Ht-Logo-gigapixel-icon
Ht-Logo-gigapixel-icon
Friday, December 8, 2023
Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989
Latest Paper
Friday, December 8, 2023 | Latest Paper
Subscribe Now

TRENDING:

Bhagwant Sandhu

Bhagwant Sandhu is a retired director general from the federal government. Between 2002-21 he held senior roles in several departments, including Fisheries and Ocean Canada, Infrastructure Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, and Public Works Canada. He has also held executive positions in the governments of Ontario and British Columbia.

Israel-Hamas is more complex than good versus evil

  • The immorality of apartheid, fascism, or Stalinism was defeated not because the ruling classes or managers of power saw the error of their ways.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 22, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly have looked to the Americans for moral guidance, going against the tide of world opinion and joining the U.S. to vote down UN General Assembly resolutions that denounced Israel’s belligerent behaviour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Israel-Hamas is more complex than good versus evil

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 22, 2023
  • The immorality of apartheid, fascism, or Stalinism was defeated not because the ruling classes or managers of power saw the error of their ways.

Israel-Hamas is more complex than good versus evil

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 22, 2023
  • The immorality of apartheid, fascism, or Stalinism was defeated not because the ruling classes or managers of power saw the error of their ways.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly have looked to the Americans for moral guidance, going against the tide of world opinion and joining the U.S. to vote down UN General Assembly resolutions that denounced Israel’s belligerent behaviour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau should not put geopolitics ahead of Canadians

  • Irrespective of the pulls of domestic politics or the pushes of foreign allies, Justin Trudeau's only priority should be the safe return of all
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 8, 2023
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is serious about making Canada an interlocutor of peace and diplomacy, he should use this time to gather academics, experts, and diaspora community members to build global goodwill, policy capacity, and programming which can be deployed once the war is over, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau should not put geopolitics ahead of Canadians

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 8, 2023
  • Irrespective of the pulls of domestic politics or the pushes of foreign allies, Justin Trudeau's only priority should be the safe return of all

Trudeau should not put geopolitics ahead of Canadians

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 8, 2023
  • Irrespective of the pulls of domestic politics or the pushes of foreign allies, Justin Trudeau's only priority should be the safe return of all
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is serious about making Canada an interlocutor of peace and diplomacy, he should use this time to gather academics, experts, and diaspora community members to build global goodwill, policy capacity, and programming which can be deployed once the war is over, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly unveils astute policy framework, but must bridge gaps between words and action

  • The framework stands on two planks: defending Canadian sovereignty, and using pragmatic diplomacy to prevent global conflicts.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 1, 2023
Speaking at the Economic Club of Canada on Oct. 30, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly presented a detailed new foreign policy framework. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly unveils astute policy framework, but must bridge gaps between words and action

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 1, 2023
  • The framework stands on two planks: defending Canadian sovereignty, and using pragmatic diplomacy to prevent global conflicts.

Joly unveils astute policy framework, but must bridge gaps between words and action

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 1, 2023
  • The framework stands on two planks: defending Canadian sovereignty, and using pragmatic diplomacy to prevent global conflicts.
Speaking at the Economic Club of Canada on Oct. 30, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly presented a detailed new foreign policy framework. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Domestic political calculus shapes federal response to Israel-Hamas conflict

  • A review of statements by our politicians during previous Israel-Hamas conflicts shows they follow one steadfast script: 'We stand with Israel,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 25, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. When it comes to their position on Israel-Hamas conflict, federal politicians of all stripes are far too busy picking sides in hopes of scooping up votes wherever they can, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Domestic political calculus shapes federal response to Israel-Hamas conflict

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 25, 2023
  • A review of statements by our politicians during previous Israel-Hamas conflicts shows they follow one steadfast script: 'We stand with Israel,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu.

