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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

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Abbas Rana

Abbas Rana is the assistant deputy editor at The Hill Times. He reports on parliamentary caucuses, nomination contests, party leadership campaigns, Prime Minister’s Office, and cabinet. Rana loves to chat with sources on the record or on a not-for-attribution basis, especially when they have verifiable story tips that could be followed as news stories. Born and raised in Pakistan, Rana speaks Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. You can reach him with news tips or comments at arana@hilltimes.com.

Former Liberal MP Sorbara joins Finance Minister Champagne’s office

  • Francesco Sorbara is expected to start his new job in Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office this week, according to Audrey Milette, Champagne's director of
News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 8, 2025
Former three-term Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara is joining Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office as an exempt ministerial staffer. He's expected to start his new job this week. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Former Liberal MP Sorbara joins Finance Minister Champagne’s office

News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 8, 2025
  • Francesco Sorbara is expected to start his new job in Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office this week, according to Audrey Milette, Champagne's director of

Former Liberal MP Sorbara joins Finance Minister Champagne’s office

News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 8, 2025
  • Francesco Sorbara is expected to start his new job in Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office this week, according to Audrey Milette, Champagne's director of
Former three-term Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara is joining Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office as an exempt ministerial staffer. He's expected to start his new job this week. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Some Conservative Party members bristle at use of ‘abridgement’ rule in delegate selection process for convention

  • The delegate selection rules are in effect on Sept. 8 and will end on Nov. 30, according to the rules for the Calgary biennial
News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 8, 2025
Each of the 343 ridings across the country can send up to 12 delegates to the Jan. 29-31, 2026, biennial policy convention in Calgary, Alta. These delegates will vote on the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, centre, and take part in policy debates. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Some Conservative Party members bristle at use of ‘abridgement’ rule in delegate selection process for convention

News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 8, 2025
  • The delegate selection rules are in effect on Sept. 8 and will end on Nov. 30, according to the rules for the Calgary biennial

Some Conservative Party members bristle at use of ‘abridgement’ rule in delegate selection process for convention

News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 8, 2025
  • The delegate selection rules are in effect on Sept. 8 and will end on Nov. 30, according to the rules for the Calgary biennial
Each of the 343 ridings across the country can send up to 12 delegates to the Jan. 29-31, 2026, biennial policy convention in Calgary, Alta. These delegates will vote on the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, centre, and take part in policy debates. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Podcast interview not enough: campaign director Byrne should speak to national council about her future role with the party, say senior Conservatives

  • After skipping two national council meetings, Jenni Byrne attended the Aug. 17 meeting where delegate selection rules were passed.
News | BY ABBAS RANA, MARLO GLASS | September 1, 2025
Jenni Byrne, who managed the Conservatives' 2024 election campaign, has yet to speak directly to the national council or the national caucus about the party’s election loss or her future plans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Podcast interview not enough: campaign director Byrne should speak to national council about her future role with the party, say senior Conservatives

News | BY ABBAS RANA, MARLO GLASS | September 1, 2025
  • After skipping two national council meetings, Jenni Byrne attended the Aug. 17 meeting where delegate selection rules were passed.

Podcast interview not enough: campaign director Byrne should speak to national council about her future role with the party, say senior Conservatives

News | BY ABBAS RANA, MARLO GLASS | September 1, 2025
  • After skipping two national council meetings, Jenni Byrne attended the Aug. 17 meeting where delegate selection rules were passed.
Jenni Byrne, who managed the Conservatives' 2024 election campaign, has yet to speak directly to the national council or the national caucus about the party’s election loss or her future plans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pitfield still in principal secretary post seven weeks after Lametti took on job

  • Incoming PMO principal secretary David Lametti started his new job in mid-July but outgoing principal secretary Tom Pitfield is staying on for at least
News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 1, 2025
Seven weeks after David Lametti, left, was named incoming principal secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Tom Pitfield remains in the role with no firm exit date set for the senior aide to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Lametti photograph by The Hill Times; Pitfield photograph courtesy of X

Pitfield still in principal secretary post seven weeks after Lametti took on job

News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 1, 2025
  • Incoming PMO principal secretary David Lametti started his new job in mid-July but outgoing principal secretary Tom Pitfield is staying on for at least

Pitfield still in principal secretary post seven weeks after Lametti took on job

News | BY ABBAS RANA | September 1, 2025
  • Incoming PMO principal secretary David Lametti started his new job in mid-July but outgoing principal secretary Tom Pitfield is staying on for at least
Seven weeks after David Lametti, left, was named incoming principal secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Tom Pitfield remains in the role with no firm exit date set for the senior aide to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Lametti photograph by The Hill Times; Pitfield photograph courtesy of X

Conservatives’ ad hoc nomination rules committee for next election to report back to national council in September, say sources

  • Saskatchewan Conservative MP Warren Steinley is a non-voting member of the national council’s subcommittee on nomination rules, say Conservative sources.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 25, 2025
Potential candidates have lobbed complaints about the way the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, held their nomination contests, saying they were unfair and opaque. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives’ ad hoc nomination rules committee for next election to report back to national council in September, say sources

News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 25, 2025
  • Saskatchewan Conservative MP Warren Steinley is a non-voting member of the national council’s subcommittee on nomination rules, say Conservative sources.

Conservatives’ ad hoc nomination rules committee for next election to report back to national council in September, say sources

News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 25, 2025
  • Saskatchewan Conservative MP Warren Steinley is a non-voting member of the national council’s subcommittee on nomination rules, say Conservative sources.
Potential candidates have lobbed complaints about the way the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, held their nomination contests, saying they were unfair and opaque. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

From power corridors to fiction world: former deputy minister Sheikh pens second novel

  • Munir Sheikh shared his upcoming book's message and memories of working with now-Prime Minister Mark Carney as bureaucrats at Finance.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 24, 2025
Former chief statistician Munir Sheikh has penned his second novel entitled, '2047: The Story of an American Revolution'. He spoke to The Hill Times about the book, and why he stepped away from his role as Canada's chief statistician in 2010. Photograph courtesy of Munir Sheikh

From power corridors to fiction world: former deputy minister Sheikh pens second novel

News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 24, 2025
  • Munir Sheikh shared his upcoming book's message and memories of working with now-Prime Minister Mark Carney as bureaucrats at Finance.

