Indigenous rights, sexual harassment, engaging grassroots dominate final day of NDP policy convention
New Democrats agreed they want their party to demand a national inquiry into the “gross miscarriage of justice” in Colten Boushie’s shooting death and the RCMP’s handling of the case as well as confront sexual harassment in their own ranks. The two resolutions were passed Sunday during an emergency debate on the final day of […]
Add women, change politics by making parties pay, NDP says
As Ottawa becomes more embroiled in the anti-sexual harassment #MeToo movement, the New Democrats are renewing their call for the federal government to codify its support for having more women involved in politics as elected officials. On Feb. 6, NDP House leader Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier-Maskinongé, Que.) tabled a notice for an opposition motion highlighting […]
Conservatives at Manning conference seek ways to court female, millennial, urban voters
Conservatives at last week’s Manning Networking Conference in Ottawa strategized how they can bridge the gap between their core 26 per cent voter base and the 51 per cent of Canadians open to voting for them, by appealing to women, millennials, and urban dwellers. The annual gathering of conservatives took place Feb. 8-11 at Ottawa’s […]
Expect Liberal budget to focus on science, women’s role in economy
OTTAWA—Thomas Mulcair got it right a few years back when, commenting on the approach of Stephen Harper’s government to the role of science in policy development, he said the Conservatives relied on “decision-based fact-making.” But, unfortunately for the NDP, it was Justin Trudeau’s Liberals who managed to capitalize in the 2015 election on a commitment […]
NDP MPs back leader’s decision to investigate caucus colleague Erin Weir
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s decision to announce that he had appointed a third-party investigator to look into harassment allegations against NDP MP Erin Weir, and to remove the MP from caucus duties, was a “wise move,” “necessary,” and took the “right tone,” say caucus colleagues, though Mr. Weir has said he doesn’t know what is being […]
PM declaration on anti-Black racism big on talk, light on action, say politicos, observers
Current and former Black Parliamentarians say it’s better late than never that the prime minister last week announced Canada’s recognition of a UN decade for people of African descent, three years into it, but some observers say they’re disappointed with the government’s lack of action to rectify inequalities affecting Black Canadians. On the eve of […]
Famous Five bids farewell to dynamo Isabel Metcalfe at Rideau Club shindig, after 20 years of service
OTTAWA—It was a farewell shindig Famous Five Ottawa’s Isabel Metcalfe will never forget. Nearly 150 of her closest friends, political players, co-workers, and her family members gathered at the historic Rideau Club in Ottawa on Monday night to celebrate her 20 years of service and leadership for the group. The Famous Five Ottawa foundation, named […]
Kinsella’s ‘affidavits’ column prompts speculation, PM, party leaders asked about sexual conduct as #MeToo hits the Hill
In response to some criticism that he fanned the flames of Ottawa’s rumour mill in a column he penned featuring a sensational story of a “very powerful” politician who used affidavits to silence victims, Warren Kinsella says his assertions are true and he received so much reaction from people because they’ve heard “similar allegations.” “I […]
“What should be done to prevent sexual harassment by and among MPs and other Members of the Parliament Hill community?”
Cameron Ahmad Liberal strategist “Sexual violence and harassment of any kind are completely unacceptable in any workplace, and that of course includes Parliament Hill. That is why our government ran on a commitment to take action on workplace harassment and sexual violence in Parliament and in all federally regulated workplaces. “An important step in ensuring […]
NDP harassment probe shows perils of party discipline
What the heck is happening with Erin Weir and the NDP? NDP leader Jagmeet Singh held a press conference Feb. 1 to announce that there would be an independent investigation into allegations from a fellow caucus member that Mr. Weir, the NDP MP for Regina-Lewvan, had harassed women. So far, so good: kudos to the […]