Domestic political calculus shapes federal response to Israel-Hamas conflict

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 25, 2023
  • A review of statements by our politicians during previous Israel-Hamas conflicts shows they follow one steadfast script: 'We stand with Israel,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. When it comes to their position on Israel-Hamas conflict, federal politicians of all stripes are far too busy picking sides in hopes of scooping up votes wherever they can, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Our foreign policy has turned into performative political theatre, and we’re worse off for it

  • Part of the problem is we have allowed our politicians to get way with abbreviating serious policy debates into simple wisecracks.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 19, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' conference on Antisemitism on Oct. 17. Responding to the Israel-Hamas conflict, party leaders recite pre-scripted lines that follow a pattern of 'we stand with Israel' to 'we call on all parties to show restraint,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Our foreign policy has turned into performative political theatre, and we’re worse off for it

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 19, 2023
  • Part of the problem is we have allowed our politicians to get way with abbreviating serious policy debates into simple wisecracks.

Our foreign policy has turned into performative political theatre, and we’re worse off for it

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 19, 2023
  • Part of the problem is we have allowed our politicians to get way with abbreviating serious policy debates into simple wisecracks.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' conference on Antisemitism on Oct. 17. Responding to the Israel-Hamas conflict, party leaders recite pre-scripted lines that follow a pattern of 'we stand with Israel' to 'we call on all parties to show restraint,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

As Trudeau hosts CARICOM, will he repeat mistakes of the past?

  • Justin Trudeau is at risk of repeating the mistakes of former prime minister Jean Chrétien when it comes to Haiti, relying on weapons to
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 12, 2023
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly wants 'to do more' on Haiti. That usually means humanitarian aid will rapidly follow the deployment of 1,000 armed Kenya-led soldiers to the beleaguered island. Since 2010, Canada has directed $1.87-billion in aid to Haiti. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

As Trudeau hosts CARICOM, will he repeat mistakes of the past?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 12, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau is at risk of repeating the mistakes of former prime minister Jean Chrétien when it comes to Haiti, relying on weapons to

As Trudeau hosts CARICOM, will he repeat mistakes of the past?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 12, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau is at risk of repeating the mistakes of former prime minister Jean Chrétien when it comes to Haiti, relying on weapons to
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly wants 'to do more' on Haiti. That usually means humanitarian aid will rapidly follow the deployment of 1,000 armed Kenya-led soldiers to the beleaguered island. Since 2010, Canada has directed $1.87-billion in aid to Haiti. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre failing to hold government accountable on Indian interference

  • On China, Poilievre was razor sharp. On India, he has yet to mention its prime minister by name.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 28, 2023
If Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants to be politically astute, he can turn the heat high on the prime minister on India, as he did with China, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre failing to hold government accountable on Indian interference

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 28, 2023
  • On China, Poilievre was razor sharp. On India, he has yet to mention its prime minister by name.

Poilievre failing to hold government accountable on Indian interference

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 28, 2023
  • On China, Poilievre was razor sharp. On India, he has yet to mention its prime minister by name.
If Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants to be politically astute, he can turn the heat high on the prime minister on India, as he did with China, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada can still be a force of global peace and prosperity if Trudeau changes his foreign policy

  • It is Justin Trudeau’s good fortune that our elections are not contested on foreign policy successes. But they could be on its failures.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 20, 2023
Instead of getting a grip on the changing nature of global politics, leaders like Justin Trudeau, pictured on Sept. 19, still view the Global South as a third-world abstraction to be used, not as a shrewd driver of its own domestic political interests and transnational agendas, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada can still be a force of global peace and prosperity if Trudeau changes his foreign policy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 20, 2023
  • It is Justin Trudeau’s good fortune that our elections are not contested on foreign policy successes. But they could be on its failures.

Canada can still be a force of global peace and prosperity if Trudeau changes his foreign policy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 20, 2023
  • It is Justin Trudeau’s good fortune that our elections are not contested on foreign policy successes. But they could be on its failures.
Instead of getting a grip on the changing nature of global politics, leaders like Justin Trudeau, pictured on Sept. 19, still view the Global South as a third-world abstraction to be used, not as a shrewd driver of its own domestic political interests and transnational agendas, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Embracing homophobia and transphobia is not a smart move for Poilievre

  • History shows us that politicians who fish for votes by sowing division don’t fare too well in the long run.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 11, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister for Women and Gender Equality Marci Ien, centre, raise Pride flags on Parliament Hill on June 8, 2023, surrounded by other MPs from different parties. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he missed the ceremony because he had been working late the night before. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Embracing homophobia and transphobia is not a smart move for Poilievre

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 11, 2023
  • History shows us that politicians who fish for votes by sowing division don’t fare too well in the long run.