From power corridors to fiction world: former deputy minister Sheikh pens second novel

News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 24, 2025
  • Munir Sheikh shared his upcoming book's message and memories of working with now-Prime Minister Mark Carney as bureaucrats at Finance.
Former chief statistician Munir Sheikh has penned his second novel entitled, '2047: The Story of an American Revolution'. He spoke to The Hill Times about the book, and why he stepped away from his role as Canada's chief statistician in 2010. Photograph courtesy of Munir Sheikh

AI coming at public service like a ‘freight train at a tremendous speed’ and it could mean thousands of job losses, says Savoie

  • Dealing with the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the public service is ‘critical,’ but there is little evidence to show that top government
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 21, 2025
Senior public service officials must take the looming threat of AI seriously, as it could result in thousands of job losses, says professor Donald Savoie, an expert in the machinery of government. The Hill Times photograph by Abbas Rana

AI coming at public service like a ‘freight train at a tremendous speed’ and it could mean thousands of job losses, says Savoie

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 21, 2025
  • Dealing with the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the public service is ‘critical,’ but there is little evidence to show that top government

AI coming at public service like a ‘freight train at a tremendous speed’ and it could mean thousands of job losses, says Savoie

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 21, 2025
  • Dealing with the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the public service is ‘critical,’ but there is little evidence to show that top government
Senior public service officials must take the looming threat of AI seriously, as it could result in thousands of job losses, says professor Donald Savoie, an expert in the machinery of government. The Hill Times photograph by Abbas Rana

Liberals’ shift from progressive to right of centre a ‘reflection of where people are today,’ say some Grit MPs

  • The national Liberal caucus retreat in September will offer a clearer picture of how caucus members are responding to their party’s shift from a
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 21, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney at a May 25 caucus meeting on the Hill. 'Everyone is progressive until they can't pay the bills,' one Liberal MP said regarding the party’s recent shift from left to right-of-centre, proof of its flexibility which has made it one of the world’s most successful political parties. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals’ shift from progressive to right of centre a ‘reflection of where people are today,’ say some Grit MPs

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 21, 2025
  • The national Liberal caucus retreat in September will offer a clearer picture of how caucus members are responding to their party’s shift from a

Liberals’ shift from progressive to right of centre a ‘reflection of where people are today,’ say some Grit MPs

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 21, 2025
  • The national Liberal caucus retreat in September will offer a clearer picture of how caucus members are responding to their party’s shift from a
Prime Minister Mark Carney at a May 25 caucus meeting on the Hill. 'Everyone is progressive until they can't pay the bills,' one Liberal MP said regarding the party’s recent shift from left to right-of-centre, proof of its flexibility which has made it one of the world’s most successful political parties. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative MP Khanna mobilizing support for Poilievre’s upcoming leadership review, say Conservative sources

  • The Conservative ‘movement is bigger, stronger and more energized than ever’ under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, says Conservative MP Arpan Khanna.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 14, 2025
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, pictured with his wife Anaida Poilievre on April 28 in Ottawa, is set to face a mandatory leadership review at the Calgary convention in January, as required by the party constitution following an electoral defeat. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Conservative MP Khanna mobilizing support for Poilievre’s upcoming leadership review, say Conservative sources

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 14, 2025
  • The Conservative ‘movement is bigger, stronger and more energized than ever’ under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, says Conservative MP Arpan Khanna.

Conservative MP Khanna mobilizing support for Poilievre’s upcoming leadership review, say Conservative sources

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 14, 2025
  • The Conservative ‘movement is bigger, stronger and more energized than ever’ under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, says Conservative MP Arpan Khanna.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, pictured with his wife Anaida Poilievre on April 28 in Ottawa, is set to face a mandatory leadership review at the Calgary convention in January, as required by the party constitution following an electoral defeat. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

As Ontario Liberal Leader Crombie faces review, Liberal MP Erskine-Smith opens door for ‘renewal’ in provincial leadership: email

  • Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader, but would leave it up to party delegates to vote
News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | July 10, 2025
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

As Ontario Liberal Leader Crombie faces review, Liberal MP Erskine-Smith opens door for ‘renewal’ in provincial leadership: email

News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | July 10, 2025
  • Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader, but would leave it up to party delegates to vote

As Ontario Liberal Leader Crombie faces review, Liberal MP Erskine-Smith opens door for ‘renewal’ in provincial leadership: email

News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | July 10, 2025
  • Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader, but would leave it up to party delegates to vote
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Chants of ‘shame’ erupt at Conservative AGM in GTA after organizer ‘unfairly’ disqualifies a slate of 30 candidates

  • Multiple Conservative EDA members in Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont., want the party’s national council to annul the results of the June 25 AGM after they
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
Between 80 and 90 Conservative riding association members for Mississauga–Erin Mills, Ont., attended the June 25 annual general meeting. Many party members chanted 'shame, shame, shame' after a GTA regional organizer disqualified a slate of 30 candidates from running for the riding's board of directors. Photograph supplied by a Conservative Party member

Chants of ‘shame’ erupt at Conservative AGM in GTA after organizer ‘unfairly’ disqualifies a slate of 30 candidates

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
  • Multiple Conservative EDA members in Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont., want the party’s national council to annul the results of the June 25 AGM after they

Chants of ‘shame’ erupt at Conservative AGM in GTA after organizer ‘unfairly’ disqualifies a slate of 30 candidates

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
  • Multiple Conservative EDA members in Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont., want the party’s national council to annul the results of the June 25 AGM after they
Between 80 and 90 Conservative riding association members for Mississauga–Erin Mills, Ont., attended the June 25 annual general meeting. Many party members chanted 'shame, shame, shame' after a GTA regional organizer disqualified a slate of 30 candidates from running for the riding's board of directors. Photograph supplied by a Conservative Party member

Carney Liberals missed winning majority by only 60 votes despite 19.5-million votes cast in last election, say pollsters

  • The April 28 election proved yet again why ground game is critical in the outcome of every election, says pollster Nik Nanos.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
Just 60 more votes in three ridings—out of the 19.5 million cast in the last election—could have delivered a majority for Mark Carney's Liberals, says pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney Liberals missed winning majority by only 60 votes despite 19.5-million votes cast in last election, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
  • The April 28 election proved yet again why ground game is critical in the outcome of every election, says pollster Nik Nanos.

Carney Liberals missed winning majority by only 60 votes despite 19.5-million votes cast in last election, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
  • The April 28 election proved yet again why ground game is critical in the outcome of every election, says pollster Nik Nanos.
Just 60 more votes in three ridings—out of the 19.5 million cast in the last election—could have delivered a majority for Mark Carney's Liberals, says pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Frustrated with party’s nominations process, former Alberta Conservative national councillor mulls comeback: ‘the worst I saw was in Calgary Skyview’

  • The national council has reduced itself to a mere ‘housekeeping’ role and has allowed itself to be ‘bullied’ by senior party and campaign officials.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 30, 2025
Pierre Poilievre will have his leadership reviewed at the Conservative Party's biennial policy convention in Calgary, Alta., between Jan. 29-31, 2026. The party will also elect new 20 national councillors at the event. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Frustrated with party’s nominations process, former Alberta Conservative national councillor mulls comeback: ‘the worst I saw was in Calgary Skyview’

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 30, 2025
  • The national council has reduced itself to a mere ‘housekeeping’ role and has allowed itself to be ‘bullied’ by senior party and campaign officials.

