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 […]
Carbon tax not the villain when gas prices spike
CHELSEA, QUE.—The federal carbon tax—a central actor in budding pre-election drama—is actually a bit player when it comes to its impact on the economy and even on individual drivers. Not exactly much-ado about nothing, but hardly worthy of the angry clamour on one side and the earnest panegyrics on the other. Nor does the tax […]
Canada’s upcoming federal election could expose deepening societal rifts and ‘ordered’ populism, says Graves
Canada’s upcoming federal election could expose deepening societal rifts that will test the country’s immunity from Trumpian-style populism, says one leading pollster, but other politicians and political observers say while there are worrying signs, it has limited appeal. Thanks to economic stagnation, the hyper-concentration of wealth, and a brewing cultural backlash, Canada’s political climate is […]
Conservative premiers on campaign trail give Scheer little boost, say pollsters
Campaigning conservative premiers pose little gain for federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and his party in preparation for the October election, pollsters say. A group of five conservative-minded premiers, who met two weeks ago ahead of the Council of the Federation —a biannual meeting of the 13 premiers of Canada’s provinces and territories—to present themselves […]
Premiers’ meeting sheds light on the real dimensions of Canada’s energy politics
OTTAWA—With Doug Ford going on about how the increasingly conservative lineup of provincial leaders is a driver of concerted Canada-wide action, a reporter at a premiers’ press conference asked the Ontario premier if British Columbia fits that mould. “We look forward to meeting with Premier Hogirth…” replied Ford. Nearby, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney prompted: “Horgan.” […]
Federal parties are racing against time and losing
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Canada’s three main federal political parties have all managed to squander one of their most valuable resources—time. And yes, time is a resource, one that’s just as valuable as other political resources—money, organizational support, good candidates— if not more so. After all, it takes time to raise money, it takes time to raise awareness […]