Embracing homophobia and transphobia is not a smart move for Poilievre

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 11, 2023
  • History shows us that politicians who fish for votes by sowing division don’t fare too well in the long run.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister for Women and Gender Equality Marci Ien, centre, raise Pride flags on Parliament Hill on June 8, 2023, surrounded by other MPs from different parties. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he missed the ceremony because he had been working late the night before. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For Pierre Poilievre, nastiness serves a strategic political purpose

  • Anger is Poilievre’s calling card. It got him elected, made him a cabinet minister, and won him the Conservative leadership.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 6, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has recently attempted to soften his image through a series of video advertisements. However, we can safely assume that the nastiness will continue, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For Pierre Poilievre, nastiness serves a strategic political purpose

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 6, 2023
  • Anger is Poilievre’s calling card. It got him elected, made him a cabinet minister, and won him the Conservative leadership.

For Pierre Poilievre, nastiness serves a strategic political purpose

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 6, 2023
  • Anger is Poilievre’s calling card. It got him elected, made him a cabinet minister, and won him the Conservative leadership.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has recently attempted to soften his image through a series of video advertisements. However, we can safely assume that the nastiness will continue, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The economy isn’t broken, but things are changing and we have to keep up

  • To change the channel on Poilievre, Trudeau and his cabinet should show foresight and foreign policy realism, starting with scouting emerging markets for Canadian
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 16, 2023
It is odd that Justin Trudeau and his new cabinet, pictured in the background, is expected to crank up messaging on the economy when we already have one of the strongest economies in the G7, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The economy isn’t broken, but things are changing and we have to keep up

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 16, 2023
  • To change the channel on Poilievre, Trudeau and his cabinet should show foresight and foreign policy realism, starting with scouting emerging markets for Canadian

The economy isn’t broken, but things are changing and we have to keep up

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 16, 2023
  • To change the channel on Poilievre, Trudeau and his cabinet should show foresight and foreign policy realism, starting with scouting emerging markets for Canadian
It is odd that Justin Trudeau and his new cabinet, pictured in the background, is expected to crank up messaging on the economy when we already have one of the strongest economies in the G7, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Government policy doesn’t come from the public service. Should it?

  • It is mostly wealth and capital, not political parties, that steers policies of the modern state.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 2, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference on July 26, standing in front of his newly shuffled cabinet. Post-cabinet shuffle, bureaucrats will be preparing briefs for all the incoming ministers, but don't expect them to be providing policy direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Government policy doesn’t come from the public service. Should it?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 2, 2023
  • It is mostly wealth and capital, not political parties, that steers policies of the modern state.

Government policy doesn’t come from the public service. Should it?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 2, 2023
  • It is mostly wealth and capital, not political parties, that steers policies of the modern state.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference on July 26, standing in front of his newly shuffled cabinet. Post-cabinet shuffle, bureaucrats will be preparing briefs for all the incoming ministers, but don't expect them to be providing policy direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The federal public service needs to adapt to a new political reality, and stat

  • Senior leadership should stop lamenting what was, and start adapting to what is, trading deference for critique and creativity; and old hierarchies for mission-driven
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier. Internally, the public service functions as a tightly-wound hierarchy. Externally, it's steered by the political power of the relevant minister and commands of the PMO, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The federal public service needs to adapt to a new political reality, and stat

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
  • Senior leadership should stop lamenting what was, and start adapting to what is, trading deference for critique and creativity; and old hierarchies for mission-driven

The federal public service needs to adapt to a new political reality, and stat

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
  • Senior leadership should stop lamenting what was, and start adapting to what is, trading deference for critique and creativity; and old hierarchies for mission-driven
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier. Internally, the public service functions as a tightly-wound hierarchy. Externally, it's steered by the political power of the relevant minister and commands of the PMO, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Without skin in the game, Trudeau won’t change policy direction on Ukraine—even if it’s not working

  • Those who like to prolong wars 'for as long as it takes' can only destroy things, not put them back together.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 10, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine. The war is stuck in a stalemate, but Trudeau has no reason to change course, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photograph courtesy of the government of Ukraine

Without skin in the game, Trudeau won’t change policy direction on Ukraine—even if it’s not working

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 10, 2023
  • Those who like to prolong wars 'for as long as it takes' can only destroy things, not put them back together.

