Rick Mercer talks about developing his show’s ‘pure Canadian universe’
Rick Mercer’s days as Canada’s ranter-in-chief may be largely behind him, but whatever you do, don’t say he’s retired. “Although I’m enjoying the break right now from being in the opinion business, I’m not saying I won’t be in the opinion business again. But right now, I’m okay,” the Canadian comedian said in an interview. […]
After Democrats’ House victory, here on Parliament Hill, MPs express enthusiasm over ‘pushback’ to Trumpism
PARLIAMENT HILL—The day after Democrats dealt a political blow to the Trump presidency by re-taking the United States’ House of Representatives from the Republicans, here on Parliament Hill, some MPs expressed enthusiasm over the result, with one parliamentarian describing it as a “pushback” to the president’s style of politics. While a few MPs who spoke […]
Senators to trim Nov. 20 sitting to attend anti-harassment training
Senators will begin mandatory anti-harassment training this month, as work continues to refresh the Upper Chamber’s harassment policy. On Nov. 1, the Senate approved cutting short its Nov. 20 sitting so that Senators could attend a training session in the late afternoon. At least one more workshop will be held on Nov 27, using the […]
Senate Internal Economy Committee to get security briefings, after Tories criticize ‘ridiculous’ secrecy
The Senate’s Internal Economy Committee will get a visit from the head of Parliament Hill security this month and regular updates from the Chamber’s Speaker, after several Conservative Senators criticized what they saw as a “ridiculous” lack of transparency on security matters in the Parliamentary Precinct. Chief Superintendent Jane MacLatchy, director of the Parliamentary Protective Service, […]
Six years after Senate expense scandal erupted, some Senators frustrated it still has no oversight body
While the Senate’s public reputation may have improved in the years since a headline-grabbing spending scandal that erupted in 2012, the Chamber’s slow pace on a key auditor general’s recommendation three years ago could fuel continued public perception that it’s not serious about fiscal responsibility, say Senators pushing for the creation of an Audit and […]
Inquiry needed to probe Canada’s role in Afghanistan war
OTTAWA—I have for some time been suggesting a full-scale parliamentary inquiry into how Canada got involved in the failed mission in Afghanistan. The British were brave enough to conduct such a reflective exercise on their joint venture, along with the United States, to invade Iraq and topple then-president Saddam Hussein in 2003. The British inquiry […]
In an age of fuming strongmen, Merkel’s low-key tenacity will be missed
OTTAWA—She has known them all—all the world’s most powerful political leaders, all men, of recent years: George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama, Donald Trump. For 13 years, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has brought her low-key, pragmatic style to summits around the globe and earned the title of the world’s most powerful woman—and more recently […]
Time for Trudeau to emulate Chrétien and slay the deficit
OTTAWA—There was quite a party a couple weeks ago in Ottawa: longtime Liberals celebrated the 25th anniversary of the election of Jean Chrétien’s government, and the launch of the former prime minister’s book, My Stories, My Times. Although I couldn’t make it, I know many ministers and MPs were there, along with Prime Minister Justin […]
Judges to testify in secret for Senate committee study of access to information bill
The Senate committee studying proposed changes to the Access to Information Act has invited judges to appear behind closed doors, a necessary move to access key information, according to the committee chair, but one a critic calls hypocritical for a transparency bill. The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee will hold a private meeting to […]
Adrienne Clarkson’s defence of suckling the public teat is tone-deaf
OTTAWA—Former governor general Adrienne Clarkson famously joked at a national press gallery dinner many years ago, “I am Adrienne Clarkson and you are not.” At the time, she was poking fun at herself for her alleged inflated sense of self. Well, it appears after numerous stories about Ms. Clarkson’s fondness for spending public funds were […]
