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Sunday, August 17, 2025

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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.

Carney’s trade talks demand transparency

  • Shifting deadlines may require discretion, but that’s no excuse to shield national decisions from democratic oversight and public scrutiny.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 11, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney doesn’t need to reveal the blow-by-blow of his negotiations with the American president—but he does need to speak plainly about what’s guiding his decisions, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s trade talks demand transparency

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 11, 2025
  • Shifting deadlines may require discretion, but that’s no excuse to shield national decisions from democratic oversight and public scrutiny.

Carney’s trade talks demand transparency

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 11, 2025
  • Shifting deadlines may require discretion, but that’s no excuse to shield national decisions from democratic oversight and public scrutiny.
Prime Minister Mark Carney doesn’t need to reveal the blow-by-blow of his negotiations with the American president—but he does need to speak plainly about what’s guiding his decisions, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The NDP leadership race: continuity, rupture, or reinvention?

  • As the party prepares for its March 2026 convention, the question isn’t who will lead but what purpose the NDP will serve in Canadian
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 23, 2025
NDP MP Heather McPherson is considering a leadership run. The party has to decide what it wants to be, in an era where political branding, not base-building, is the shortcut to survival, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The NDP leadership race: continuity, rupture, or reinvention?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 23, 2025
  • As the party prepares for its March 2026 convention, the question isn’t who will lead but what purpose the NDP will serve in Canadian

The NDP leadership race: continuity, rupture, or reinvention?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 23, 2025
  • As the party prepares for its March 2026 convention, the question isn’t who will lead but what purpose the NDP will serve in Canadian
NDP MP Heather McPherson is considering a leadership run. The party has to decide what it wants to be, in an era where political branding, not base-building, is the shortcut to survival, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s fiscal plans put the public service at risk

  • Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 10, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney shouldn’t lean too heavily on his corporate background, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Applying Bay Street’s quarterly logic of returns on capital investment to a 158-year-old civil service is a slow grind to institutional death. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s fiscal plans put the public service at risk

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 10, 2025
  • Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and

Carney’s fiscal plans put the public service at risk

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 10, 2025
  • Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney shouldn’t lean too heavily on his corporate background, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Applying Bay Street’s quarterly logic of returns on capital investment to a 158-year-old civil service is a slow grind to institutional death. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s China challenge requires a foreign policy reset

  • Ottawa won’t gain global independence by echoing Washington or isolating China. It’s time for selective engagement, grounded in Canadian interests.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 2, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney cannot let defence spending stand-in for a foreign policy strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu.

Carney’s China challenge requires a foreign policy reset

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 2, 2025
  • Ottawa won’t gain global independence by echoing Washington or isolating China. It’s time for selective engagement, grounded in Canadian interests.

Carney’s China challenge requires a foreign policy reset

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 2, 2025
  • Ottawa won’t gain global independence by echoing Washington or isolating China. It’s time for selective engagement, grounded in Canadian interests.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney cannot let defence spending stand-in for a foreign policy strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu.

As the U.S. follows Israel into Iran, where is Canada’s voice?

  • Canada needs bold diplomacy, not cautious complicity, as the Middle East tilts toward a wider war.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 25, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
On the Middle East, Prime Minister Mark Carney is no ideologue, nor does he appear interested in his predecessor’s optics-heavy style. Carney seems more calibrated, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

As the U.S. follows Israel into Iran, where is Canada’s voice?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 25, 2025
  • Canada needs bold diplomacy, not cautious complicity, as the Middle East tilts toward a wider war.

As the U.S. follows Israel into Iran, where is Canada’s voice?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 25, 2025
  • Canada needs bold diplomacy, not cautious complicity, as the Middle East tilts toward a wider war.
Mark Carney
On the Middle East, Prime Minister Mark Carney is no ideologue, nor does he appear interested in his predecessor’s optics-heavy style. Carney seems more calibrated, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The high price of a handshake: Carney’s G7 Modi invite 

  • If Canada cannot draw a line at political assassination on its own soil, where will we draw one?
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 9, 2025
Canada's invite to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 is historic in the way political duplicities often are: low-key, deliberate, and draped in the language of pragmatic necessity, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The high price of a handshake: Carney’s G7 Modi invite 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 9, 2025
  • If Canada cannot draw a line at political assassination on its own soil, where will we draw one?

