It’s show time: fall sitting critical for Trudeau to start delivering results, say political players
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet will have to try to achieve all their top agenda items between now and the next federal budget, after which the unofficial pre-electoral activities will start and everything the government does will be seen through the prism of political opportunism, say Liberal insiders. “Starting next February, they’re going […]
Conservation we need to accomplish in 20,000 days to come
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) marked exactly 20,000 days of conservation on Aug. 30, 2017. This milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the work done by the NCC and our partners each day, and the conservation we need to accomplish in the 20,000 days to come. Since the countdown began in […]
Chief of staff shuffle follows cabinet changes
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains has scooped up a new chief of staff, Gianluca Cairo, from the Public Services minister’s office. Before joining Mr. Bains’ office at the beginning of last week, Mr. Cairo had been chief of staff to the Public Services and Procurement minister since late 2015, largely under then […]
A step in modernizing the health system
When asking a Canadian what is special about Canada, undoubtedly they say our universal health-care system. And, I have to agree—I’m proud of it too. In health care, as in all other aspects of our lives, we see continual innovation and evolution. For example, telehomecare is making a difference for John Dickson from Oshawa, Ont. […]
Bureaucrats should not choose public art
OTTAWA—Imagine a public arts policy where bureaucrats choose the art. No, we are not talking China. The City of Calgary has recently been debating a motion to freeze public art investment, because some councillors are not happy with controversial art installations. Calgary councillor Shane Keating recently spoke to the media about the motion to freeze […]
Politics in the land of the bland
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Political watchers like to joke about the NDP leadership race’s utter boringness. But when you actually think about it, singling out the NDP for a lack of excitement is totally unfair, because, let’s face it, the Conservatives and Liberals are equally boring. Now, let me quickly point out that when I say “boring” I […]
Two new opposition leaders armed with multiple issues prepare for fall face-off with the PM
From the ongoing renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the continuing debate over the proposed legislation to legalize and regulate marijuana, politicians of all stripes will be busy during the fall session of Parliament. It will also be the midway mark for the Liberal government until the next federal election, and […]
Snazzy socks, bow ties, pearls: the season’s hottest fashion trends in the House
PARLIAMENT HILL—Whether they’re wearing bow ties, three-piece suits, pearls, or scarves, MPs know how to show up to work with style. Several say their unique attire works as a conversation starter and a good way to connect with other MPs. Take Liberal MP Greg Fergus (Hull-Aylmer, Que.), for example. Known for wearing his bow ties […]
I’ll never forget Allan J. MacEachen’s advice
TORONTO—The only reason sane people get involved in politics—or create a work of art, or write a book, or build a bridge, or climb mountains—is because they want to be immortal. We’re all going to die, sooner or later, and we want to be remembered for something. In my limited experience, that’s mostly why people […]
Can O’Regan avoid putting his foot in veterans’ mouths?
OTTAWA—If the first public comments of newly appointed Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O’Regan are anything to go by, veterans and the governing Liberals should be worried. The Trudeau government will have to understand veterans far better. They also should be eager to do more than they promised if they wish to reverse seven decades of […]
