Trans Mountain buy adds to Liberals’ betrayal of Indigenous voters, say activists, NDP
The backlash to the federal government’s decision to purchase Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline project could cost the Liberals in 2019, as some Indigenous, environmental, and youth activists gear up to respond to what they see as a broken attempt at reconciliation, say activists, opposition MPs, and observers. On May 29, Finance Minister Bill Morneau […]
At G7, accountability should top agenda
Each year, Canada accepts thousands of refugees. Fleeing the world’s worst atrocities, they have often been subjected to horrific violence committed by perpetrators who have never been—and may never be—held to account. As Canada prepares to lead the G7 summit this week, it’s time to address this justice deficit by putting action to secure accountability at […]
Senators rein in committee travel costs Sen. Campbell says have ‘grown astronomically’
Senate committees that go on the road are being asked to explain their actual spending, as the Red Chamber moves to get a handle on “astronomically” expanding travel-budget requests that threaten to dry up the well of funds allotted to travel well before the end of the year. The move, suggested by Conservative Senator Scott […]
Status of government bills
HOUSE OF COMMONS Second reading: C-5, An Act to Repeal Division 20 of Part 3 of the Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No. 1 C-12, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act C-27, An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 C-28, An Act to amend […]
House Speaker Regan honours 137 staff at Long Service Awards
House of Commons Speaker Geoff Regan has resurrected the Long Service Awards program for staff to Members of Parliament this year, with a ceremony and reception to honour 137 veteran staffers on May 29. “The ceremony on [May 29] was the first for the renewed Long Service Awards program for Members’ staff and was spearheaded […]
Kinder Morgan deal reminds us we’re still hewers of wood, drawers of water
OTTAWA—I remember well the afternoon in 2010 at what used to be called the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade when our policy team was invited to listen to one of the so-called “geniuses” in the Asia division. He detailed a plan to export unprocessed bitumen to China and Japan for refining. The rationale […]
Trudeau uses Mulroney’s negotiating playbook to deal with Trump the right way, says author of new book
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is “doing it right” by former Progressive Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney’s negotiating playbook by slapping tariffs on $16.6-billion worth of U.S. imports, says Carleton University professor Fen Osler Hampson, the author of a new book on Mr. Mulroney’s foreign policy, launching in Ottawa next week. Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) announced […]
Limitation period to report, new definition among changes proposed to MP code of conduct
The Procedure and House Affairs Committee recently completed its review of the code of conduct for Members of Parliament and has proposed a number of changes to the existing code, including creating new protocols for how investigators should proceed. “Right now, when the resources officer hires an outside investigator, there was not much instruction as […]
With cannabis legalization around the corner, feds should heed Senate call for third-party oversight
Cannabis legalization is coming. Canadians voted for it. And Senators—who are now debating this important piece of legislation—should not stand in their way. That being said, I am convinced that continued oversight will be key to the success of legalization. At this point, the case for legalization is clear—prohibition simply isn’t working. The federal government […]
A chance at relevance for the Bloc
To the surprise of no one except herself, Bloc Québécois leader Martine Ouellet has lost her bid to remain at the helm of the federal sovereigntist party. On the weekend, two-thirds of the remaining BQ members showed her the door. The verdict could not have been clearer. Still, it took Ms. Ouellet almost 24 hours […]