The high price of a handshake: Carney’s G7 Modi invite 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 9, 2025
  • If Canada cannot draw a line at political assassination on its own soil, where will we draw one?
Canada's invite to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 is historic in the way political duplicities often are: low-key, deliberate, and draped in the language of pragmatic necessity, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Canada’s G7 moment: rewrite the script or play along?

  • Mounting contradictions have dulled the G7’s edge. Canada can lead it toward revitalization—or be complicit in its decline.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
As the G7’s 2025 president, Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, can uphold the status quo or help redefine its resolve, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s G7 moment: rewrite the script or play along?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2025
  • Mounting contradictions have dulled the G7’s edge. Canada can lead it toward revitalization—or be complicit in its decline.

Canada’s G7 moment: rewrite the script or play along?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2025
  • Mounting contradictions have dulled the G7’s edge. Canada can lead it toward revitalization—or be complicit in its decline.
Mark Carney
As the G7’s 2025 president, Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, can uphold the status quo or help redefine its resolve, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

NDP identity crisis calls for a return to party’s roots

  • In losing official status, the NDP faces a hard test: does it remain tied to power politics or return to its social democratic origins?
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 28, 2025
Delegates vote on a resolution at the NDP's 2023 convention. With the goal of broadening the party’s appeal, NDP leadership has adopted the posture of Liberal centrism. The result is blurred lines, policy convergence, and disenchanted voters, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

NDP identity crisis calls for a return to party’s roots

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 28, 2025
  • In losing official status, the NDP faces a hard test: does it remain tied to power politics or return to its social democratic origins?

NDP identity crisis calls for a return to party’s roots

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 28, 2025
  • In losing official status, the NDP faces a hard test: does it remain tied to power politics or return to its social democratic origins?
Delegates vote on a resolution at the NDP's 2023 convention. With the goal of broadening the party’s appeal, NDP leadership has adopted the posture of Liberal centrism. The result is blurred lines, policy convergence, and disenchanted voters, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Message to Foreign Minister Anand: build doctrine, not optics

  • Anita Anand’s appointment as foreign affairs minister is a chance to end Canada’s drift and define a sovereign foreign policy rooted in purpose, not
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 15, 2025
Anita Anand
Anita Anand
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand brings a fresh face to a portfolio that badly needs direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Message to Foreign Minister Anand: build doctrine, not optics

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 15, 2025
  • Anita Anand’s appointment as foreign affairs minister is a chance to end Canada’s drift and define a sovereign foreign policy rooted in purpose, not

Message to Foreign Minister Anand: build doctrine, not optics

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 15, 2025
  • Anita Anand’s appointment as foreign affairs minister is a chance to end Canada’s drift and define a sovereign foreign policy rooted in purpose, not
Anita Anand
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand brings a fresh face to a portfolio that badly needs direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s safe Alberta seat: a symbol of retreat or renewal?

  • OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s bid to re-enter the House of Commons through an Alberta byelection—after losing his longtime Ontario seat in Carleton—is about more
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 8, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's defeat in Carleton, Ont., reflects a deeper dissonance between his polarizing persona and what a growing share of the electorate expects from national leadership, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s safe Alberta seat: a symbol of retreat or renewal?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 8, 2025
  • OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s bid to re-enter the House of Commons through an Alberta byelection—after losing his longtime Ontario seat in Carleton—is about more

Poilievre’s safe Alberta seat: a symbol of retreat or renewal?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 8, 2025
  • OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s bid to re-enter the House of Commons through an Alberta byelection—after losing his longtime Ontario seat in Carleton—is about more
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's defeat in Carleton, Ont., reflects a deeper dissonance between his polarizing persona and what a growing share of the electorate expects from national leadership, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s first test isn’t Trump, it’s his cabinet

  • Power isn’t only about winning elections. It’s also about building a cabinet that can turn political ambition into actual results.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 1, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to supporters at the TD Centre in Ottawa on April 29, 2025, after winning the election. If his cabinet can’t deliver, nothing else will, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s first test isn’t Trump, it’s his cabinet

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 1, 2025
  • Power isn’t only about winning elections. It’s also about building a cabinet that can turn political ambition into actual results.