Frustrated with party’s nominations process, former Alberta Conservative national councillor mulls comeback: ‘the worst I saw was in Calgary Skyview’

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 30, 2025
  • The national council has reduced itself to a mere ‘housekeeping’ role and has allowed itself to be ‘bullied’ by senior party and campaign officials.
Pierre Poilievre will have his leadership reviewed at the Conservative Party's biennial policy convention in Calgary, Alta., between Jan. 29-31, 2026. The party will also elect new 20 national councillors at the event. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians like what they hear so far on affordability and U.S. trade war, but Carney will have to deliver results soon, say pollsters

  • The coming six months will be critical for Prime Minister Mark Carney, and for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to regain lost political ground, says
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 29, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, has had a strong start during the post-election honeymoon period, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party need to do some soul-searching about how they can take themselves to the next level. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians like what they hear so far on affordability and U.S. trade war, but Carney will have to deliver results soon, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 29, 2025
  • The coming six months will be critical for Prime Minister Mark Carney, and for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to regain lost political ground, says

Canadians like what they hear so far on affordability and U.S. trade war, but Carney will have to deliver results soon, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 29, 2025
  • The coming six months will be critical for Prime Minister Mark Carney, and for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to regain lost political ground, says
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, has had a strong start during the post-election honeymoon period, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party need to do some soul-searching about how they can take themselves to the next level. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Very, very unhappy’ with his party’s handling of nominations, former Conservative Senate leader Plett not ruling out running for national council

  • The Conservative Party’s national council has internally established an ad hoc committee to review party nomination rules for the next election cycle, say Conservative
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 23, 2025
Former Conservative Senate leader and past party president Don Plett, pictured on the Hill on May 7, 2025, is not ruling out a potential run for national council at the January biennial policy convention in Calgary. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

‘Very, very unhappy’ with his party’s handling of nominations, former Conservative Senate leader Plett not ruling out running for national council

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 23, 2025
  • The Conservative Party’s national council has internally established an ad hoc committee to review party nomination rules for the next election cycle, say Conservative

‘Very, very unhappy’ with his party’s handling of nominations, former Conservative Senate leader Plett not ruling out running for national council

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 23, 2025
  • The Conservative Party’s national council has internally established an ad hoc committee to review party nomination rules for the next election cycle, say Conservative
Former Conservative Senate leader and past party president Don Plett, pictured on the Hill on May 7, 2025, is not ruling out a potential run for national council at the January biennial policy convention in Calgary. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Conservative campaign director Jenni Byrne’s absence from first national council meeting following election loss raises some eyebrows

  • Jenni Byrne, the Conservative campaign director under fire within the party over its April 28 election loss, has been representing the leader at national
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 17, 2025
Conservative campaign director Jenni Byrne, pictured on the Hill on May 11, 2023, has been representing leader Pierre Poilievre at national council meetings since 2022, but did not attend the June 4 meeting. She told The Hill Times that her absence was due to a prior commitment, and confirmed she will attend the next one. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative campaign director Jenni Byrne’s absence from first national council meeting following election loss raises some eyebrows

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 17, 2025
  • Jenni Byrne, the Conservative campaign director under fire within the party over its April 28 election loss, has been representing the leader at national

Conservative campaign director Jenni Byrne’s absence from first national council meeting following election loss raises some eyebrows

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 17, 2025
  • Jenni Byrne, the Conservative campaign director under fire within the party over its April 28 election loss, has been representing the leader at national
Conservative campaign director Jenni Byrne, pictured on the Hill on May 11, 2023, has been representing leader Pierre Poilievre at national council meetings since 2022, but did not attend the June 4 meeting. She told The Hill Times that her absence was due to a prior commitment, and confirmed she will attend the next one. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

With three top players in Carney government lacking political experience, caucus feedback critical to show ‘human side’ of politics, say experts

  • Mark Carney, Marc-André Blanchard, and Michael Sabia have extensive public service experience which will prove to be an asset in delivering on the government’s
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 16, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney should use the national Liberal caucus as a sounding board before introducing any policy or legislation to better gauge how Canadians might respond, says Donald Savoie, one of the country's leading experts on government machinery. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

With three top players in Carney government lacking political experience, caucus feedback critical to show ‘human side’ of politics, say experts

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 16, 2025
  • Mark Carney, Marc-André Blanchard, and Michael Sabia have extensive public service experience which will prove to be an asset in delivering on the government’s

With three top players in Carney government lacking political experience, caucus feedback critical to show ‘human side’ of politics, say experts

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 16, 2025
  • Mark Carney, Marc-André Blanchard, and Michael Sabia have extensive public service experience which will prove to be an asset in delivering on the government’s
Prime Minister Mark Carney should use the national Liberal caucus as a sounding board before introducing any policy or legislation to better gauge how Canadians might respond, says Donald Savoie, one of the country's leading experts on government machinery. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre is reaching out to unsuccessful candidates for feedback, say Conservatives: ‘he’s doing a post-mortem himself’

  • The Conservative campaign team ‘missed the moment’ rather than rising to meet it—ultimately losing the 2025 election, says an unsuccessful Conservative candidate.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 16, 2025
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured June 10 on the Hill, has been reaching out to candidates of record from the last election to get their feedback on why the party fell short, and to find out whether they are planning to run in the next campaign, say Conservatives. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre is reaching out to unsuccessful candidates for feedback, say Conservatives: ‘he’s doing a post-mortem himself’

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 16, 2025
  • The Conservative campaign team ‘missed the moment’ rather than rising to meet it—ultimately losing the 2025 election, says an unsuccessful Conservative candidate.

