Throne Speech fails to set out a credible plan for the future economy
TORONTO—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been promising an ambitious Throne Speech. For those of us hoping he would include bold plans for building back better—a stronger, more innovative economy with good jobs and the prosperity needed to fund the things we would like to do as a country—there was far too little ambition. We face […]
Liberal fall agenda takes shape: what’s new, and what has to go through the House
A concrete legislative agenda for the government is finally beginning to take shape for the first time since last fall’s election, after the Sept. 23 Throne Speech highlighted at least 20 commitments that will have to go through the House of Commons in the new session of Parliament. Most of the nearly 7,000-word Throne Speech […]
Trudeau says some promises ‘clearly’ touch provincial jurisdiction after premiers slam Throne Speech, but calls for unified approach
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged Friday that, while the Liberals’ Throne Speech waded into areas that fall squarely in provinces’ jurisdiction, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for all levels of government to work together. Speaking to reporters Friday afternoon, Mr. Trudeau (Papineau. Que.) brushed aside suggestions that he had lost the co-operation and […]
Throne Speech’s climate promises draws mixed reviews, with NDP saying it’s a rehash of old pledges
The Liberal government’s anticipated “ambitious green agenda” in its Throne Speech is garnering mixed reviews among environmental and political experts, with some saying it was stuffed with recycled pledges. “It felt like it was copy and pasted from a year ago,” said NDP MP Laurel Collins (Victoria, B.C.), her party’s critic for the environment, in […]
Political parties reach last-minute deal to temporarily change House rules for hybrid Commons, electronic voting
With no time to lose, the federal political parties reached a last-minute deal on Wednesday and unanimous consent for a government motion to temporarily change the rules for parliamentary proceedings so that a hybrid House and remote Commons voting can happen this fall during the global pandemic. Government House Leader Pablo Rodriguez (Honoré-Mercier, Que.) introduced […]
‘Whatever it takes’: Trudeau says austerity not an option in the face of staggering job losses, health crisis
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pinning the country’s recovery on the government’s ability to spend “whatever it takes” to rein in the pandemic and to prevent expansive lockdowns that could further cripple the economy. The Liberals’ Throne Speech outlined a wide-ranging agenda, from pledging that the government will act as a safety net for Canadians […]
COVID-19 containment, economic recovery expected to drive fall lobbying
A return to Parliament means renewed lobbying efforts, and this fall session will likely see those efforts focused on trying to shape the Liberal government’s plans to contain COVID-19, push plans for economic recovery and the social programs that underpin them, and get progress on the Liberal climate change agenda. Sheamus Murphy, vice-president of federal […]
Three possible election date scenarios
There are three possible election date scenarios facing Canadians: the first coming on the heels of the Speech from the Throne, presumably on a non-confidence vote; second, a non-confidence motion put after a fall budget or economic update; and lastly, a vote of non-confidence following a spring budget. In all three scenarios Prime Minister Justin […]
‘The time is now’: limit gatherings to avoid future lockdowns, says Tam, as federal data projects more spikes in cases
Canada’s chief public health officer is urging Canadians to avoid large gatherings to prevent further spikes in new COVID-19 cases and avoid another lockdown, saying federal modelling figures project the number of cases could climb to more than 155,000 within the next 10 days. Speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Theresa Tam shared data that […]
Feds’ priorities should include ‘green’ stimulus for small businesses
As we head into the fall, now more than six months into this pandemic, owners and operators of small businesses are anxious for some certainty, in this uncertain time. While government measures have helped to keep the lights on, and our economy has started to slowly find its footing, the future of Canada’s Main Street […]