Without skin in the game, Trudeau won’t change policy direction on Ukraine—even if it’s not working

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 10, 2023
  • Those who like to prolong wars 'for as long as it takes' can only destroy things, not put them back together.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine. The war is stuck in a stalemate, but Trudeau has no reason to change course, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photograph courtesy of the government of Ukraine

Why Maxime Bernier should be in Parliament

  • Ideologies that have potency on the periphery can be rendered lifeless once they are brought under investigation in the mainstream. Canada’s Green Party is
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 21, 2023
People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier is part of a far-right populism that is in serious decline, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Maxime Bernier should be in Parliament

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 21, 2023
  • Ideologies that have potency on the periphery can be rendered lifeless once they are brought under investigation in the mainstream. Canada’s Green Party is

Why Maxime Bernier should be in Parliament

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 21, 2023
  • Ideologies that have potency on the periphery can be rendered lifeless once they are brought under investigation in the mainstream. Canada’s Green Party is
People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier is part of a far-right populism that is in serious decline, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

David Johnston rises above politics in delivering his foreign interference report

  • Justin Trudeau and his government can breathe a sigh of relief—for now—but foreign interference is not going away.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 24, 2023
Special Rapporteur David Johnston could have succumbed to political pressures and recommended a public inquiry. Instead, he gave his neutral, independent advice, despite the possibility this his good name would be dragged through the political mud, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

David Johnston rises above politics in delivering his foreign interference report

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 24, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau and his government can breathe a sigh of relief—for now—but foreign interference is not going away.

David Johnston rises above politics in delivering his foreign interference report

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 24, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau and his government can breathe a sigh of relief—for now—but foreign interference is not going away.
Special Rapporteur David Johnston could have succumbed to political pressures and recommended a public inquiry. Instead, he gave his neutral, independent advice, despite the possibility this his good name would be dragged through the political mud, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada needs to regain its independence from U.S. foreign policy—especially on China

  • Trudeau needs to bring the CSIS leakers to justice, and quickly. With bureaucracy gone rogue, it won’t be China or the Conservatives he will
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 22, 2023
Notwithstanding his image as a hip internationalist, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s realpolitik engagement in the world has been nothing short of 1960s-style American imperialism, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada needs to regain its independence from U.S. foreign policy—especially on China

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 22, 2023
  • Trudeau needs to bring the CSIS leakers to justice, and quickly. With bureaucracy gone rogue, it won’t be China or the Conservatives he will

Canada needs to regain its independence from U.S. foreign policy—especially on China

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 22, 2023
  • Trudeau needs to bring the CSIS leakers to justice, and quickly. With bureaucracy gone rogue, it won’t be China or the Conservatives he will
Notwithstanding his image as a hip internationalist, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s realpolitik engagement in the world has been nothing short of 1960s-style American imperialism, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian government puts politics ahead of people in Sudan

  • If left unchecked, the political class will always make policy decisions based not on legal, moral, or rational evaluation, but on angling electoral cohorts.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 4, 2023
This is not the first time the Liberals have been caught flat-footed in an evacuation emergency. This same Sudanese script was acted out in 2021 in Afghanistan, a file for which Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has taken some heat, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian government puts politics ahead of people in Sudan

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 4, 2023
  • If left unchecked, the political class will always make policy decisions based not on legal, moral, or rational evaluation, but on angling electoral cohorts.

Canadian government puts politics ahead of people in Sudan

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 4, 2023
  • If left unchecked, the political class will always make policy decisions based not on legal, moral, or rational evaluation, but on angling electoral cohorts.
This is not the first time the Liberals have been caught flat-footed in an evacuation emergency. This same Sudanese script was acted out in 2021 in Afghanistan, a file for which Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has taken some heat, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre could easily earn the support of the working poor—but he won’t

  • The working poor are not tied to any political party, only their socio-economic concerns. But they don't have the means to lobby as they
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 28, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured, is easily filling the gap left open by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh when it comes to the working class, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre could easily earn the support of the working poor—but he won’t

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 28, 2023
  • The working poor are not tied to any political party, only their socio-economic concerns. But they don't have the means to lobby as they