Poilievre is reaching out to unsuccessful candidates for feedback, say Conservatives: ‘he’s doing a post-mortem himself’

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 16, 2025
  • The Conservative campaign team ‘missed the moment’ rather than rising to meet it—ultimately losing the 2025 election, says an unsuccessful Conservative candidate.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured June 10 on the Hill, has been reaching out to candidates of record from the last election to get their feedback on why the party fell short, and to find out whether they are planning to run in the next campaign, say Conservatives. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

PMO staffers no longer allowed inside national Liberal caucus meetings, say Liberal MPs: ‘that’s how it should be’

  • Former prime minister Justin Trudeau allowed PMO staffers in the room, but that is no longer the case under Mark Carney, whom MPs say
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 9, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured addressing the national Liberal caucus on May 25. With no staffers in the mix, MPs 'get to speak to the leader, and that's how it should be,' says longtime Liberal MP Hedy Fry. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

PMO staffers no longer allowed inside national Liberal caucus meetings, say Liberal MPs: ‘that’s how it should be’

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 9, 2025
  • Former prime minister Justin Trudeau allowed PMO staffers in the room, but that is no longer the case under Mark Carney, whom MPs say

PMO staffers no longer allowed inside national Liberal caucus meetings, say Liberal MPs: ‘that’s how it should be’

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 9, 2025
  • Former prime minister Justin Trudeau allowed PMO staffers in the room, but that is no longer the case under Mark Carney, whom MPs say
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured addressing the national Liberal caucus on May 25. With no staffers in the mix, MPs 'get to speak to the leader, and that's how it should be,' says longtime Liberal MP Hedy Fry. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Some shut-out Conservative candidates plan to press national councillors over 2025 nominations at upcoming convention

  • The Conservative Party's national council is scheduled to meet on June 14 for its quarterly meeting, where it will decide, among other issues, the
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 9, 2025
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Parliament Hill on May 28, will face a mandatory leadership review at the next policy convention. The party’s 20-member national council is expected to firm up the date and location of the convention at its scheduled June 14 meeting in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Some shut-out Conservative candidates plan to press national councillors over 2025 nominations at upcoming convention

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 9, 2025
  • The Conservative Party's national council is scheduled to meet on June 14 for its quarterly meeting, where it will decide, among other issues, the

Some shut-out Conservative candidates plan to press national councillors over 2025 nominations at upcoming convention

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 9, 2025
  • The Conservative Party's national council is scheduled to meet on June 14 for its quarterly meeting, where it will decide, among other issues, the
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Parliament Hill on May 28, will face a mandatory leadership review at the next policy convention. The party’s 20-member national council is expected to firm up the date and location of the convention at its scheduled June 14 meeting in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s success hinges on effective caucus management, but he has struggled so far, say some Liberal MPs

  • At last week’s national caucus meeting, staffers were barred from attending, and Liberal MPs discussed ways to improve the structure of future weekly meetings,
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 2, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney at the May 25 national caucus meeting on Parliament Hill. At last week’s national caucus meeting—held without any staffers—Liberal MPs discussed how to improve the structure of weekly meetings, Liberal sources told The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s success hinges on effective caucus management, but he has struggled so far, say some Liberal MPs

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 2, 2025
  • At last week’s national caucus meeting, staffers were barred from attending, and Liberal MPs discussed ways to improve the structure of future weekly meetings,

Carney’s success hinges on effective caucus management, but he has struggled so far, say some Liberal MPs

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 2, 2025
  • At last week’s national caucus meeting, staffers were barred from attending, and Liberal MPs discussed ways to improve the structure of future weekly meetings,
Prime Minister Mark Carney at the May 25 national caucus meeting on Parliament Hill. At last week’s national caucus meeting—held without any staffers—Liberal MPs discussed how to improve the structure of weekly meetings, Liberal sources told The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

To advance House business, Carney’s Liberals may bypass Bloc in the Commons, but not in committees, says Bloc House Leader Normandin

  • The governing Liberals want to work with both the Conservatives and the Bloc in committees, say Liberal MPs Judy Sgro and Kevin Lamoureux.
News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 1, 2025
Holding the balance of power in House committees, the Bloc Québécois plans to use its parliamentary leverage to promote Quebec’s interests, says Bloc House Leader Christine Normandin. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

To advance House business, Carney’s Liberals may bypass Bloc in the Commons, but not in committees, says Bloc House Leader Normandin

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 1, 2025
  • The governing Liberals want to work with both the Conservatives and the Bloc in committees, say Liberal MPs Judy Sgro and Kevin Lamoureux.

To advance House business, Carney’s Liberals may bypass Bloc in the Commons, but not in committees, says Bloc House Leader Normandin

News | BY ABBAS RANA | June 1, 2025
  • The governing Liberals want to work with both the Conservatives and the Bloc in committees, say Liberal MPs Judy Sgro and Kevin Lamoureux.
Holding the balance of power in House committees, the Bloc Québécois plans to use its parliamentary leverage to promote Quebec’s interests, says Bloc House Leader Christine Normandin. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Top 10 most influential Conservatives in federal politics

  • Jenni Byrne, the former Conservative campaign director and a close confidante of Pierre Poilievre, is facing criticism for the party’s failure to win the
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2025
Even though the Conservatives lost the April 28 federal election, Pierre Poilievre, pictured right with his wife Anaida Poilievre, still appears to maintain strong control over his party. Leading up to the election, most political observers anticipated a Liberal majority, yet the Conservatives managed to hold them to a minority. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Top 10 most influential Conservatives in federal politics

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2025
  • Jenni Byrne, the former Conservative campaign director and a close confidante of Pierre Poilievre, is facing criticism for the party’s failure to win the

Top 10 most influential Conservatives in federal politics

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2025
  • Jenni Byrne, the former Conservative campaign director and a close confidante of Pierre Poilievre, is facing criticism for the party’s failure to win the
Even though the Conservatives lost the April 28 federal election, Pierre Poilievre, pictured right with his wife Anaida Poilievre, still appears to maintain strong control over his party. Leading up to the election, most political observers anticipated a Liberal majority, yet the Conservatives managed to hold them to a minority. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Top 10 most influential Liberals in Carney’s government

  • Gerald Butts and David Lametti hold no official roles in the Liberal government, but Prime Minister Mark Carney informally seeks their advice on key
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, is the most influential figure in the new Liberal government. His leadership will be judged largely by how effectively he tackles the two issues foremost on Canadians’ minds: Canada-U.S. trade relations and the rising cost of living. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Top 10 most influential Liberals in Carney’s government

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2025
  • Gerald Butts and David Lametti hold no official roles in the Liberal government, but Prime Minister Mark Carney informally seeks their advice on key

Top 10 most influential Liberals in Carney’s government

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2025
  • Gerald Butts and David Lametti hold no official roles in the Liberal government, but Prime Minister Mark Carney informally seeks their advice on key
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, is the most influential figure in the new Liberal government. His leadership will be judged largely by how effectively he tackles the two issues foremost on Canadians’ minds: Canada-U.S. trade relations and the rising cost of living. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

