Ex-NDP MP Nystrom calls Weir probe ‘flawed,’ as party starts new investigation into MP Christine Moore
As the NDP opens a new investigation into misconduct allegations against MP Christine Moore, some party stalwarts say they don’t think it properly handled its most recent conduct review and dismissal last week of MP Erin Weir from caucus. Other observers, though, say the NDP leader and his team did the best they could, given […]
Duncan dishes on unmuzzling scientists, diversity around the research table, and data security
Coming off a so-called “science budget” that infused $4-billion into Canada’s science and research community and $2.8-billion to renew federal science labs, you could say it’s been a pretty good start to 2018 for Science Minister Kirsty Duncan. Federal departments will have a model policy on science integrity by the end of the year in […]
Liberals’ major new elections bill to undercut Conservatives’ spending advantage during campaigns
The government’s major new elections bill will scrap the rising cap on spending by political parties during long election campaigns, a move that could limit how the opposition Conservatives can capitalize on their long-held fundraising advantage in the 2019 election. Bill C-76, the Elections Modernization Act, will also establish a spending limit for at least […]
Trudeau’s renewed focus on economy drives up Liberal support among males: Nanos poll
A two-year decline in male support for the federal Liberals appears to be reversing, and a leading pollster attributes the change to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s renewed focus on fiscal and economic issues instead of social issues. “Now that they’re focusing more on economic issues, the greater focus on the NAFTA negotiations, even the focus on […]
Women’s rights not often given much thought by global leaders, let alone at G7
Women’s rights are often not given much thought by global leaders, let alone at the G7. A gathering of this kind will hopefully push our feminist prime minister to work even harder to improve the lives of the diverse women living in Canada, including Indigenous women, women of colour, and women from other marginalized communities. […]
Opposition MPs seek to add teeth to workplace harassment bill
A definition of harassment is among the changes a House committee agreed to Monday as it works its way through amending a government bill aimed at preventing and responding to sexual harassment and workplace violence, including against parliamentary employees. But opposition MPs say there’s more to do to ensure Bill C-65 has “teeth,” and isn’t […]
‘We’re not immune’ on the Hill: Sen. Bernard launches Senate debate on anti-Black racism
An Independent Senator launching a debate in the Senate on anti-Black racism nationally and on Parliament Hill says recent accusations of racism against a fellow Black Parliamentarian who called others out for denying that systemic racism exists are “disturbing.” Sen. Wanda Thomas Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) gave notice on March 1 that she would “call […]
Women and the forgotten emergency response
Fatima Abba Bukar is nine months pregnant. It is her first pregnancy since she miscarried while fleeing Boko Haram late one night more than a year ago in northern Nigeria. She’s safe now and recently learned of a nearby maternal health clinic. It’s the first time she’s ever received antenatal care, including regular check-ups, free […]
Rookie Liberal MP Bratina speaks out against controversial attestation in Canada Summer Jobs program, says caucus should be consulted more
Another Liberal MP is speaking out against the attestation requirement in the Canada Summer Jobs Program, and demanding a greater say for the Grit caucus in how the government communicates its policies to Canadians, as the governing Liberals are losing ground to the Conservatives in the national opinion polls. “Many of us would say, ‘We’d […]
Time to look at equality policies in context
OTTAWA—Oh my! Things are getting heated in the discussion around racism. Is it good to discuss racism or is it divisive to discuss it? The latest policy on combating racism is not new for the federal government. With no fanfare or announcement the Harper government vacated the issue early in its mandate. As such, some […]