Poilievre could easily earn the support of the working poor—but he won’t

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 28, 2023
  • The working poor are not tied to any political party, only their socio-economic concerns. But they don't have the means to lobby as they
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured, is easily filling the gap left open by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh when it comes to the working class, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s pivot from migrant issue part of cross-party failure to offer policy solutions

  • There's a lot of political posturing on the asylum seekers and parties seem content to appeal to their bases instead of offering policy solutions.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 16, 2023
In February, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre gave the government one month to stop illegal migrants from crossing through Quebec’s Roxham Road border crossing, but that demand is no longer his focus with other issues more damaging to the Liberals in his sight line. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s pivot from migrant issue part of cross-party failure to offer policy solutions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 16, 2023
  • There's a lot of political posturing on the asylum seekers and parties seem content to appeal to their bases instead of offering policy solutions.

Poilievre’s pivot from migrant issue part of cross-party failure to offer policy solutions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 16, 2023
  • There's a lot of political posturing on the asylum seekers and parties seem content to appeal to their bases instead of offering policy solutions.
In February, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre gave the government one month to stop illegal migrants from crossing through Quebec’s Roxham Road border crossing, but that demand is no longer his focus with other issues more damaging to the Liberals in his sight line. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Have CSIS leaders lost control of the spy agency?

  • Given the number of leaks, the onus is on CSIS senior management to comfort us that they have things under control at the spy
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 2, 2023
CSIS director David Vigneault
CSIS director David Vigneault
Canadian Security Intelligence Service Director David Vigneault, seen here on July 16, 2020. Where are the senior managers at CSIS, asks Bhagwant Sandhu. Should they not reassure us that Canadian democracy and public institutions are safe-guarded with due process and management controls? The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Have CSIS leaders lost control of the spy agency?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 2, 2023
  • Given the number of leaks, the onus is on CSIS senior management to comfort us that they have things under control at the spy

Have CSIS leaders lost control of the spy agency?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 2, 2023
  • Given the number of leaks, the onus is on CSIS senior management to comfort us that they have things under control at the spy
CSIS director David Vigneault
Canadian Security Intelligence Service Director David Vigneault, seen here on July 16, 2020. Where are the senior managers at CSIS, asks Bhagwant Sandhu. Should they not reassure us that Canadian democracy and public institutions are safe-guarded with due process and management controls? The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly’s India trip nothing like Canadian trade missions of the past

  • The two day trip looks to be less about trade and more about pressing the Canadian-American desire to turn India away from Russia, weaken
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 6, 2023
Mélanie Joly
Mélanie Joly
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly should be careful and clear-headed in what she wants out of India, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly’s India trip nothing like Canadian trade missions of the past

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 6, 2023
  • The two day trip looks to be less about trade and more about pressing the Canadian-American desire to turn India away from Russia, weaken

Joly’s India trip nothing like Canadian trade missions of the past

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 6, 2023
  • The two day trip looks to be less about trade and more about pressing the Canadian-American desire to turn India away from Russia, weaken
Mélanie Joly
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly should be careful and clear-headed in what she wants out of India, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opposition parties need to up their foreign policy game

  • Opposition parties get stuck in the frame of personal attacks and reactionary scapegoating, rather than providing alternatives for hard policy questions.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 1, 2023
Both NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre want to increase their appeal to new Canadians voters. To do that, they will have to speak up and offer tangible foreign policy alternatives, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opposition parties need to up their foreign policy game

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 1, 2023
  • Opposition parties get stuck in the frame of personal attacks and reactionary scapegoating, rather than providing alternatives for hard policy questions.

Opposition parties need to up their foreign policy game

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 1, 2023
  • Opposition parties get stuck in the frame of personal attacks and reactionary scapegoating, rather than providing alternatives for hard policy questions.
Both NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre want to increase their appeal to new Canadians voters. To do that, they will have to speak up and offer tangible foreign policy alternatives, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly should reposition Canada’s foreign policy to combat Freeland after-effect

  • Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly can push the positives of foreign policy, moving away from predecessors who prefer war over peace, rule-breaking over law and
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 18, 2023
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is getting a new chief of staff and with that fresh start comes a golden opportunity to turn the page on our ineffective and ultimately costly foreign policy framework, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly should reposition Canada’s foreign policy to combat Freeland after-effect

