Sunday, March 1, 2026

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Sunday, March 1, 2026 | Latest Paper

Christina Leadlay

Christina Leadlay is The Hill Times’ engagement editor and copy editor, and has been writing the “Heard on the Hill” column since November 2023. Since first joining Hill Times publishing in 2004, she has held a number of roles, including associate editor of Embassy, co-editing Parliament Now, contributing to Hill Times Health, and overseeing the annual Inside Ottawa Directory. From 2014-2023, Leadlay was managing editor of the New Edinburgh News, a volunteer-run community newspaper.

Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 25, 2026
Deputy Government House Leader Arielle Kayabaga will take part in a panel, 'Africa, the Caribbean and Canada: Unlocking Growth Across the New Trade Frontier,' hosted by the Empire Club of Canada on Feb. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 25, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 25, 2026
Deputy Government House Leader Arielle Kayabaga will take part in a panel, 'Africa, the Caribbean and Canada: Unlocking Growth Across the New Trade Frontier,' hosted by the Empire Club of Canada on Feb. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 25, 2026
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Feb 2026
'In Brussels for the NATO parliamentary assembly meeting,' posted Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay with this photo on his Instagram last week. Days later, he shared how he was mugged during the trip. Photograph courtesy of Instagram
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 25, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 25, 2026
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Feb 2026
'In Brussels for the NATO parliamentary assembly meeting,' posted Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay with this photo on his Instagram last week. Days later, he shared how he was mugged during the trip. Photograph courtesy of Instagram
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 23, 2026
EKOS Research founder Frank Graves spent 12 days trying to reclaim his personal X account after it was hijacked. 'As someone studying online harm and disinformation, I didn’t realize that I would become a vivid, real-life example of those problems,' he told The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 23, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 23, 2026
EKOS Research founder Frank Graves spent 12 days trying to reclaim his personal X account after it was hijacked. 'As someone studying online harm and disinformation, I didn’t realize that I would become a vivid, real-life example of those problems,' he told The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 23, 2026
SecState for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr will deliver remarks titled, 'A New Era of Defence Investment in Canada,' and hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations on Monday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 a.m. ET in Montreal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 23, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 23, 2026
SecState for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr will deliver remarks titled, 'A New Era of Defence Investment in Canada,' and hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations on Monday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 a.m. ET in Montreal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 18, 2026
Shauna Neary DFO staff and hockey referee
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is cheering on Halifax-based hydrographer Shauna Neary who is in Italy to referee the women’s hockey games at the Winter Olympics. Photograph courtesy of Facebook
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 18, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 18, 2026
Shauna Neary DFO staff and hockey referee
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is cheering on Halifax-based hydrographer Shauna Neary who is in Italy to referee the women’s hockey games at the Winter Olympics. Photograph courtesy of Facebook
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 18, 2026
NDP leadership candidates Tanille Johnston, left, Avi Lewis, Tony McQuail, Heather McPherson, and Rob Ashton will face off in their second official debate in British Columbia on Feb. 19. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 18, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 18, 2026
NDP leadership candidates Tanille Johnston, left, Avi Lewis, Tony McQuail, Heather McPherson, and Rob Ashton will face off in their second official debate in British Columbia on Feb. 19. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 16, 2026
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly will deliver a keynote address at an event for the launch of the 10th Ontario Economic Report hosted by the Empire Club of Canada and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11:30 a.m. in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 16, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 16, 2026
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly will deliver a keynote address at an event for the launch of the 10th Ontario Economic Report hosted by the Empire Club of Canada and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11:30 a.m. in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 16, 2026
Eric St-Pierre, Jake Sawatzky, Jaime Battiste
Liberal MP Eric St-Pierre, left, is organizing a group of over a dozen MPs including Jake Sawatzky, centre, and Jaime Battiste, far right (pictured with Sawatzky) in the CMHA's annual Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness for mental health. Screenshots courtesy of Instagram
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 16, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 16, 2026
Eric St-Pierre, Jake Sawatzky, Jaime Battiste
Liberal MP Eric St-Pierre, left, is organizing a group of over a dozen MPs including Jake Sawatzky, centre, and Jaime Battiste, far right (pictured with Sawatzky) in the CMHA's annual Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness for mental health. Screenshots courtesy of Instagram
