Attracting international talent key to Canada’s future as an innovation nation

Canada has an entrepreneurial culture, highly educated population, a diverse and progressive society, and international reputation as a great place to live and work—which are all plusses when it comes to attracting international investment and talent. Yet our innovation performance finds us consistently ranked as a mid-level player, and in a highly competitive and dynamic […]
Indigenous, historically marginalized groups felt the brunt of election disenfranchisement, say advocates

Although voter turnout overall wasn’t as bad as some predicted, reduced polling stations in densely populated urban areas and remote Indigenous communities, along with the lack of voting opportunities on post-secondary campuses were substantial hits to the franchise of some marginalized groups in last month’s federal election. Elections Canada says it’s looking into at least […]
Violence, anti-Semitism, and poutine? The COVID-19 election was one to remember

In all the hustle and bustle of the election season, it’s almost easy to forget that a pandemic is still raging outdoors, burning through lives and human health like so much dry wood in a forest fire. But with that reality, candidates and party leaders had to get a little creative with their campaign during […]
‘Weak evidence’ polls affect how Canadians vote, say politicos, but close races can push people to the ballot box
There is scant evidence that political polls influence how Canadians vote, but with the 2021 election shaping up to be a tight two-way race between the Liberals and Conservatives, pollsters say that could lead to a larger voter turnout. “The polls are a mirror, in that they reflect what’s going on, but they don’t influence […]
Léger poll on eve of first French debate shows O’Toole gaining momentum in Quebec

As party leaders prepare for the Sept. 2 TVA debate—a crucial event for reaching many Quebec voters—a new poll from Léger Marketing suggests the Conservatives are on the rise in the province. “The reason why this poll is this really important is over the past two years, ever since the 2019 election, we’ve never had […]
Reception ‘a lot worse’ at the doorstep than in 2019, say some Liberal MPs, candidates, and campaign workers

The response some Liberal candidates and campaign workers are getting from Canadians at doorsteps across the country is surprisingly negative, according to Liberal sources who say it’s worse than the backlash from the blackface scandal mid-campaign in 2019. “It’s a lot worse than it was in 2019,” said a Liberal MP, who spoke with The Hill Times on […]
It’s a guy thing: will male voters’ hostility sink Trudeau?

OTTAWA—Canadians liked what they saw of Justin Trudeau in 2015, particularly in contrast to Stephen Harper. Nearly six years later, women voters still approve of Trudeau and the programs he has prioritized during his time as prime minister. But it’s different with men: it’s safe to say at this point that if the Liberals lose […]
As election momentum shifts to the Tories, some Liberal MPs, candidates getting ‘nervous,’ say Liberal sources

With the momentum shifting from the Justin Trudeau Liberals to the Erin O’Toole Conservatives, some Liberal MPs and candidates running in close swing ridings are getting ‘nervous’ about the prospect that their party might end up with another minority, or lose the election altogether, say Liberal sources. “If you’re not nervous, I think you’re not […]
Liberals start with a fairly strong lead, but achieving a majority looking like an uphill climb

OTTAWA—Six weeks ago, an election at summer’s end looked like a pretty good bet to produce a majority victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberals. Canadians were buoyant about the apparent fading out of the pandemic, vaccination targets were being achieved, virus cases were way down, and the Liberals, enjoying public appreciation for […]
Closing gap between Liberals and Conservatives should force Trudeau to reconsider calling an election in coming weeks, say some pollsters

Calling an election when some public opinion polls suggest a closing gap between the Liberals and Conservatives should make Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reconsider right now because he could end up with a weaker minority or even losing the government altogether, say some pollsters. “There’s no need to have an election right now,” said Darrell […]