Carney’s first test isn’t Trump, it’s his cabinet

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 1, 2025
  • Power isn’t only about winning elections. It’s also about building a cabinet that can turn political ambition into actual results.
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to supporters at the TD Centre in Ottawa on April 29, 2025, after winning the election. If his cabinet can’t deliver, nothing else will, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada drifting towards a two-party trap? 

  • The 2025 election results reveal the dangers of narrowing choices in an era that demands broader solutions.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 29, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took a combined 85 per cent of the popular vote on April 28. That points to a two-party setup, which stifles innovation, intensifies polarization, and reduces politics to a zero-sum game, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Is Canada drifting towards a two-party trap? 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 29, 2025
  • The 2025 election results reveal the dangers of narrowing choices in an era that demands broader solutions.

Is Canada drifting towards a two-party trap? 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 29, 2025
  • The 2025 election results reveal the dangers of narrowing choices in an era that demands broader solutions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took a combined 85 per cent of the popular vote on April 28. That points to a two-party setup, which stifles innovation, intensifies polarization, and reduces politics to a zero-sum game, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Tories and Grits spar over the political centre

  • The party that reclaims that space could define the future of Canadian politics. It's clear those who lead with a steady hand will define
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 17, 2025
With polls leaning in the Liberals' favour, voters are responding to the serious image offered by Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, in contrast to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's partisan theatrics, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Tories and Grits spar over the political centre

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 17, 2025
  • The party that reclaims that space could define the future of Canadian politics. It's clear those who lead with a steady hand will define

Tories and Grits spar over the political centre

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 17, 2025
  • The party that reclaims that space could define the future of Canadian politics. It's clear those who lead with a steady hand will define
With polls leaning in the Liberals' favour, voters are responding to the serious image offered by Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, in contrast to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's partisan theatrics, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Poilievre can win votes by exploiting Liberal foreign policy failures 

  • To turn the tables on Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre should highlight the Trudeau government’s record of aligning Canada too tightly to American geopolitical objectives. 
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 9, 2025
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau's many foreign policy failures represent a Liberal record that his successor, Mark Carney, should be forced to defend, and which Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre can expose as part of his 'Canada First' strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Poilievre can win votes by exploiting Liberal foreign policy failures 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 9, 2025
  • To turn the tables on Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre should highlight the Trudeau government’s record of aligning Canada too tightly to American geopolitical objectives. 

Poilievre can win votes by exploiting Liberal foreign policy failures 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 9, 2025
  • To turn the tables on Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre should highlight the Trudeau government’s record of aligning Canada too tightly to American geopolitical objectives. 
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau's many foreign policy failures represent a Liberal record that his successor, Mark Carney, should be forced to defend, and which Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre can expose as part of his 'Canada First' strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Can Poilievre capitalize on Carney’s weak spots?

  • To derail Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upsurge, Conservatives must adjust their strategy—focusing on unity, the social safety net, and practical policies that confront America
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 19, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s team should adopt an approach that takes stock of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strengths and why he is clicking with Canadians, and then adjust their strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia

Can Poilievre capitalize on Carney’s weak spots?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 19, 2025
  • To derail Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upsurge, Conservatives must adjust their strategy—focusing on unity, the social safety net, and practical policies that confront America

Can Poilievre capitalize on Carney’s weak spots?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 19, 2025
  • To derail Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upsurge, Conservatives must adjust their strategy—focusing on unity, the social safety net, and practical policies that confront America
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s team should adopt an approach that takes stock of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strengths and why he is clicking with Canadians, and then adjust their strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia

Carney vs. Poilievre: who will restore Canada’s global independence?

  • As U.S. President Donald Trump abandons Western alliances, our next prime minister must act decisively to secure Canada’s autonomy, and restore our global influence.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 5, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney need to offer vision and foresight—qualities that seem to be in short supply in Canada’s hyper-partisan politics these days, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Carney vs. Poilievre: who will restore Canada’s global independence?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 5, 2025
  • As U.S. President Donald Trump abandons Western alliances, our next prime minister must act decisively to secure Canada’s autonomy, and restore our global influence.