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 11, 2026
Gabe de Roche and Kyla Ronellenfitsch
Gabriel De Roche, left, and Kyla Ronellenfitsch will co-host the new podcast, Culture Lab, debuting on Feb. 18. He’s ‘the Toronto to Kyla’s Saskatchewan, the opera to Kyla’s Taylor Swift, [but] that contrast turned out to be a strength,' they told The Hill Times. Photographs courtesy of Air Quotes Media
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 11, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 11, 2026
Gabe de Roche and Kyla Ronellenfitsch
Gabriel De Roche, left, and Kyla Ronellenfitsch will co-host the new podcast, Culture Lab, debuting on Feb. 18. He’s ‘the Toronto to Kyla’s Saskatchewan, the opera to Kyla’s Taylor Swift, [but] that contrast turned out to be a strength,' they told The Hill Times. Photographs courtesy of Air Quotes Media
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 11, 2026
Katie Telford, former chief of staff to then-prime minister Justin Trudeau, will take part in an event at Library and Archives Canada on Feb. 12. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 11, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 11, 2026
Katie Telford, former chief of staff to then-prime minister Justin Trudeau, will take part in an event at Library and Archives Canada on Feb. 12. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 9, 2026
Dr. John Douglas Salmon, top left, Elizabeth Cromwell, Dr. Yvette Bonny, Elkin James (aka Sweet Daddy Siki), James Calbert Best, bottom left, Lloydetta Quaicoe, Egbert Gaye, and Bromley Armstrong are among the nine Canadians being recognized for their contributions by the federal government this month. Photographs by Sgt. Johanna Maheu, Rideau Hall, and courtesy of Facebook and Instagram; screenshots courtesy of Youtube and Global News
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 9, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 9, 2026
Dr. John Douglas Salmon, top left, Elizabeth Cromwell, Dr. Yvette Bonny, Elkin James (aka Sweet Daddy Siki), James Calbert Best, bottom left, Lloydetta Quaicoe, Egbert Gaye, and Bromley Armstrong are among the nine Canadians being recognized for their contributions by the federal government this month. Photographs by Sgt. Johanna Maheu, Rideau Hall, and courtesy of Facebook and Instagram; screenshots courtesy of Youtube and Global News
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 9, 2026
Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon will speak at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. MT a the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 9, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 9, 2026
Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon will speak at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. MT a the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
Feature | BY RIDDHI KACHHELA, CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Former prime minister Stephen Harper pictured at the unveiling of his official portrait. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY RIDDHI KACHHELA, CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Feature | BY RIDDHI KACHHELA, CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Former prime minister Stephen Harper pictured at the unveiling of his official portrait. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
'Corey is great at his job as a partisan politician. I disagree with almost everything he says,' Conservative strategist Cole Hogan, left, said of his cousin, Liberal MP Corey Hogan, during an interview on CPAC at the Conservative convention last weekend. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
'Corey is great at his job as a partisan politician. I disagree with almost everything he says,' Conservative strategist Cole Hogan, left, said of his cousin, Liberal MP Corey Hogan, during an interview on CPAC at the Conservative convention last weekend. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Governor General Mary Simon will conclude her trip abroad to Norway, Denmark, and Greenland on Feb. 7. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 4, 2026
Governor General Mary Simon will conclude her trip abroad to Norway, Denmark, and Greenland on Feb. 7. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 2, 2026
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured Oct. 16, 2015, at a campaign rally in Fredericton, N.B. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 2, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 2, 2026
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured Oct. 16, 2015, at a campaign rally in Fredericton, N.B. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 2, 2026
Mark Carney
After reviewing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s fashion choices based on these three videos, Canadian-born menswear writer Derek Guy says Carney is well dressed 'for a politician.' Screenshots courtesy of YouTube
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 2, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | February 2, 2026
Mark Carney
After reviewing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s fashion choices based on these three videos, Canadian-born menswear writer Derek Guy says Carney is well dressed 'for a politician.' Screenshots courtesy of YouTube
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 29, 2026
'I am kind of proud of the fact that there is so much information contained in it about Mr. Harper as a personality,' says artist Phil Richards of his portrait of former prime minister Stephen Harper which will be unveiled on Feb. 3 on the Hill. Photograph courtesy of Phil Richards
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 29, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 29, 2026
'I am kind of proud of the fact that there is so much information contained in it about Mr. Harper as a personality,' says artist Phil Richards of his portrait of former prime minister Stephen Harper which will be unveiled on Feb. 3 on the Hill. Photograph courtesy of Phil Richards
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 28, 2026
