Riding redistribution process flawed, say Liberal backbenchers: Amend Electoral Boundaries Act, say the MPs who studied the Law
The process for redistributing the country’s federal ridings is flawed and in need of major reforms, say the MPs who just finished their lengthy study into the way the electoral map was re-jigged to add seven new seats. “[We] decided to seek a mandate to come back in September to review what we heard,” said […]
Public interest in things military will wane if Canadian defence fails to perform in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, D.C.–The first Canadian contingent of what ultimately will be an approximately 1,800-man force has departed for Afghanistan with the commitment of a year in country. [Graph Not Transcribed] It is an unloved, much criticized effort. There are strong reports that the military establishment did not want this commitment; instead it would have preferred to […]
CTC plans to chop $12.2-million from budget: staff lose jobs in Ottawa, foreign offices in Japan, Italy, Netherlands, and Hong Kong
The Canadian Tourism Commission is working on a implementing dramatic cutbacks to its operations this year, trimming at least $12.2-million from its budget in the coming year, The Hill Times as learned. The move comes as news that the country’s tourism sector is in dire need of government assistance to meet the challenges posed by […]
I want a review of drug patent laws too: Masse
PARLIAMENT HILL–Over the last few months, there has been a lot of interest around what many perceive to be a pretty boring and tedious topic: patents. In particular, people are interested in the patent regulations that dictate the terms and conditions that brand-name pharmaceutical companies as well as generic companies operate within. [Graph Not Transcribed] […]
Americans, British face serious credibility test over weapons of mass destruction
Transparency is meant to be a basic tenet of democracy. But lack of it, especially in crucial foreign policy decisions can cause much consternation in democratic states. [Graph Not Transcribed] Such is the case now as both U.S. President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair struggle to convince their respective citizens, of the […]
Cooperate with Martin, PM told by MPs
Prime Minister Jean Chretien will be under enormous pressure from his caucus to make sure he consults closely with his likely successor and long-time nemesis, Paul Martin, on all policy decisions when the resumes sitting during his last five months in office, say government backbenchers. Last week, more of the Prime Minister’s backbenchers urged him […]
Notable quotes on Manley’s ill-fated Grit leadership campaign: ‘the Liberal Party needs renewal, renewal is much more than a change of leaders:’ John Manley
-“My intention was to run and my intention is still to run.” –Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, Feb. 20, 2003, The Ottawa Citizen. [Graph Not Transcribed] -“I don’t think [a coronation] would be good for the party, I don’t think it would be good for the country and I don’t think it would be good […]
Blair’s political body blow
It’s a contest about trust. It is one that both sides are losing. The current struggle between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the BBC dates back to May 29 when BBC Radio’s flagship public affairs program, Today, made the sensational accusation that the government had ordered the “sex(ing) up” of an intelligence report on […]
‘I’m going to stay neutral’: Lib Bob Wood
A “very disappointed” Bob Wood, the veteran Liberal MP for Nipissing, Ont., says Deputy Prime Minister John Manley’s decision to bow out of the Liberal leadership race has left him with little choice but to remain neutral in the contest that has only two candidates left. The long-time Liberal backbencher, first elected in 1988, said […]
Intern life on the Hill hectic: ‘internship programs are a win-win’: Maloney
PARLIAMENT HILL–Every summer, Parliament Hill welcomes more than 50 interns from across the globe. From the United States to the Ukraine, interns come to Ottawa to gain valuable work experience, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Parliament Hill and capture its unique feel by enrolling in a summer internship program. For five to 10 weeks, the […]