Carney vs. Poilievre: who will restore Canada’s global independence?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 5, 2025
  • As U.S. President Donald Trump abandons Western alliances, our next prime minister must act decisively to secure Canada’s autonomy, and restore our global influence.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney need to offer vision and foresight—qualities that seem to be in short supply in Canada’s hyper-partisan politics these days, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Party leaders should shift gears as Liberal popularity surges

  • Even with his ’Canada First’ rebrand, Pierre Poilievre’s clock is ticking. If he doesn’t shift gears soon, he might find himself watching the Liberals
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 19, 2025
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. A wholesale change in party leadership would be good for Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Party leaders should shift gears as Liberal popularity surges

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 19, 2025
  • Even with his ’Canada First’ rebrand, Pierre Poilievre’s clock is ticking. If he doesn’t shift gears soon, he might find himself watching the Liberals

Party leaders should shift gears as Liberal popularity surges

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 19, 2025
  • Even with his ’Canada First’ rebrand, Pierre Poilievre’s clock is ticking. If he doesn’t shift gears soon, he might find himself watching the Liberals
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. A wholesale change in party leadership would be good for Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Civil servants the unsung heroes steadying the ship against Trump’s tariff waves

  • OTTAWA—With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, Parliament in prorogation, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre struggling to define a cohesive narrative for why
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 5, 2025
Union members picket the old post office on April 25, 2023. Often-overlooked, public servants have kept the country’s public administration running smoothly with solid policy proposals to mitigate against shockwaves from the United States, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Civil servants the unsung heroes steadying the ship against Trump’s tariff waves

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 5, 2025
  • OTTAWA—With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, Parliament in prorogation, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre struggling to define a cohesive narrative for why

Civil servants the unsung heroes steadying the ship against Trump’s tariff waves

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 5, 2025
  • OTTAWA—With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, Parliament in prorogation, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre struggling to define a cohesive narrative for why
Union members picket the old post office on April 25, 2023. Often-overlooked, public servants have kept the country’s public administration running smoothly with solid policy proposals to mitigate against shockwaves from the United States, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Liberal race is on, so where’s Poilievre?

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre appears stuck in a twilight zone, locked in a bubble with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leadership candidates
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 23, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, needs to adjust his talking points with Liberal leadership front-runners Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland now in the mix, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade, and illustration by Joey Sabourin

The Liberal race is on, so where’s Poilievre?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 23, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre appears stuck in a twilight zone, locked in a bubble with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leadership candidates

The Liberal race is on, so where’s Poilievre?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 23, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre appears stuck in a twilight zone, locked in a bubble with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leadership candidates
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, needs to adjust his talking points with Liberal leadership front-runners Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland now in the mix, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade, and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Leadership race positions Liberals to own coming news cycles about Donald Trump

  • Tight timelines, rigid rules, and a big-ticket entry fee will force most Liberal leadership lightweights to bow out.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 10, 2025
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
By invoking U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised the stakes for the Liberal leadership race, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Leadership race positions Liberals to own coming news cycles about Donald Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 10, 2025
  • Tight timelines, rigid rules, and a big-ticket entry fee will force most Liberal leadership lightweights to bow out.

Leadership race positions Liberals to own coming news cycles about Donald Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 10, 2025
  • Tight timelines, rigid rules, and a big-ticket entry fee will force most Liberal leadership lightweights to bow out.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
By invoking U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised the stakes for the Liberal leadership race, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Memo to Liberals: Canada needs another Trudeau, but without the baggage 

  • Liberal Party members have much to consider after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign as party leader and then as prime minister
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 6, 2025
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
After weeks of building pressure from his caucus to resign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his plan to step down as Liberal Party leader on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Memo to Liberals: Canada needs another Trudeau, but without the baggage 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 6, 2025
  • Liberal Party members have much to consider after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign as party leader and then as prime minister

