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Alex Marland

Peggy Nash knows a thing or two about the highs and lows of elections, so she wrote a book about it

FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
Then-NDP MP Peggy Nash, pictured in 2012 at a CPAC party in the West Block courtyard, with Peter Van Dusen, left, and then-Liberal MP John McCallum, right. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
Then-NDP MP Peggy Nash, pictured in 2012 at a CPAC party in the West Block courtyard, with Peter Van Dusen, left, and then-Liberal MP John McCallum, right. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
Then-NDP MP Peggy Nash, pictured in 2012 at a CPAC party in the West Block courtyard, with Peter Van Dusen, left, and then-Liberal MP John McCallum, right. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
Then-NDP MP Peggy Nash, pictured in 2012 at a CPAC party in the West Block courtyard, with Peter Van Dusen, left, and then-Liberal MP John McCallum, right. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Authors Bill Cross, Scott Pruysers, and Rob Currie-Wood tackle the core question: 'who, or what, is the political party in Canada?' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 19, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Authors Bill Cross, Scott Pruysers, and Rob Currie-Wood tackle the core question: 'who, or what, is the political party in Canada?' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 20, 2021
A must-read for anyone interested in the Senate is Constitutional Pariah: Reference re Senate Reform and the Future of Parliament (UBC Press), by Emmett Macfarlane. Grounded in the Supreme Court’s reference decision in 2014 about electing Senators and setting term limits, Constitutional Pariah branches into a detailed examination of the role of the Senate and the fallout of that landmark decision, writes Alex Marland. Image courtesy of Pixabay
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 20, 2021
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 20, 2021
A must-read for anyone interested in the Senate is Constitutional Pariah: Reference re Senate Reform and the Future of Parliament (UBC Press), by Emmett Macfarlane. Grounded in the Supreme Court’s reference decision in 2014 about electing Senators and setting term limits, Constitutional Pariah branches into a detailed examination of the role of the Senate and the fallout of that landmark decision, writes Alex Marland. Image courtesy of Pixabay
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 21, 2020
A sparse number of MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House of Commons for a meeting of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Lost on Division is a significant contribution to research about the Parliament of Canada and parliamentary parties. It is the only comprehensive study of Canadian MPs’ voting behaviour from Confederation to present day and offers a new way of tracing the evolution of party discipline. It makes a convincing argument that if MPs truly want more individual clout, they will need to band together to change the standing orders, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 21, 2020
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 21, 2020
A sparse number of MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House of Commons for a meeting of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Lost on Division is a significant contribution to research about the Parliament of Canada and parliamentary parties. It is the only comprehensive study of Canadian MPs’ voting behaviour from Confederation to present day and offers a new way of tracing the evolution of party discipline. It makes a convincing argument that if MPs truly want more individual clout, they will need to band together to change the standing orders, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | August 3, 2020
Provincial Battles, National Prize? Elections in a Federal State, by Laura B. Stephenson, Andrea Lawlor, William P. Cross, André Blais and Elisabeth Gidengil, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2019. Image courtesy McGill-Queen's University Presss
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | August 3, 2020
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | August 3, 2020
Provincial Battles, National Prize? Elections in a Federal State, by Laura B. Stephenson, Andrea Lawlor, William P. Cross, André Blais and Elisabeth Gidengil, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2019. Image courtesy McGill-Queen's University Presss
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 30, 2020
David Taras and Chris Waddell say the CBC 'must become smaller and more focused on delivering a narrower range of services.' To them, this means prioritizing high quality news and current affairs operations.
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 30, 2020
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 30, 2020
David Taras and Chris Waddell say the CBC 'must become smaller and more focused on delivering a narrower range of services.' To them, this means prioritizing high quality news and current affairs operations.