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 18, 2023
  • Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly can push the positives of foreign policy, moving away from predecessors who prefer war over peace, rule-breaking over law and

Joly should reposition Canada’s foreign policy to combat Freeland after-effect

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 18, 2023
  • Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly can push the positives of foreign policy, moving away from predecessors who prefer war over peace, rule-breaking over law and
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is getting a new chief of staff and with that fresh start comes a golden opportunity to turn the page on our ineffective and ultimately costly foreign policy framework, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals get a failing grade on foreign policy in 2022

  • Exuding a high moral posture or trafficking in fears and phobias might have short-term appeal, but it does not constitute good policy-making—or for that
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 29, 2022
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was supposed to shine in 2022 as dean of the G7. That didn’t happen, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals get a failing grade on foreign policy in 2022

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 29, 2022
  • Exuding a high moral posture or trafficking in fears and phobias might have short-term appeal, but it does not constitute good policy-making—or for that

Liberals get a failing grade on foreign policy in 2022

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 29, 2022
  • Exuding a high moral posture or trafficking in fears and phobias might have short-term appeal, but it does not constitute good policy-making—or for that
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was supposed to shine in 2022 as dean of the G7. That didn’t happen, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s Indo-Pacific plan offers Canadian stamp on an American strategy

  • The running theme in both the U.S. National Defence Strategy and Canada's recently-released strategy for the region is an 'us versus them' dichotomy. Them
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 30, 2022
U.S. President Joe Biden, pictured Feb. 23, 2021, delivering a joint press statement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the East Room of the White House. Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy is about the Trudeau’s Liberals propping up the U.S. Democrats on the one hand, and fighting off the Conservatives on the other, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times file photograph

Trudeau’s Indo-Pacific plan offers Canadian stamp on an American strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 30, 2022
  • The running theme in both the U.S. National Defence Strategy and Canada's recently-released strategy for the region is an 'us versus them' dichotomy. Them

Trudeau’s Indo-Pacific plan offers Canadian stamp on an American strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 30, 2022
  • The running theme in both the U.S. National Defence Strategy and Canada's recently-released strategy for the region is an 'us versus them' dichotomy. Them
U.S. President Joe Biden, pictured Feb. 23, 2021, delivering a joint press statement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the East Room of the White House. Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy is about the Trudeau’s Liberals propping up the U.S. Democrats on the one hand, and fighting off the Conservatives on the other, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times file photograph

Military must do its part to curb carbon emissions

  • It is not just the big industrial polluters or everyday consumers filling up their gas tanks that are poisoning the atmosphere, it is also
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 17, 2022
If Justin Trudeau's Liberals are unable to produce results after seven years in government, maybe we should look to the Conservatives and their new leader, Pierre Poilievre, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Military must do its part to curb carbon emissions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 17, 2022
  • It is not just the big industrial polluters or everyday consumers filling up their gas tanks that are poisoning the atmosphere, it is also

Military must do its part to curb carbon emissions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 17, 2022
  • It is not just the big industrial polluters or everyday consumers filling up their gas tanks that are poisoning the atmosphere, it is also
If Justin Trudeau's Liberals are unable to produce results after seven years in government, maybe we should look to the Conservatives and their new leader, Pierre Poilievre, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
More Stories

Haiti does not need gunboat diplomacy

  • It needs to be able to chart its own course, without being thwarted by unelected autocrats. It also needs Canada to mind its own
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 2, 2022
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hold a joint press conference on Oct. 27 in Ottawa. Canada doesn't have to support Blinken’s agenda. We could mediate a national reconciliation process, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Haiti does not need gunboat diplomacy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 2, 2022
  • It needs to be able to chart its own course, without being thwarted by unelected autocrats. It also needs Canada to mind its own

Haiti does not need gunboat diplomacy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 2, 2022
  • It needs to be able to chart its own course, without being thwarted by unelected autocrats. It also needs Canada to mind its own
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hold a joint press conference on Oct. 27 in Ottawa. Canada doesn't have to support Blinken’s agenda. We could mediate a national reconciliation process, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian politicians can learn from Truss’ rapid rise and fall