Memo to Liberals: Canada needs another Trudeau, but without the baggage 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 6, 2025
  • Liberal Party members have much to consider after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign as party leader and then as prime minister
Justin Trudeau
After weeks of building pressure from his caucus to resign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his plan to step down as Liberal Party leader on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s opportunism on display in stunning resignation letter

  • Chrystia Freeland ought to be reminded that she's held the finance portfolio since 2020. Not one of her budgets was ever balanced.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 18, 2024
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Being booted from finance was likely a tough pill to swallow if you see yourself as smart and indispensable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s opportunism on display in stunning resignation letter

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 18, 2024
  • Chrystia Freeland ought to be reminded that she's held the finance portfolio since 2020. Not one of her budgets was ever balanced.

Freeland’s opportunism on display in stunning resignation letter

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 18, 2024
  • Chrystia Freeland ought to be reminded that she's held the finance portfolio since 2020. Not one of her budgets was ever balanced.
Chrystia Freeland
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Being booted from finance was likely a tough pill to swallow if you see yourself as smart and indispensable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau could offer change by proposing a bold, structural overhaul of Canada’s political system

  • These changes could address oversight of the federal public service, such as the seemingly political stances of Privy Council Clerk John Hannaford.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 2, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to prove that he grasps the psychology of why many voters feel let down by his government, and present a comprehensive package of reforms, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau could offer change by proposing a bold, structural overhaul of Canada’s political system

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 2, 2024
  • These changes could address oversight of the federal public service, such as the seemingly political stances of Privy Council Clerk John Hannaford.

Trudeau could offer change by proposing a bold, structural overhaul of Canada’s political system

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 2, 2024
  • These changes could address oversight of the federal public service, such as the seemingly political stances of Privy Council Clerk John Hannaford.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to prove that he grasps the psychology of why many voters feel let down by his government, and present a comprehensive package of reforms, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Parliament is a gong-show, MPs care more about their political parties

  • Real change will occur only if parliamentary reform is an election issue. It will force party leaders to unite to address emergent crises.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 18, 2024
Mashup
Mashup
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade/illustration by Neena Singhal

Parliament is a gong-show, MPs care more about their political parties

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 18, 2024
  • Real change will occur only if parliamentary reform is an election issue. It will force party leaders to unite to address emergent crises.

Parliament is a gong-show, MPs care more about their political parties

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 18, 2024
  • Real change will occur only if parliamentary reform is an election issue. It will force party leaders to unite to address emergent crises.
Mashup
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade/illustration by Neena Singhal

Bracing for a geopolitical shock with Trump

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hands-down best suited to take on Donald Trump, having a proven track-record dealing with the Republican's trade attacks and
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 7, 2024
Donald Trump, left, and President Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump, left, and President Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump, left, has a soft spot for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, like the incoming U.S. president, also exudes an air of despotic edginess. Trump has barely discussed foreign policy, making it very difficult to predict his plans, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Bracing for a geopolitical shock with Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 7, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hands-down best suited to take on Donald Trump, having a proven track-record dealing with the Republican's trade attacks and

Bracing for a geopolitical shock with Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 7, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hands-down best suited to take on Donald Trump, having a proven track-record dealing with the Republican's trade attacks and
Donald Trump, left, and President Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump, left, has a soft spot for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, like the incoming U.S. president, also exudes an air of despotic edginess. Trump has barely discussed foreign policy, making it very difficult to predict his plans, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Canadian politicians should get real about India

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took too long to heed the warnings of India’s meddling, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been too quiet on
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 16, 2024
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
This week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada has expelled India's high commissioner and five diplomats who are all persons of interest in what the RCMP alleges is serious criminal activity. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian politicians should get real about India

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 16, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took too long to heed the warnings of India’s meddling, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been too quiet on

Canadian politicians should get real about India

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 16, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took too long to heed the warnings of India’s meddling, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been too quiet on
Justin Trudeau
This week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada has expelled India's high commissioner and five diplomats who are all persons of interest in what the RCMP alleges is serious criminal activity. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau and Poilievre playing politics with Middle East conflict

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not pressuring Canada to use multilateral diplomacy to stop the war in the Middle East. Instead, he’s sowing division.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 10, 2024
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, nor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are offering leadership amid a rising death toll and widening regional conflict in the Middle East, writes Bhagwant Sandu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau and Poilievre playing politics with Middle East conflict

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 10, 2024
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not pressuring Canada to use multilateral diplomacy to stop the war in the Middle East. Instead, he’s sowing division.