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 30, 2020
CBC Parliament Hill reporter Catherine Cullen, pictured on March 26, 2020. To be successful, a brand needs to connect emotionally with its audiences so that they prefer it over the alternatives, even when the alternatives otherwise better suit their needs, writes Alex Marland. Screen capture image courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 30, 2020
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 30, 2020
CBC Parliament Hill reporter Catherine Cullen, pictured on March 26, 2020. To be successful, a brand needs to connect emotionally with its audiences so that they prefer it over the alternatives, even when the alternatives otherwise better suit their needs, writes Alex Marland. Screen capture image courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 17, 2020
Independent Newfoundland and Labrador MHA Paul Lane, Independent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, and former MPs Jane Philpott and Ryan Cleary, pictured on Feb. 6, 2020, at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Photograph courtesy of Alex Marland
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 17, 2020
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 17, 2020
Independent Newfoundland and Labrador MHA Paul Lane, Independent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, and former MPs Jane Philpott and Ryan Cleary, pictured on Feb. 6, 2020, at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Photograph courtesy of Alex Marland
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | December 16, 2019
Canada's new Digital Minister Joyce Murray, pictured at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa. What happens when the risk-averse organizational culture of the Government of Canada confronts the freewheeling style of digital culture? A purposeful slow reaction, finds a new book on the topic, writes Alex Marland. But make no mistake, digital government is a much bigger entity than it was even a few years ago. For evidence, one need look only at how the Government of Canada has upended where its advertising dollars go, with an unequivocal preference for digital. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | December 16, 2019
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | December 16, 2019
Canada's new Digital Minister Joyce Murray, pictured at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa. What happens when the risk-averse organizational culture of the Government of Canada confronts the freewheeling style of digital culture? A purposeful slow reaction, finds a new book on the topic, writes Alex Marland. But make no mistake, digital government is a much bigger entity than it was even a few years ago. For evidence, one need look only at how the Government of Canada has upended where its advertising dollars go, with an unequivocal preference for digital. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 2, 2019
The late Jack Layton led the NDP to a party-record 103 seats and official opposition status in June of 2011. He died of cancer in August of that year. The Hill Times file photograph
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 2, 2019
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 2, 2019
The late Jack Layton led the NDP to a party-record 103 seats and official opposition status in June of 2011. He died of cancer in August of that year. The Hill Times file photograph
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | April 29, 2019
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured April 12, 2016, in a Hill scrum. When a former prime minister shares insights, it is a tremendous gift to the rest of us, including for students decades from now. Information that challenges journalistic accounts or the versions of other actors is especially welcome. The Hill Times file photograph
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | April 29, 2019
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | April 29, 2019
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured April 12, 2016, in a Hill scrum. When a former prime minister shares insights, it is a tremendous gift to the rest of us, including for students decades from now. Information that challenges journalistic accounts or the versions of other actors is especially welcome. The Hill Times file photograph
News | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 11, 2019
MPs pictured in the House on Dec. 12, 2018. Rob Walsh's book, On the House, is informative and enduring. It will be most appreciated by MPs and political staff who are interested in the nooks and crannies of how the House of Commons operates. Professors of Canadian politics might want to consider including it on their reading lists for graduate-level courses and recommending the book to their institution’s library, writes Alex Marland. Photograph courtesy of House of Commons
News | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 11, 2019
News | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 11, 2019
MPs pictured in the House on Dec. 12, 2018. Rob Walsh's book, On the House, is informative and enduring. It will be most appreciated by MPs and political staff who are interested in the nooks and crannies of how the House of Commons operates. Professors of Canadian politics might want to consider including it on their reading lists for graduate-level courses and recommending the book to their institution’s library, writes Alex Marland. Photograph courtesy of House of Commons
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 17, 2018
Robert Lewis is a former Ottawa correspondent and retired editor-in-chief of Maclean’s magazine. His book is a collection of stories about the careers of formidable members of the gallery. The profiles are buttressed by observations about a selection of former prime ministers. It is a biographical storytelling journey that recognizes the human dimensions of political reporting. Photo handout
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 17, 2018
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | December 17, 2018
Robert Lewis is a former Ottawa correspondent and retired editor-in-chief of Maclean’s magazine. His book is a collection of stories about the careers of formidable members of the gallery. The profiles are buttressed by observations about a selection of former prime ministers. It is a biographical storytelling journey that recognizes the human dimensions of political reporting. Photo handout
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 17, 2018
Noah Richler, former NDP candidate and author of The Candidate: Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail. Remember that roughly 90 per cent of the votes in your riding will be influenced by things beyond your control. The leader’s performance in the final weeks of the campaign is especially crucial, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 17, 2018