At least seven Liberal and Conservative MPs running for coveted House Speaker’s post

  • The new Speaker of the House will receive a total salary of $309,700, manage an office budget of $1.4-million, receive extra perks, and oversees
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 22, 2025
Liberal MPs Greg Fergus, top left, Rob Oliphant, Sean Casey, Sherry Romanado, Francis Scarpaleggia, above left, and Conservative MPs Chris d'Entremont, above centre, and Tom Kmiec are seeking the House Speaker’s position that comes with a salary of $309,000, a chauffeur driven car, an official residence, and a private apartment in the West Block. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia, Stuart Benson and photographs courtesy of House of Commons, Liberal Party of Canada and Tom Kmiec

At least seven Liberal and Conservative MPs running for coveted House Speaker’s post

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 22, 2025
  • The new Speaker of the House will receive a total salary of $309,700, manage an office budget of $1.4-million, receive extra perks, and oversees

At least seven Liberal and Conservative MPs running for coveted House Speaker’s post

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 22, 2025
  • The new Speaker of the House will receive a total salary of $309,700, manage an office budget of $1.4-million, receive extra perks, and oversees
Liberal MPs Greg Fergus, top left, Rob Oliphant, Sean Casey, Sherry Romanado, Francis Scarpaleggia, above left, and Conservative MPs Chris d'Entremont, above centre, and Tom Kmiec are seeking the House Speaker’s position that comes with a salary of $309,000, a chauffeur driven car, an official residence, and a private apartment in the West Block. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia, Stuart Benson and photographs courtesy of House of Commons, Liberal Party of Canada and Tom Kmiec

‘Battleground’ Peel region emerges a winner in new Carney cabinet with four ministers

  • Mark Carney’s new cabinet has a combination of old and new faces, but key portfolios remain in the hands of seasoned veterans. The real
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 19, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his 38-member senior team on May 13. Of the 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, 24 are new to such top jobs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Battleground’ Peel region emerges a winner in new Carney cabinet with four ministers

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 19, 2025
  • Mark Carney’s new cabinet has a combination of old and new faces, but key portfolios remain in the hands of seasoned veterans. The real

‘Battleground’ Peel region emerges a winner in new Carney cabinet with four ministers

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 19, 2025
  • Mark Carney’s new cabinet has a combination of old and new faces, but key portfolios remain in the hands of seasoned veterans. The real
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his 38-member senior team on May 13. Of the 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, 24 are new to such top jobs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

To limit critics’ time to organize against Poilievre, some senior Conservatives explore moving convention to this fall

  • To limit the time Pierre Poilievre’s critics have to organize ahead of his leadership review by party rank-and-file members and to eliminate uncertainty, some
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 19, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, and his wife Anaida Poilievre, pictured April 28, 2025, on election night. Some senior Tories are internally discussing the possibility of moving their policy convention up to this fall, Conservative sources told The Hill Times. Poilievre will face a mandatory review at the convention. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

To limit critics’ time to organize against Poilievre, some senior Conservatives explore moving convention to this fall

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 19, 2025
  • To limit the time Pierre Poilievre’s critics have to organize ahead of his leadership review by party rank-and-file members and to eliminate uncertainty, some

To limit critics’ time to organize against Poilievre, some senior Conservatives explore moving convention to this fall

News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 19, 2025
  • To limit the time Pierre Poilievre’s critics have to organize ahead of his leadership review by party rank-and-file members and to eliminate uncertainty, some
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, and his wife Anaida Poilievre, pictured April 28, 2025, on election night. Some senior Tories are internally discussing the possibility of moving their policy convention up to this fall, Conservative sources told The Hill Times. Poilievre will face a mandatory review at the convention. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
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Incumbent Conservative MPs to be shielded from nomination challenges if they raise $15,000, donate $3,350 to the party, Tory sources say

  • The federal Conservatives plan to protect all 119 incumbent MPs from nomination challenges before the next election if they raise $15,000 for their riding
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 23, 2022
The Conservative caucus meeting held in December 2019. The national council finalized the nomination rules for incumbent Conservative MPs at its quarterly meeting in Montreal this weekend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Incumbent Conservative MPs to be shielded from nomination challenges if they raise $15,000, donate $3,350 to the party, Tory sources say

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 23, 2022
  • The federal Conservatives plan to protect all 119 incumbent MPs from nomination challenges before the next election if they raise $15,000 for their riding

Incumbent Conservative MPs to be shielded from nomination challenges if they raise $15,000, donate $3,350 to the party, Tory sources say

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 23, 2022
  • The federal Conservatives plan to protect all 119 incumbent MPs from nomination challenges before the next election if they raise $15,000 for their riding
The Conservative caucus meeting held in December 2019. The national council finalized the nomination rules for incumbent Conservative MPs at its quarterly meeting in Montreal this weekend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Lack of leadership to unite Canadians could bring in American-style divisive politics in Canada, warn political insiders

  • The lack of leadership at the federal level to unite Canadian could bring in American-style divisive politics in the country which means politics will
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 21, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Parliament Hill in Feb. 24, 2022. Political insiders say they don't see any federal party leader on the horizon at this time who can bring the country together. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Lack of leadership to unite Canadians could bring in American-style divisive politics in Canada, warn political insiders

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 21, 2022
  • The lack of leadership at the federal level to unite Canadian could bring in American-style divisive politics in the country which means politics will

Lack of leadership to unite Canadians could bring in American-style divisive politics in Canada, warn political insiders

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 21, 2022
  • The lack of leadership at the federal level to unite Canadian could bring in American-style divisive politics in the country which means politics will
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Parliament Hill in Feb. 24, 2022. Political insiders say they don't see any federal party leader on the horizon at this time who can bring the country together. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre and Brown ‘playing with dynamite’ in divisive Conservative leadership election, say politicos

  • The division in the Conservative leadership campaign, already on display, will make it a serious challenge for the eventual winner to bring the party
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 21, 2022
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, top left, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis, above left, Independent Ontario MPP Roman Baber, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Saskatchewan businessman Joseph Bourgault have announced their candidacies for the leadership of the Conservative Party. The Hill Times file photographs and courtesy of House of Commons and YouTube

Poilievre and Brown ‘playing with dynamite’ in divisive Conservative leadership election, say politicos

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 21, 2022
  • The division in the Conservative leadership campaign, already on display, will make it a serious challenge for the eventual winner to bring the party

Poilievre and Brown ‘playing with dynamite’ in divisive Conservative leadership election, say politicos