Trudeau and Poilievre playing politics with Middle East conflict

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 10, 2024
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not pressuring Canada to use multilateral diplomacy to stop the war in the Middle East. Instead, he’s sowing division.
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, nor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are offering leadership amid a rising death toll and widening regional conflict in the Middle East, writes Bhagwant Sandu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
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ArriveCan failings demonstrate deep structural flaws in senior public service ranks

  • As the ArriveCan and Phoenix scandals have shown, mismanagement in the public service is far-reaching and deeply structural.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 6, 2024
Auditor General Karen Hogan, pictured, delivered a report on the ArriveCan app to the House of Commons on Feb. 12, stating she found a 'glaring disregard for basic management practices' in her investigation. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

ArriveCan failings demonstrate deep structural flaws in senior public service ranks

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 6, 2024
  • As the ArriveCan and Phoenix scandals have shown, mismanagement in the public service is far-reaching and deeply structural.

ArriveCan failings demonstrate deep structural flaws in senior public service ranks

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 6, 2024
  • As the ArriveCan and Phoenix scandals have shown, mismanagement in the public service is far-reaching and deeply structural.
Auditor General Karen Hogan, pictured, delivered a report on the ArriveCan app to the House of Commons on Feb. 12, stating she found a 'glaring disregard for basic management practices' in her investigation. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When it comes to foreign aid, Canada fails to be guided by morality

  • Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre think that morality is contingent on the management of money. Some might call that kind of logic morally bankrupt.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 21, 2024
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen pictured speaking to reporters before Question Period on Feb. 15, 2024. Canada can play a constructive role in Africa's Sahel region, but the Liberal government nor the Conservative Party are willing to spend the money to do so, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When it comes to foreign aid, Canada fails to be guided by morality

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 21, 2024
  • Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre think that morality is contingent on the management of money. Some might call that kind of logic morally bankrupt.

When it comes to foreign aid, Canada fails to be guided by morality

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 21, 2024
  • Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre think that morality is contingent on the management of money. Some might call that kind of logic morally bankrupt.
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen pictured speaking to reporters before Question Period on Feb. 15, 2024. Canada can play a constructive role in Africa's Sahel region, but the Liberal government nor the Conservative Party are willing to spend the money to do so, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

If Prime Minister Trudeau wants to score easy points in the polls, he only has to think of Cuba

  • Canadian prime ministers from John Diefenbaker to Stephen Harper realized the strategic advantages of supporting Cuba.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 14, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, could lobby U.S. President Joe Biden, left, to reverse his predecessor Donald Trump's abrupt decision to put Cuba on the U.S. hit list of state sponsors of terrorism, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

If Prime Minister Trudeau wants to score easy points in the polls, he only has to think of Cuba

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 14, 2024
  • Canadian prime ministers from John Diefenbaker to Stephen Harper realized the strategic advantages of supporting Cuba.

If Prime Minister Trudeau wants to score easy points in the polls, he only has to think of Cuba

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 14, 2024
  • Canadian prime ministers from John Diefenbaker to Stephen Harper realized the strategic advantages of supporting Cuba.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, could lobby U.S. President Joe Biden, left, to reverse his predecessor Donald Trump's abrupt decision to put Cuba on the U.S. hit list of state sponsors of terrorism, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

What a Poilievre government might look like

  • Hint: it's remarkably similar to what a Maxime Bernier government might look like.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 7, 2024
As the federal election approaches, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will have to decide where to put his political marbles: with the neoconservative grievances of Maxime Bernier’s playbook, or with the policies of pragmatism preferred by the rest of us, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

What a Poilievre government might look like

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 7, 2024
  • Hint: it's remarkably similar to what a Maxime Bernier government might look like.