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | September 17, 2018
Noah Richler, former NDP candidate and author of The Candidate: Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail. Remember that roughly 90 per cent of the votes in your riding will be influenced by things beyond your control. The leader’s performance in the final weeks of the campaign is especially crucial, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | August 27, 2018
Former prime minister Kim Campbell successfully ran for the leadership of the then-governing Progressive Conservative Party in 1993. Ms. Campbell served as prime minister for five months after Brian Mulroney stepped down from the post following nine years in the office. The PCs were routed in the following election, losing all but two of their 169 seats, including Ms. Campbell's. The Hill Times file photograph
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | August 27, 2018
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | August 27, 2018
Former prime minister Kim Campbell successfully ran for the leadership of the then-governing Progressive Conservative Party in 1993. Ms. Campbell served as prime minister for five months after Brian Mulroney stepped down from the post following nine years in the office. The PCs were routed in the following election, losing all but two of their 169 seats, including Ms. Campbell's. The Hill Times file photograph
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | June 25, 2018
Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to former prime minister Stephen Harper, and author of the recently-released the Centre of Government: The Prime Minister and the Limits on Political Power. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | June 25, 2018
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | June 25, 2018
Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to former prime minister Stephen Harper, and author of the recently-released the Centre of Government: The Prime Minister and the Limits on Political Power. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 19, 2018
Liberal MPs Francesco Sorbara, Kyle Peterson, rear, Gudie Hutchings, and Wayne Easter. The Hill Times file photograph
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 19, 2018
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | March 19, 2018
Liberal MPs Francesco Sorbara, Kyle Peterson, rear, Gudie Hutchings, and Wayne Easter. The Hill Times file photograph
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 26, 2018
Helen Jones reminds us that being a whip is a thankless task. Dying in office is the only way to get public adulation, but she doesn’t recommend it and suspects that after a token minute of silence the party would be thinking about filling the seat. Wry quips and wit make reading How to be a Government Whip a delight, writes Alex Marland. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 26, 2018
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | February 26, 2018
Helen Jones reminds us that being a whip is a thankless task. Dying in office is the only way to get public adulation, but she doesn’t recommend it and suspects that after a token minute of silence the party would be thinking about filling the seat. Wry quips and wit make reading How to be a Government Whip a delight, writes Alex Marland. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | January 10, 2018
Author Alex Marland says the academics who wrote The Blueprint analyze Canadian conservatism with even-handedness. That’s no easy task, he says, given that academics were among many who had a visceral reaction to the politics of Stephen Harper, pictured. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | January 10, 2018
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | January 10, 2018
Author Alex Marland says the academics who wrote The Blueprint analyze Canadian conservatism with even-handedness. That’s no easy task, he says, given that academics were among many who had a visceral reaction to the politics of Stephen Harper, pictured. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | January 8, 2018
Parliamentarians who read this book and grasp its core concepts will be in a better position to make sense of the smoke and mirrors that pervade life on the Hill, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | January 8, 2018
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | January 8, 2018
Parliamentarians who read this book and grasp its core concepts will be in a better position to make sense of the smoke and mirrors that pervade life on the Hill, writes Alex Marland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | July 17, 2017
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Sunday, June 25, 2017, at the Gay Pride Parade in Toronto. Ministers and Liberal MPs are so connected to the Trudeau brand that they have limited flexibility to develop their own public personas. I would go so far as to suggest that Pierre Trudeau’s quip that MPs are 'nobodies' once they leave Parliament Hill is increasingly applicable to ministers, too. Both are unfair comments and yet reflect the inescapable reality that everything revolves around the prime minister and the PMO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | July 17, 2017
Opinion | BY ALEX MARLAND | July 17, 2017
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Sunday, June 25, 2017, at the Gay Pride Parade in Toronto. Ministers and Liberal MPs are so connected to the Trudeau brand that they have limited flexibility to develop their own public personas. I would go so far as to suggest that Pierre Trudeau’s quip that MPs are 'nobodies' once they leave Parliament Hill is increasingly applicable to ministers, too. Both are unfair comments and yet reflect the inescapable reality that everything revolves around the prime minister and the PMO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | May 3, 2017
'To understand Canadian public sector elites’ communications behaviour in the 21st century is to understand branding,' writes Donner Prize finalist Alex Marland, an associate professor of political science at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Handout photograph
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | May 3, 2017
FeatureBY ALEX MARLAND | May 3, 2017
'To understand Canadian public sector elites’ communications behaviour in the 21st century is to understand branding,' writes Donner Prize finalist Alex Marland, an associate professor of political science at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Handout photograph