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 21, 2022
  • The division in the Conservative leadership campaign, already on display, will make it a serious challenge for the eventual winner to bring the party
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, top left, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis, above left, Independent Ontario MPP Roman Baber, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Saskatchewan businessman Joseph Bourgault have announced their candidacies for the leadership of the Conservative Party. The Hill Times file photographs and courtesy of House of Commons and YouTube

New Tory leader needs to prioritize GTA region in next election to win, say former Conservative candidates

  • If the Conservatives want to form government after the next federal election, they will have to treat the 57 GTA ridings as a priority,
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
Past Conservative leaders including Erin O'Toole, centre, and Andrew Scheer, right, have treated the GTA region as a 'lost cause' say Conservative candidates of record. The party is currently led by Candice Bergen, left. The new leader will be announced on Sept. 10. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

New Tory leader needs to prioritize GTA region in next election to win, say former Conservative candidates

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
  • If the Conservatives want to form government after the next federal election, they will have to treat the 57 GTA ridings as a priority,

New Tory leader needs to prioritize GTA region in next election to win, say former Conservative candidates

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
  • If the Conservatives want to form government after the next federal election, they will have to treat the 57 GTA ridings as a priority,
Past Conservative leaders including Erin O'Toole, centre, and Andrew Scheer, right, have treated the GTA region as a 'lost cause' say Conservative candidates of record. The party is currently led by Candice Bergen, left. The new leader will be announced on Sept. 10. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Conservatives to finalize nomination rules for incumbent MPs before leadership election to avoid political pressure to support any one leadership candidate, say Tories 

  • The Conservative Party’s national council will finalize the nomination rules for 119 ridings represented by its MPs before the election of the new leader
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen, pictured Feb. 2, 2022, on the Hill. The national council of the Conservative Party has been deliberating on what the nomination rules should be since November, says party president Robert Batherson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives to finalize nomination rules for incumbent MPs before leadership election to avoid political pressure to support any one leadership candidate, say Tories 

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
  • The Conservative Party’s national council will finalize the nomination rules for 119 ridings represented by its MPs before the election of the new leader

Conservatives to finalize nomination rules for incumbent MPs before leadership election to avoid political pressure to support any one leadership candidate, say Tories 

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
  • The Conservative Party’s national council will finalize the nomination rules for 119 ridings represented by its MPs before the election of the new leader
Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen, pictured Feb. 2, 2022, on the Hill. The national council of the Conservative Party has been deliberating on what the nomination rules should be since November, says party president Robert Batherson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Charest campaign yet again denies Harper is against former Quebec premier’s leadership campaign bid

  • Media reports continue to suggest that Stephen Harper will oppose Jean Charest’s Conservative leadership election bid, but a senior strategist for the former Quebec
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest officially launched his leadership election campaign in Calgary, last week. The contest will conclude on Sept. 10 with the announcement of the winner. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Charest campaign yet again denies Harper is against former Quebec premier’s leadership campaign bid

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
  • Media reports continue to suggest that Stephen Harper will oppose Jean Charest’s Conservative leadership election bid, but a senior strategist for the former Quebec

Charest campaign yet again denies Harper is against former Quebec premier’s leadership campaign bid

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 14, 2022
  • Media reports continue to suggest that Stephen Harper will oppose Jean Charest’s Conservative leadership election bid, but a senior strategist for the former Quebec
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest officially launched his leadership election campaign in Calgary, last week. The contest will conclude on Sept. 10 with the announcement of the winner. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives say next federal election will be a ‘change election,’ amping up stakes and division in current leadership contest

  • Conservatives say they expect their next party leader to most likely be the next prime minister of Canada, which is why the leadership race,
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 7, 2022
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, left, declared his intention to run for the Conservative leadership last month. Former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, former cabinet minister Peter MacKay and columnist Tasha Kheiriddin are also said to be planning on throwing their hats into the ring. Charest met about 40 Conservative MPs and Senators in Ottawa last week at the Chateau Laurier Hotel. The Hill Times file photographs and courtesy of Twitter

Conservatives say next federal election will be a ‘change election,’ amping up stakes and division in current leadership contest

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 7, 2022
  • Conservatives say they expect their next party leader to most likely be the next prime minister of Canada, which is why the leadership race,

Conservatives say next federal election will be a ‘change election,’ amping up stakes and division in current leadership contest

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 7, 2022
  • Conservatives say they expect their next party leader to most likely be the next prime minister of Canada, which is why the leadership race,
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, left, declared his intention to run for the Conservative leadership last month. Former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, former cabinet minister Peter MacKay and columnist Tasha Kheiriddin are also said to be planning on throwing their hats into the ring. Charest met about 40 Conservative MPs and Senators in Ottawa last week at the Chateau Laurier Hotel. The Hill Times file photographs and courtesy of Twitter

Russia-Ukraine conflict changing the channel for Trudeau but PM’s brand damaged by trucker protest, say pollsters

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed the channel, but it’s unclear if he will be able to repair the
News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 7, 2022
Justin Trudeau has been looking prime ministerial and above the fray in his response to the Russia invasion of Ukraine, say pollsters, but his poor handling of the trucker protest has damaged his personal brand. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Russia-Ukraine conflict changing the channel for Trudeau but PM’s brand damaged by trucker protest, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 7, 2022
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed the channel, but it’s unclear if he will be able to repair the

Russia-Ukraine conflict changing the channel for Trudeau but PM’s brand damaged by trucker protest, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | March 7, 2022
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed the channel, but it’s unclear if he will be able to repair the
Justin Trudeau has been looking prime ministerial and above the fray in his response to the Russia invasion of Ukraine, say pollsters, but his poor handling of the trucker protest has damaged his personal brand. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Charest won’t be intimidated by ‘spin’ that Harper’s opposed to his potential leadership bid, says top strategist Coates

  • Some Conservative sources telling reporters that Stephen Harper is against Jean Charest’s potential candidacy for the Conservative Party’s top job is “spin” and a
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 28, 2022
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest is widely expected to run for the Conservative party's leadership. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade

Charest won’t be intimidated by ‘spin’ that Harper’s opposed to his potential leadership bid, says top strategist Coates

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 28, 2022
  • Some Conservative sources telling reporters that Stephen Harper is against Jean Charest’s potential candidacy for the Conservative Party’s top job is “spin” and a

Charest won’t be intimidated by ‘spin’ that Harper’s opposed to his potential leadership bid, says top strategist Coates

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 28, 2022
  • Some Conservative sources telling reporters that Stephen Harper is against Jean Charest’s potential candidacy for the Conservative Party’s top job is “spin” and a
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest is widely expected to run for the Conservative party's leadership. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade

‘This could be a real housecleaner’: O’Toole, Sloly, Deans down, more high-profile officials may become political casualties of trucker protest, say political insiders

  • The ongoing trucker protest that has so far taken down three high-profile officials in the nation’s capital, could cause more political casualties of prominent
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 21, 2022
Former Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole, former chair of Police Services Board Dian Deans and former Ottawa Police chief Peter Sloly have become the casualties of the Ottawa trucker protest. Political insiders say more high-profile officials may have to step down from their positions as a result of the fallout of this blockade. The Hill Times file photograph and courtesy of Twitter

‘This could be a real housecleaner’: O’Toole, Sloly, Deans down, more high-profile officials may become political casualties of trucker protest, say political insiders

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 21, 2022
  • The ongoing trucker protest that has so far taken down three high-profile officials in the nation’s capital, could cause more political casualties of prominent

‘This could be a real housecleaner’: O’Toole, Sloly, Deans down, more high-profile officials may become political casualties of trucker protest, say political insiders

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 21, 2022
  • The ongoing trucker protest that has so far taken down three high-profile officials in the nation’s capital, could cause more political casualties of prominent
Former Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole, former chair of Police Services Board Dian Deans and former Ottawa Police chief Peter Sloly have become the casualties of the Ottawa trucker protest. Political insiders say more high-profile officials may have to step down from their positions as a result of the fallout of this blockade. The Hill Times file photograph and courtesy of Twitter

Aligning with protesters like catching a ‘tiger by the tail,’ it could backfire on Conservatives, say politicos

  • Some Conservative MPs’ embrace of the convoy is a risky strategy that might help the party harness the populist wave now, but could backfire
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 21, 2022
Since becoming the interim Conservative party leader, Candice Bergen has called on Freedom Convoy protesters to end the blockade and go back home. Before that, Bergen was one of the most high-profile Conservative caucus supporters of the protest. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

Aligning with protesters like catching a ‘tiger by the tail,’ it could backfire on Conservatives, say politicos

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 21, 2022
  • Some Conservative MPs’ embrace of the convoy is a risky strategy that might help the party harness the populist wave now, but could backfire

Aligning with protesters like catching a ‘tiger by the tail,’ it could backfire on Conservatives, say politicos

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 21, 2022
  • Some Conservative MPs’ embrace of the convoy is a risky strategy that might help the party harness the populist wave now, but could backfire
Since becoming the interim Conservative party leader, Candice Bergen has called on Freedom Convoy protesters to end the blockade and go back home. Before that, Bergen was one of the most high-profile Conservative caucus supporters of the protest. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

‘The government is clearly being hurt by this’: Trudeau government criticized for its handling of Ottawa occupation 

  • Justin Trudeau’s handling of the occupation of Ottawa, combined with his own caucus members’ public criticism of their government’s more recent approach on the
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 14, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Feb. 11, 2022, at his presser on the Hill, is facing criticism from both within and outside the caucus for his handling of the pandemic and the ongoing blockades in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

‘The government is clearly being hurt by this’: Trudeau government criticized for its handling of Ottawa occupation 

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 14, 2022
  • Justin Trudeau’s handling of the occupation of Ottawa, combined with his own caucus members’ public criticism of their government’s more recent approach on the

‘The government is clearly being hurt by this’: Trudeau government criticized for its handling of Ottawa occupation 

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 14, 2022
  • Justin Trudeau’s handling of the occupation of Ottawa, combined with his own caucus members’ public criticism of their government’s more recent approach on the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Feb. 11, 2022, at his presser on the Hill, is facing criticism from both within and outside the caucus for his handling of the pandemic and the ongoing blockades in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Quebec Liberal MP Robillard also breaks ranks, questions Trudeau government’s handling of pandemic, sides with Lightbound

  • A three-term Quebec Liberal MP is raising questions about the Justin Trudeau’s handling of the pandemic and says he agrees with fellow Quebec Liberal
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 9, 2022
Quebec Liberal MP Yves Robillard, pictured in this file photo on the Hill, said he is unhappy with his own government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he agrees with everything that his caucus colleague Joël Lightbound said yesterday at a press conference. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

Quebec Liberal MP Robillard also breaks ranks, questions Trudeau government’s handling of pandemic, sides with Lightbound

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 9, 2022
  • A three-term Quebec Liberal MP is raising questions about the Justin Trudeau’s handling of the pandemic and says he agrees with fellow Quebec Liberal

Quebec Liberal MP Robillard also breaks ranks, questions Trudeau government’s handling of pandemic, sides with Lightbound

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 9, 2022
  • A three-term Quebec Liberal MP is raising questions about the Justin Trudeau’s handling of the pandemic and says he agrees with fellow Quebec Liberal
Quebec Liberal MP Yves Robillard, pictured in this file photo on the Hill, said he is unhappy with his own government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he agrees with everything that his caucus colleague Joël Lightbound said yesterday at a press conference. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

Tory leadership race should end before July, say Poilievre campaign supporters, unfazed by convoy backing

  • Supporters of Conservative Party leadership election front-runner—and the sole declared candidate so far—Pierre Poilievre say the contest should be concluded before July to give
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 9, 2022
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, now running for leadership of the Conservative Party, has been a public supporter of the 'Freedom Convoy,' seen here offering doughnuts to a participant. But the support Poilievre and some of his caucus colleagues have shown to the demonstration that has hamstrung the city of Ottawa, could be used against them in the next federal election, says former caucus member Sen. Dennis Patterson. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

Tory leadership race should end before July, say Poilievre campaign supporters, unfazed by convoy backing

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 9, 2022
  • Supporters of Conservative Party leadership election front-runner—and the sole declared candidate so far—Pierre Poilievre say the contest should be concluded before July to give

Tory leadership race should end before July, say Poilievre campaign supporters, unfazed by convoy backing

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 9, 2022
  • Supporters of Conservative Party leadership election front-runner—and the sole declared candidate so far—Pierre Poilievre say the contest should be concluded before July to give
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, now running for leadership of the Conservative Party, has been a public supporter of the 'Freedom Convoy,' seen here offering doughnuts to a participant. But the support Poilievre and some of his caucus colleagues have shown to the demonstration that has hamstrung the city of Ottawa, could be used against them in the next federal election, says former caucus member Sen. Dennis Patterson. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

Poilievre’s in, and Brown not ruling out running for federal Conservative leadership election

  • Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who also served as a federal MP and Ontario PC leader in the past, is not ruling out running for
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 7, 2022
Let's do this: After Erin O'Toole's ouster as party leader, some of the potential candidates who could seek the party's top job include: Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, top left, Conservative MPs Pierre Poilievre (announced on Feb. 5), Leslyn Lewis, Marilyn Gladu (who's endorsing Poilievre), Michelle Rempel Garner and Michael Chong. Former Conservative cabinet minister Peter MacKay, former Quebec premier Jean Charest, and former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall could also throw their hats into the ring. The Hill Times file photographs

Poilievre’s in, and Brown not ruling out running for federal Conservative leadership election

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 7, 2022
  • Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who also served as a federal MP and Ontario PC leader in the past, is not ruling out running for

Poilievre’s in, and Brown not ruling out running for federal Conservative leadership election

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 7, 2022
  • Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who also served as a federal MP and Ontario PC leader in the past, is not ruling out running for
Let's do this: After Erin O'Toole's ouster as party leader, some of the potential candidates who could seek the party's top job include: Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, top left, Conservative MPs Pierre Poilievre (announced on Feb. 5), Leslyn Lewis, Marilyn Gladu (who's endorsing Poilievre), Michelle Rempel Garner and Michael Chong. Former Conservative cabinet minister Peter MacKay, former Quebec premier Jean Charest, and former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall could also throw their hats into the ring. The Hill Times file photographs

Truckers’ protest reflects rise in ‘disruption politics,’ increasing polarization, say political insiders

  • The “Freedom Convoy,” which has paralyzed the nation’s capital for more than a week, could eventually be a political gift for Prime Minister Justin
News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 7, 2022
A Freedom Convoy organizer, pictured on Feb. 5, 2022, at the corner of Kent and Slater streets in downtown Ottawa. The so-called 'Freedom Convoy' could be a political gift for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, say some politicos, but others say Trudeau should do something now to put an end to the protest or this could potentially morph into a big problem for his government. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

Truckers’ protest reflects rise in ‘disruption politics,’ increasing polarization, say political insiders

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 7, 2022
  • The “Freedom Convoy,” which has paralyzed the nation’s capital for more than a week, could eventually be a political gift for Prime Minister Justin

Truckers’ protest reflects rise in ‘disruption politics,’ increasing polarization, say political insiders

News | BY ABBAS RANA | February 7, 2022
  • The “Freedom Convoy,” which has paralyzed the nation’s capital for more than a week, could eventually be a political gift for Prime Minister Justin
A Freedom Convoy organizer, pictured on Feb. 5, 2022, at the corner of Kent and Slater streets in downtown Ottawa. The so-called 'Freedom Convoy' could be a political gift for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, say some politicos, but others say Trudeau should do something now to put an end to the protest or this could potentially morph into a big problem for his government. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

Winter House sitting will be like ‘political hunger games’ between O’Toole and Trudeau, say pollsters

  • With both the Conservatives and Liberals running neck and neck in public opinion polls and the NDP making significant gains, this winter House session
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 31, 2022
The House is back: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Party interim leader Amita Kuttner. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Winter House sitting will be like ‘political hunger games’ between O’Toole and Trudeau, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 31, 2022
  • With both the Conservatives and Liberals running neck and neck in public opinion polls and the NDP making significant gains, this winter House session

Winter House sitting will be like ‘political hunger games’ between O’Toole and Trudeau, say pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 31, 2022
  • With both the Conservatives and Liberals running neck and neck in public opinion polls and the NDP making significant gains, this winter House session
The House is back: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Party interim leader Amita Kuttner. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

No plans for O’Toole’s leadership review before August 2023, says Conservative Party president Rob Batherson

  • The Conservative Party has no plans to hold an early review of Erin O’Toole’s leadership even though four ridings have passed motions demanding one
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 31, 2022
As of deadline last week, four riding associations had informed the national council of the Conservative party that they want an early leadership review. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No plans for O’Toole’s leadership review before August 2023, says Conservative Party president Rob Batherson

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 31, 2022
  • The Conservative Party has no plans to hold an early review of Erin O’Toole’s leadership even though four ridings have passed motions demanding one

No plans for O’Toole’s leadership review before August 2023, says Conservative Party president Rob Batherson

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 31, 2022
  • The Conservative Party has no plans to hold an early review of Erin O’Toole’s leadership even though four ridings have passed motions demanding one
As of deadline last week, four riding associations had informed the national council of the Conservative party that they want an early leadership review. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberal leadership speculation a distraction, Trudeau should shut it down firmly, say Liberal MPs, political insiders, and pollsters

  • If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is definitely planning to lead his party in the next election, he should put an end to the speculation
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 24, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Jan. 12, 2022, on the Hill. Since the last federal election, Liberal staffers and MPs have been talking about the post-Justin Trudeau Liberal Party. Trudeau however has been saying consistently he has no plans to leave and will lead his party in the next election. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

Liberal leadership speculation a distraction, Trudeau should shut it down firmly, say Liberal MPs, political insiders, and pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 24, 2022
  • If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is definitely planning to lead his party in the next election, he should put an end to the speculation

Liberal leadership speculation a distraction, Trudeau should shut it down firmly, say Liberal MPs, political insiders, and pollsters

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 24, 2022
  • If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is definitely planning to lead his party in the next election, he should put an end to the speculation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Jan. 12, 2022, on the Hill. Since the last federal election, Liberal staffers and MPs have been talking about the post-Justin Trudeau Liberal Party. Trudeau however has been saying consistently he has no plans to leave and will lead his party in the next election. The Hill Times photograh by Andrew Meade

House sitting ‘make or break’ for O’Toole’s leadership, say Conservatives

  • Conservative MPs, former senior Tories, and political insiders view the upcoming House sitting to be a litmus test for Erin O’Toole’s leadership. If he
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 24, 2022
The winter sitting of Parliament will be critical for Erin O'Toole's future as party leader. If he survives until the summer recess in June, he will most likely be able to lead his party in the next election. 'Erin O’Toole is basically facing a rearguard opposition to his own leadership every day he shows up to work,' said pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

House sitting ‘make or break’ for O’Toole’s leadership, say Conservatives

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 24, 2022
  • Conservative MPs, former senior Tories, and political insiders view the upcoming House sitting to be a litmus test for Erin O’Toole’s leadership. If he

House sitting ‘make or break’ for O’Toole’s leadership, say Conservatives

News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 24, 2022
  • Conservative MPs, former senior Tories, and political insiders view the upcoming House sitting to be a litmus test for Erin O’Toole’s leadership. If he
The winter sitting of Parliament will be critical for Erin O'Toole's future as party leader. If he survives until the summer recess in June, he will most likely be able to lead his party in the next election. 'Erin O’Toole is basically facing a rearguard opposition to his own leadership every day he shows up to work,' said pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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