MPs, political insiders question ‘endgame’ of former cabinet ministers Philpott and Wilson-Raybould
Jane Philpott may legitimately feel aggrieved by her and Jody Wilson-Raybould’s expulsions from the Liberal caucus, but both former cabinet ministers should be careful how they pick and choose their future political fights with the Liberal Party because people have already started to raise questions about their endgame, say Liberal MPs and political insiders. “What […]
Time for May to get tough with the Liberals
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Nineteenth century British statesman Lord Palmerston once declared, “England has no eternal friends, England has no perpetual enemies, England has only eternal and perpetual interests.” And just like Palmerston’s England, political parties too have perpetual, eternal interests instead of constant friends or enemies. In other words, politics is often about shifting alliances, in which […]
Trudeau right to focus income distribution, but has failed to achieve productive economy
TORONTO—If there is a central core to the Trudeau government’s promise to Canadians it is that it will improve lives of the middle class. This was central to its 2015 election platform, has been at the centre of every one of Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s four budgets, and some reference to the middle class can […]
Trudeau better start getting ahead of the stories instead of fighting a continuous rear-guard action
OTTAWA—Justin Trudeau has obviously decided that his Kumbayah method of leadership needs a switch. He came out swinging in the caucus speech, announcing his decision to turf Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott. And then he moved swiftly by warning the leader of the opposition that Andrew Scheer faces a defamation lawsuit if allegations about Trudeau […]
Re-election calculus, base politics key reasons for Liberals to seek DPA for SNC-Lavalin: political analysts
Even after sustaining a serious political hit as a result of the most damaging scandal in his four-year mandate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are still not ruling out the controversial possibility of offering a deferred prosecution agreement to SNC-Lavalin because the 78 electoral seats in Quebec are critical to the Liberals’ re-election strategy, say […]
Standing Order rewrite expected to wrap up in June, says clerk, but Conservatives concerned, and experts say it’s a good move
A complete rewrite of the House of Commons’ sprawling Standing Orders is currently underway, aimed at making the rules that govern the House Chamber more accessible and user-friendly, something experts say is a much-needed and helpful exercise. The package currently being produced by the House administration is a proposal and will be put to MPs […]
Women should be leading the world, female MPs should come together to seize the moment
This is an open letter to all female Members of Parliament of all parties. I would like you to consider the following thought: “If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has […]
Trudeau’s in a hole, so he should probably stop digging
TORONTO—The Globe and Mail’s John Ibbitson called it “needs-to-have-his-head-examined foolish.” The National Post’s Matt Gurney said it was “absolutely bonkers” and evidence of having “utterly lost [his] mind.” Former Chrétien communications boss Peter Donolo suggested it was “a mistake in a number of ways.” The Post’s Andrew Coyne cheerfully quoted other pundits, who themselves termed it an “unfathomably stupid move” and […]
Kenney readies for Tuesday’s election with a little help from his friend, Stephen Harper
As United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney prepares for Alberta’s April 16 election, he is doing so with the assistance of former prime minister Stephen Harper. Mr. Harper sent out a fundraising email on the UCP’s behalf in the in the closing days of the election. “I’ve made a donation, and I hope you can […]
Indigenous Services Minister O’Regan needs a new comms team after two recent exits
Further staffing changes are in the works in Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan’s office after the recent departure of two staffers, press secretary Rachel Rappaport and director of issues management and media relations Andrew MacKendrick. Both marked their last day in the minister’s office on April 5. Ms. Rappaport and Mr. MacKendrick both began working […]
