Chaotic Brexit drama shakes U.K. as battle over ‘Leave’ deal goes down to the wire
OTTAWA—One has to wonder what keeps British Prime Minister Theresa May going. Never a fan of Brexit to begin with, May inherited the job of extricating the United Kingdom from 40 years of European Union membership—all based on a narrowly approved Leave vote in the 2016 referendum. After 500-plus days of negotiations with Brussels, May […]
Senators push back on Liberal plan to expand voting rights for Canadians abroad
As Senators begin their committee study of the Liberals’ elections bill, some don’t seem convinced that opening up voting rights to more Canadian citizens living abroad is the right move. Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould (Burlington, Ont.) and various officials—including elections commissioner Yves Côté—faced a barrage of questions last week from Senators on the Upper […]
Liberals should be more transparent about reasons for Raj Grewal’s resignation, opposition MPs say
Opposition MPs are raising serious questions about the PMO’s handling of the Raj Grewal affair, saying the government is “changing” its story and that does not bode well for its authenticity. “Their story has been changing over time from a relatively innocuous, if tragic, story to something that has a whiff of some sort of […]
Trudeau and his progressively liberal economics
OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you want to understand Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s take on the economy, just recall one of his most celebrated utterances: “The budget will balance itself.” Yes, I know it’s possible Trudeau was simply jesting when he made that remark, but I still think it reveals his mindset when it comes to fiscal issues. […]
Time for Senate to be bold, innovative in Canada’s parliamentary democracy
I spent 29 years in the Senate and before that nearly 16 years as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. During my time in the House, I served more than five years as a minister. I am pleased now to have the opportunity to offer a few suggestions on how a renewed, […]
Why feds should consider a carbon tariff
Ottawa recently unveiled climate rebates for residents of provinces subject to the federal carbon tax. The government should fund larger rebates and better protect industrial jobs by extending the federal levy to the carbon content of imports from countries that don’t price emissions. As long as emissions are free in the U.S. and many other […]
Trudeau and Ford may be political enemies, but they need each other
TORONTO—Photo credit: Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford, seen together in happier times. That’s what newspaper editors always write when publishing a photo of a couple who has just announced their divorce, expressed their profound sadness, and requested privacy for their family. “In happier times.” Justin and Doug briefly had a happier time together, too, although […]
Symbols matter when it comes to diversity
OTTAWA—Last week was the best of times and the worst of times when it comes to moving the needle on equality. Symbols matter when it comes to diversity. That is why the face of Viola Desmond on Canada’s new $10 note is much more than simply an image on plastic. It underscores Desmond’s groundbreaking battle […]
Good prospects for Canadian companies in Cuba, says Cuban trade minister, as expert urges Canada to step up investment
With increased focus on foreign investment opportunities in Cuba, the Cuban foreign trade and investment minister was in Canada last week to promote new ventures, but a former Canadian ambassador to Cuba says Canadian companies haven’t yet taken full advantage of new opportunities. Canada and Cuba have more than $1-billion worth of annual trade, and […]
The world needs renewed B.C. climate leadership
VANCOUVER—Twelve years—that’s how little time we have to take serious action to protect our climate. If we fail to act now, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts catastrophic consequences, such as increasingly extreme weather, lower crop yields, declining fisheries, and higher rates of poverty. The findings of last month’s IPCC special report are […]
