Trudeau’s real job now: sparking national action on a post-carbon future
OTTAWA—Apparently Doug Ford didn’t really mean it when he said in the summer that he would let voters in the federal election decide whether he would continue with Ontario’s costly, and likely futile, legal offensive against Ottawa’s carbon levy. Ford, who was shut out of the less-than-stellar federal Conservative campaign, sounded a bit more co-operative […]
Election 2019: Revving up the base in the divisive post-truth era
OTTAWA—It’s obvious to everyone how populism south of the border, in the United Kingdom, and much of western Europe has thrived in the post-truth era. U.S. President Donald Trump’s ability to twist information and pour out torrents of lies has changed reality in the U.S., where the lifeblood of political discourse often no longer has […]
Conservative gains in Ontario before campaign due to ‘Ford being quiet,’ but pollster says Trudeau’s attacks may not be working
Many Liberal candidates say Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford’s unpopularity is still a significant issue at the doors more than halfway through the election campaign, with some political strategists saying that voters who backed Mr. Ford in 2018 are upset with the Ontario government’s record one year in, and may now look to back […]
When it comes to climate change, Scheer should ignore the media
OAKVILLE, ONT.—One fun thing about elections is how they suddenly turn journalists and columnists into masters of political strategy. Indeed, if you scan social media, or read newspaper opinion pages, or watch public affairs shows on TV, you’ll find legions of media pundits offering up their strategic advice to political party leaders as to how […]
Leadership contradictions, affordability, and a redefined Ford among election highlights so far
OTTAWA—How do you define excitement? Spoiler. Campaign 2019 is so far not the answer. But hope springs eternal as we hit the halfway mark of the election. If polls are to be believed, if the election ended today, we’d likely have a minority government, probably of the Liberal variety. Were that the case then the […]
New book explores legacy of the first female Supreme Court chief justice
In a recently released book, two academics explore the legacy of Canada’s first-ever female Supreme Court chief justice, Beverley McLachlin, who held the role from 2000 to 2017. “Not only has McLachlin had the courage to confront the ‘issues that really divide society,’ but she has developed techniques for considering these issues dispassionately, effectively, and […]
Clout of young voters remains the crucial election question
OTTAWA—Justin Trudeau’s theatricality and mindless whimsy have cost him dearly. The prime minister’s dress-up antics in India last year raised a lot of doubts about his judgment. And it’s obvious the photos of him from years ago in racial face paint have undermined his credibility and stature at home and abroad. The Liberal campaign stalled […]
The world can’t take much more right-wing populism
OTTAWA—One of the more interesting little moments at every G7 summit comes toward the end when the country that will be the host the following year announces the site of the next leaders’ conference. True to Donald Trump’s usual machinations, the U.S. president turned this mildy newsy routine into a huge controversy, saying it would […]
‘Tread on Bill 21 waters very, very lightly’ Green Party warns Quebec candidates
Despite officially opposing the “divisive” ban on religious symbols for public servants in Quebec, the Green Party is warning its candidates to be careful of commenting on Bill 21, calling it a “provincial issue.” Daniel Green, deputy leader of the federal Green Party and candidate for the riding of Outremont, Que., said Quebec candidates are […]
New Army Commander Wayne Eyre to be promoted in Parliament Hill ceremony
Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre will take the reins of the Canadian Army during a change of command ceremony on Parliament Hill on Aug. 20. Lt.-Gen. Eyre will take over the command from Lt.-Gen. Jean-Marc Lanthier. In June, Lt.-Gen. Eyre was appointed the head of Military Personnel Command. He was previously the first non-American to serve as […]
