Stop downgrading the role of Parliament
TORONTO—Our democratic system is in trouble, with MPs seen as out of touch with public needs and ineffective in dealing with public problems. One reason for this is the downgrading of the role of Parliament itself and the diminished role of individual MPs in shaping legislation or holding governments accountable. If we want to restore […]
‘Completely disrespectful’: late release of NAFTA economic study a sign of disregard for parliamentary process, say some opposition MPs
The last-minute distribution of a long-awaited economic impact assessment had opposition MPs on the House International Trade Committee criticizing the way the federal government has moved the new NAFTA implementation bill through the parliamentary process. Just minutes before a Feb. 26 committee meeting, MPs were given Global Affairs’ economic impact study of the Canada-United States-Mexico […]
Downe wants Parliament to have power to amend new NAFTA, Liberals pledge to share objectives of future trade talks with House
The power of American lawmakers to modify trade agreements has inspired their Canadian counterparts to look for more of their own influence over the trade negotiation process, say some parliamentarians. CSG Senator Percy Downe (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) says the work of Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives to alter the new NAFTA has set a […]
Ebay Canada celebrates 2019 entrepreneurs of the year
Ebay Canada and Greg MacEachern’s Proof Strategies celebrated Canadian e-commerce entrepreneurship at their 2019 Entrepreneurs of the Year party on Feb. 19 at Ottawa’s favourite watering hole, the Métropolitain Brasserie. The warm, homey scent of fresh baked bread besieged Party Central’s nostrils as he, Hill Times assistant deputy editor Abbas Rana, and Hill Times photographer […]
Time to build a national transportation corridor
Canada has traditionally excelled at transportation, especially over long distances. This reflects the necessity of carrying people and goods across our country, often in difficult conditions, and the opportunity from access to lucrative export markets. As a result, Canada built world-class companies in sectors ranging from ships to railways to pipelines and some areas of […]
Canada can look to Japan as ‘bridge-builder’ in the Asia Pacific, envoy says
Japan’s new ambassador to Canada says his country can be the “best bridge-builder” in the Asia Pacific and he’d like to see the two close countries develop more “concrete” connections. “We hope to be regarded as the best bridge-builder between the Asia Pacific and Canada,” said Yasuhisa Kawamura during a Feb. 11 interview at the […]
Tory leadership candidates champion CANZUK pact, but trade experts question idea’s merit
Conservative leadership candidates are renewing a call for a new Commonwealth trading network amid Britain’s exit from the European Union, but trade experts question the value of such a proposition. Part of the Conservative Party’s policy platform since 2018 is the hope for a free-trade, free-movement, and security-co-ordination agreement between Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, […]
Collaborate and listen: Bloc Québécois hopes to leverage minority Parliament dynamics to make mark
The 2019 election saw the Bloc Québécois’ caucus increase three-fold, elevating it to third-party standing and recognized status in the House, and the team is looking to “leverage” its new circumstances to make a mark in this Parliament, according to the deputy House leader. “The fact that it’s a minority Parliament, we have more leverage […]
Trade Committee Conservatives push for six additional House committees to study new NAFTA implementation bill
Conservatives on the House International Trade Committee are pushing for six other House committees to study the implementation bill for the new NAFTA and to submit amendments by early April. Conservative MP Colin Carrie (Oshawa, Ont.) forwarded a motion on Feb. 5 to have the House Committees of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Industry, Science and Technology; […]
Can innovation save our automotive industry?
Since 2015, the Trudeau Liberals have touted “innovation” as the way forward for Canadian industries. Many, from manufacturing, to services, and natural resources, are showing impressive results by embracing innovation. But it is not clear that the Trudeau government’s policies, like the Innovation Superclusters Initiative, are really making a difference on the ground. When we […]