The Conservative Party of Canada will hold its national convention at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary from Jan. 29-31 where party members will debate policy and vote on Leader Pierre Poilievre's future at the helm. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 28, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 28, 2026
The Conservative Party of Canada will hold its national convention at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary from Jan. 29-31 where party members will debate policy and vote on Leader Pierre Poilievre's future at the helm. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 28, 2026
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan, pictured in 2016, is being remembered for her curiosity and kindness, and as a mentor to new MPs. She died on Jan. 26 after a long battle with cancer. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 28, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 28, 2026
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan, pictured in 2016, is being remembered for her curiosity and kindness, and as a mentor to new MPs. She died on Jan. 26 after a long battle with cancer. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 26, 2026
Max Valiquette, Supriya Dwivedi, Katie Telford and Katy Perry
In his eight-part memoir from his time as executive director of communications in the Trudeau PMO, Max Valiquette, left, calls out the bullying his former colleagues Supriya Dwivedi and Katie Telford, centre, received 'for daring to be women in politics,' and describes his old boss' now girlfriend Katy Perry as 'generous and great.' Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn, The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson, and courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 26, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 26, 2026
Max Valiquette, Supriya Dwivedi, Katie Telford and Katy Perry
In his eight-part memoir from his time as executive director of communications in the Trudeau PMO, Max Valiquette, left, calls out the bullying his former colleagues Supriya Dwivedi and Katie Telford, centre, received 'for daring to be women in politics,' and describes his old boss' now girlfriend Katy Perry as 'generous and great.' Photograph courtesy of LinkedIn, The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson, and courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 26, 2026
Perfect Books and The Other Hill host an evening with Cory Doctorow, author of 'Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It,' featuring a post-lecture book signing and Q&A. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. ET at allsaints event space, 317 Chapel St., Ottawa. Photograph courtesy of Cory Doctorow
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 26, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 26, 2026
Perfect Books and The Other Hill host an evening with Cory Doctorow, author of 'Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It,' featuring a post-lecture book signing and Q&A. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. ET at allsaints event space, 317 Chapel St., Ottawa. Photograph courtesy of Cory Doctorow
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 21, 2026
Canadian investigative reporter Susanne Craig, who has been writing for the New York Times since 2010, will receive the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s prestigious CJF Tribute in Toronto this June. Photograph courtesy of Instagram
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 21, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 21, 2026
Canadian investigative reporter Susanne Craig, who has been writing for the New York Times since 2010, will receive the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s prestigious CJF Tribute in Toronto this June. Photograph courtesy of Instagram
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 21, 2026
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump. Carleton University professor Laura Macdonald will deliver a hybrid lecture, 'Farewell to Regional Integration? Trump’s Trade Policies and Prospects for the CUSMA Review,' on Jan. 22. White House photograph by Daniel Torok
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 21, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 21, 2026
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump. Carleton University professor Laura Macdonald will deliver a hybrid lecture, 'Farewell to Regional Integration? Trump’s Trade Policies and Prospects for the CUSMA Review,' on Jan. 22. White House photograph by Daniel Torok
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 19, 2026
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 19, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 19, 2026
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 19, 2026
Hill Times columnist Matt Gurney has been focused on his family since his wife was diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas, but says he will be gradually returning to work. 'Don’t be surprised if you see more thoughts from me about the health-care system,' he wrote on social media on Jan. 13. Handout photograph
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 19, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 19, 2026
Hill Times columnist Matt Gurney has been focused on his family since his wife was diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas, but says he will be gradually returning to work. 'Don’t be surprised if you see more thoughts from me about the health-care system,' he wrote on social media on Jan. 13. Handout photograph
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 14, 2026
Nancy Bélanger
Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger will host a virtual information session to provide an overview of the federal requirements related to lobbying and the new threshold on Jan. 15. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 14, 2026
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | January 14, 2026
Nancy Bélanger
Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger will host a virtual information session to provide an overview of the federal requirements related to lobbying and the new threshold on Jan. 15. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade