]
Building a new Arctic strategy for Canada
In April, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development issued a comprehensive report on the Arctic. The report is timely because of the rising ambitions of other nations in the Arctic, the impacts of climate change, and increasing commercial activity in Arctic waters. Ensuring security in the region will mean pursuing a strategy […]
Fight over Ottawa River nuclear waste dump getting political, but Liberals downriver standing behind the project—or staying quiet
A proposed dump for low-level nuclear waste near the Ottawa River has stirred up opposition from community groups, environmentalists, and municipalities worried the waste could leach into the river that flows past about 50 federal ridings, including Ottawa Centre, the home of Parliament Hill and Canada’s environment minister, Catherine McKenna. Members of Parliament from riverside […]
We need to use term ‘genocide’ carefully before it loses all meaning, and impact
OTTAWA—Boy am I ever going to get some flak from this post. I intend to take issue with some of the findings of the Canadian inquiry into the murder and disappearance of Indigenous women, more specifically the use of the term “genocide.” For those who are not Canadian, or who are not following this issue, […]
Study as a form of action is no longer marketable on this immense and shameful problem
HALIFAX—When it comes to the federal government, the lesson for Indigenous peoples in Canada is surely this: the more heated the rhetoric, the more splendid the ceremony, the emptier the words. A lot of observers think that one of the great electoral advantages held by Justin Trudeau over the Conservatives is the Indigenous peoples file. […]
Kenney should stick to campaigning against carbon tax and pipelines, or else run federally: Conservative MP Tilson
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s plan to help the federal Conservatives defeat Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in the upcoming election campaign should be limited to issues of “common interest,” including the carbon tax and pipelines, and if the Alberta premier wants to campaign on other issues, he should run for federal office, says a veteran […]
Conservative MP Gallant blames spring flooding on fed regulations, but experts say there are no links
Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant is blaming federal regulations for the recent heavy flooding in her Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, Ont., riding and other ridings along the Ottawa River last month, but experts dispute her claims, saying there’s no link between the damages and the measures being taken to manage the water flows. This is the second time in […]