  • OTTAWA—Aside from the perfunctory nod to our “shared history, values, and traditions,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Sept. 6 statement to congratulate Liz Truss, the
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 26, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets then-British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, at COP26 in November 2021. Just before resigning her post, Truss was still touting herself as 'a fighter, not a quitter,' self-characterizations reducing her to a caricature: strident, superficial, and predictable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. U.K. Government photograph by Karwai Tang

Canadian politicians can learn from Truss’ rapid rise and fall

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Aside from the perfunctory nod to our “shared history, values, and traditions,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Sept. 6 statement to congratulate Liz Truss, the

Canadian politicians can learn from Truss’ rapid rise and fall

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Aside from the perfunctory nod to our “shared history, values, and traditions,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Sept. 6 statement to congratulate Liz Truss, the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets then-British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, at COP26 in November 2021. Just before resigning her post, Truss was still touting herself as 'a fighter, not a quitter,' self-characterizations reducing her to a caricature: strident, superficial, and predictable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. U.K. Government photograph by Karwai Tang

Feds need real feminist bonafides now to prevent backsliding later

  • OTTAWA—Two months before he became prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau declared: “I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist.” He was
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 13, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to crank up the feminist agenda to a pitch from which it can never be rolled back, by anyone, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds need real feminist bonafides now to prevent backsliding later

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 13, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Two months before he became prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau declared: “I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist.” He was

Feds need real feminist bonafides now to prevent backsliding later

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 13, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Two months before he became prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau declared: “I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist.” He was
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to crank up the feminist agenda to a pitch from which it can never be rolled back, by anyone, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau picks strong envoy to China after two missteps

  • OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of career diplomat Jennifer May as the ambassador to China indicates one of two things. It reveals
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 27, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s marching orders to his new ambassador to China are very direct. He wants her to advance 'Canadian priorities in the Canada-China relationship, including supporting the long-standing people-to-people, economic, and business ties between our two countries,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau picks strong envoy to China after two missteps

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 27, 2022
  • OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of career diplomat Jennifer May as the ambassador to China indicates one of two things. It reveals

Trudeau picks strong envoy to China after two missteps

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 27, 2022
  • OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of career diplomat Jennifer May as the ambassador to China indicates one of two things. It reveals
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s marching orders to his new ambassador to China are very direct. He wants her to advance 'Canadian priorities in the Canada-China relationship, including supporting the long-standing people-to-people, economic, and business ties between our two countries,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau-Poilievre match up will be a clash of personalities over policy substance

  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre has pivoted. He has shelved the crazy conspiracy theories which helped him win leadership of the Conservative Party for the more mundane
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 21, 2022
New Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. From these two, don't expect any meaningful debates to overhaul the way we do policy and run our institutions in Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau-Poilievre match up will be a clash of personalities over policy substance

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 21, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre has pivoted. He has shelved the crazy conspiracy theories which helped him win leadership of the Conservative Party for the more mundane

Trudeau-Poilievre match up will be a clash of personalities over policy substance

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 21, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre has pivoted. He has shelved the crazy conspiracy theories which helped him win leadership of the Conservative Party for the more mundane
New Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. From these two, don't expect any meaningful debates to overhaul the way we do policy and run our institutions in Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy

  • OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2022
From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat, Jens Stoltenberg, pictured in 2018, was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the manner normally reserved for visiting heads of state, full of ceremonial-style military inspections, photo-ops, and joint press conferences. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the

Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the
From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat, Jens Stoltenberg, pictured in 2018, was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the manner normally reserved for visiting heads of state, full of ceremonial-style military inspections, photo-ops, and joint press conferences. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

MP Oliphant the right choice to lead Canada’s new Africa strategy

  • The Liberal plan to develop a new African engagement strategy offers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an opportunity to turn things around on the foreign
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 29, 2022
Rob Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, was tapped to lead Canada in developing an Africa strategy. He has been a tenacious voice for the continent, but will face challenges, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

MP Oliphant the right choice to lead Canada’s new Africa strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 29, 2022
  • The Liberal plan to develop a new African engagement strategy offers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an opportunity to turn things around on the foreign

MP Oliphant the right choice to lead Canada’s new Africa strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 29, 2022
  • The Liberal plan to develop a new African engagement strategy offers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an opportunity to turn things around on the foreign