What a Poilievre government might look like

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 7, 2024
  • Hint: it's remarkably similar to what a Maxime Bernier government might look like.
As the federal election approaches, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will have to decide where to put his political marbles: with the neoconservative grievances of Maxime Bernier’s playbook, or with the policies of pragmatism preferred by the rest of us, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s 2024, and Black MPs are still being tokenized

  • In the confines of large organizational structures like political parties, diversity still remains a tactical device.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 1, 2024
When Black politicians succeed, they do so not because of any boost from the political structures within which they function, but because of their own merit and character. Greg Fergus, the first Black House Speaker, is a good example, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s 2024, and Black MPs are still being tokenized

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 1, 2024
  • In the confines of large organizational structures like political parties, diversity still remains a tactical device.

It’s 2024, and Black MPs are still being tokenized

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 1, 2024
  • In the confines of large organizational structures like political parties, diversity still remains a tactical device.
When Black politicians succeed, they do so not because of any boost from the political structures within which they function, but because of their own merit and character. Greg Fergus, the first Black House Speaker, is a good example, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greg Fergus and Parliament’s structural bind

  • In Parliament, decency has lost ground to indecency as the political parties vie to control the national discourse.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 22, 2024
Greg Fergus, the first Black Speaker of the House of Commons, had to jump through hypocritical hoops to prove his sincerity to his peers, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greg Fergus and Parliament’s structural bind

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 22, 2024
  • In Parliament, decency has lost ground to indecency as the political parties vie to control the national discourse.

Greg Fergus and Parliament’s structural bind

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 22, 2024
  • In Parliament, decency has lost ground to indecency as the political parties vie to control the national discourse.
Greg Fergus, the first Black Speaker of the House of Commons, had to jump through hypocritical hoops to prove his sincerity to his peers, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

On Israel, Justin Trudeau dances on the fence

  • On the surface it would seem as if Justin Trudeau has muddled his messaging on Israel. But perhaps there is merit to Pierre Poilievre's
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 17, 2024
Liberal MP Salma Zahid speaks to the press in December, 2023. Justin Trudeau's biggest critics on the Israel file are on his own team, and Zahid is one of them, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

On Israel, Justin Trudeau dances on the fence

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 17, 2024
  • On the surface it would seem as if Justin Trudeau has muddled his messaging on Israel. But perhaps there is merit to Pierre Poilievre's

On Israel, Justin Trudeau dances on the fence

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 17, 2024
  • On the surface it would seem as if Justin Trudeau has muddled his messaging on Israel. But perhaps there is merit to Pierre Poilievre's
Liberal MP Salma Zahid speaks to the press in December, 2023. Justin Trudeau's biggest critics on the Israel file are on his own team, and Zahid is one of them, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Justin Trudeau should employ pragmatic diplomacy

  • Pragmatic diplomacy is a first-rate diagnostic device. Used in concert with motivational factors, it can reveal options that are morally defensible and serve the
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 11, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has two options when it comes to Ukraine: uphold the illusion that ongoing war represents a victory for Ukraine; or, use pragmatic diplomacy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Justin Trudeau should employ pragmatic diplomacy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 11, 2024
  • Pragmatic diplomacy is a first-rate diagnostic device. Used in concert with motivational factors, it can reveal options that are morally defensible and serve the

Why Justin Trudeau should employ pragmatic diplomacy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 11, 2024
  • Pragmatic diplomacy is a first-rate diagnostic device. Used in concert with motivational factors, it can reveal options that are morally defensible and serve the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has two options when it comes to Ukraine: uphold the illusion that ongoing war represents a victory for Ukraine; or, use pragmatic diplomacy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Justin Trudeau’s 2023 foreign policy in review

  • Justin Trudeau’s foreign policy logic is pretzeled because it tries to balance the 'forever wars' mentality of the U.S. against our moral code of
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 28, 2023

Justin Trudeau’s 2023 foreign policy in review

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 28, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau’s foreign policy logic is pretzeled because it tries to balance the 'forever wars' mentality of the U.S. against our moral code of

Justin Trudeau’s 2023 foreign policy in review

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 28, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau’s foreign policy logic is pretzeled because it tries to balance the 'forever wars' mentality of the U.S. against our moral code of

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
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
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.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
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

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