For politicians, reverting to the default position is the easy way out
In politics, there is usually a stark, very noticeable, default position. The term “default position” refers to a belief (or lack of belief) that is preferable prior to debate or before any evidence is considered. Many people claim that some beliefs (or lack thereof) are default positions, so everyone who disagrees with those positions has the […]
Canadian uranium under U.S. tariff threat as national security investigation continues
Canada’s uranium industry may soon find itself burdened by the same U.S. protectionist tariffs that have been targeted at Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors since the summer under the guise of national security protection, trade observers say. On July 18, the U.S. Commerce Department began a Section 232 investigation looking into uranium imports and if […]
Nothing in migration compact tells Canada to ‘open borders,’ says UN refugee agency rep
The United Nations global migration pact has sovereignty written into the non-binding agreement, says a representative of the United Nations’ refugee agency in response to critics’ suggestions that it’s a “border-erasing policy” that encourages mass migration. “I see nothing in there that speaks of open borders or that countries would, in any way, not continue to […]
First ministers’ meetings have gone from Kumbaya to Welcome to the Jungle
OTTAWA—Lightning has struck. Time is standing still. Former prime minister Stephen Harper might have been right by suggesting first ministers’ meetings (FMM) are generally a waste of time and the only benefit is for fans of theatre. Last week the current prime minister, Justin Trudeau, convened the fourth FMM of his first mandate. When he […]
Former Treasury Board secretary appointed Carleton chancellor, calls career path the ‘story of a lifetime’
Becoming the chancellor of Carleton University is something former Treasury Board secretary Yaprak Baltacioglu says she never expected, but for the university alumna, it’s a coming home of sorts, and a way to continue making a difference in her post-public service life. Carleton called Ms. Baltacioglu weeks ago asking her to become the university’s ceremonial head. The […]
New policy director for Employment Minister Hajdu
Employment, Workforce Development, and Labour Minister Patty Hajdu recently promoted from within to officially make Daniel McKenzie her new director of policy. Mr. McKenzie had been acting as director of policy to the minister since Simon Robertson’s departure for a job in Small Business and Export Promotion Minister Mary Ng’s office earlier this fall. Mr. […]
Finance bureaucrats, House committee need to stop working in silos on budget planning, says ex-PBO Page
As the House Finance Committee’s pre-budget consultation process wraps up for another year, one former watchdog says the process isn’t properly used by the Finance Department in crafting Canada’s annual fiscal plan. Kevin Page was the first Parliamentary Budget Officer from 2008 to 2013, previously holding high roles at the Department of Finance, Treasury Board, […]
Macron’s moment of crisis
The contagion of chaos that’s been systematically choking Western democracies like hapless houseguests in a musty Agatha Christie whodunit has recently taken hold in France. While the previously unthinkable disruption of Donald Trump’s presidency ensnares America and the previously unthinkable disruption of Brexit entangles Britain, the gilets jaunes protests have become President Emmanuel Macron’s previously unthinkable political […]
Natural Resources Canada has evolved into the Department of Oil and Gas
A few decades ago, the department now known as Natural Resources Canada was called Energy, Mines, and Resources. The department had robust analysis and did work on our energy sector, as well as mines, and substantial research and science and policy innovation in forestry. Under Stephen Harper, the slaying of the Canadian Forest Service was […]
Booting of NATO group chair prompts new rules for association oversight
After a parliamentary association gathering this fall fell into chaos over a dispute about group leadership, a new procedure has been put in place for ousting the heads of Parliament-funded multi-party associations that Conservative MPs say will prevent the “tyranny” of the majority from running roughshod over non-government members. Members of the Board of Internal Economy […]
