Friday, June 6, 2025

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Friday, June 6, 2025 | Latest Paper

Conservative MP Peter Goldring

Opinion | BY MICHAEL ROY | June 6, 2025
The federal NDP needs to follow in the footsteps of past NDP premiers like Alberta’s Rachel Notley, B.C.’s John Horgan, and Manitoba’s Gary Doer. It’s a hard path, but worthwhile, writes Michael Roy. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Jake Wright
Opinion | BY MICHAEL ROY | June 6, 2025
Opinion | BY MICHAEL ROY | June 6, 2025
The federal NDP needs to follow in the footsteps of past NDP premiers like Alberta’s Rachel Notley, B.C.’s John Horgan, and Manitoba’s Gary Doer. It’s a hard path, but worthwhile, writes Michael Roy. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Jake Wright
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly speaks with reporters on June 4, 2025, following the American president's announcement of plans to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, including Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY ANDREW MEADE | June 6, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly speaks with reporters on June 4, 2025, following the American president's announcement of plans to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, including Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | June 6, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, top left, and cabinet ministers Steven MacKinnon, Dominic LeBlanc, Shafqat Ali, Mélanie Joly, François-Philippe Champagne, Tim Hodgson, bottom left, Anita Anand, David McGuinty, Sean Fraser, Steven Guilbeault, and Gregor Robertson make up Carney's 12-member Priorities, Planning and Strategy Cabinet Committee. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | June 6, 2025
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | June 6, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, top left, and cabinet ministers Steven MacKinnon, Dominic LeBlanc, Shafqat Ali, Mélanie Joly, François-Philippe Champagne, Tim Hodgson, bottom left, Anita Anand, David McGuinty, Sean Fraser, Steven Guilbeault, and Gregor Robertson make up Carney's 12-member Priorities, Planning and Strategy Cabinet Committee. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY NEIL MOSS | June 5, 2025
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet tabled his party's newest version of a bill to bar supply management concessions in trade negotiations on May 29. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY NEIL MOSS | June 5, 2025
News | BY NEIL MOSS | June 5, 2025
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet tabled his party's newest version of a bill to bar supply management concessions in trade negotiations on May 29. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
List | BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | June 5, 2025
Liberal MPs Rachel Bendayan, left, Leslie Church, Jaime Battiste, Taleeb Noormohamed, and Yasir Naqvi have been named as parliamentary secretaries. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
List | BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | June 5, 2025
List | BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | June 5, 2025
Liberal MPs Rachel Bendayan, left, Leslie Church, Jaime Battiste, Taleeb Noormohamed, and Yasir Naqvi have been named as parliamentary secretaries. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2025
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
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2025
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2025
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
Greek Ambassador Ekaterini Dimakis, left, welcomes Serbian Ambassador Dejan Ralevic to the Greece national day reception at the Hellenic Event Centre on March 25. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY SAM GARCIA | June 5, 2025
FeatureBY SAM GARCIA | June 5, 2025
Greek Ambassador Ekaterini Dimakis, left, welcomes Serbian Ambassador Dejan Ralevic to the Greece national day reception at the Hellenic Event Centre on March 25. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY TESSIE SANCI | June 5, 2025
Health Minister Marjorie Michel sits for an interview with The Hill Times in West Block on May 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY TESSIE SANCI | June 5, 2025
News | BY TESSIE SANCI | June 5, 2025
Health Minister Marjorie Michel sits for an interview with The Hill Times in West Block on May 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali tabled the main estimates for the coming year last week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali tabled the main estimates for the coming year last week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | June 4, 2025
Eleanor Olszewski
Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski urged MPs not to let wildfires ‘become partisan flashpoints,’ saying that she is ‘working closely’ with provinces to manage the federal government’s response. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | June 4, 2025
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | June 4, 2025
Eleanor Olszewski
Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski urged MPs not to let wildfires ‘become partisan flashpoints,’ saying that she is ‘working closely’ with provinces to manage the federal government’s response. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EMILY HOLTBY | June 4, 2025
Many drivers are hoping to extend the life of their vehicles for as long as possible, particularly given the current economic outlook, writes Emily Holtby. Unsplash photograph by Kate Ibragimova
Opinion | BY EMILY HOLTBY | June 4, 2025
Opinion | BY EMILY HOLTBY | June 4, 2025
Many drivers are hoping to extend the life of their vehicles for as long as possible, particularly given the current economic outlook, writes Emily Holtby. Unsplash photograph by Kate Ibragimova
Opinion | BY SARAH HOUDE, SIMON DONNER | June 4, 2025
Julie Dabrusin
Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin, right. There is no room for backsliding on climate policy, write Sarah Houde and Simon Donner. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SARAH HOUDE, SIMON DONNER | June 4, 2025
Opinion | BY SARAH HOUDE, SIMON DONNER | June 4, 2025
Julie Dabrusin
Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin, right. There is no room for backsliding on climate policy, write Sarah Houde and Simon Donner. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 4, 2025
Gary Anandasangaree
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree holds a press conference with updates on border security measures outlined in Bill C-2 in the House of Commons foyer on June 3. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 4, 2025
News | BY PETER MAZEREEUW | June 4, 2025
Gary Anandasangaree
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree holds a press conference with updates on border security measures outlined in Bill C-2 in the House of Commons foyer on June 3. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 4, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses the Liberal caucus in West Block on May 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 4, 2025
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 4, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses the Liberal caucus in West Block on May 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY NEIL MOSS | June 4, 2025
Canada only deployed 26 personnel on peacekeeping missions, according to the latest United Nations numbers as of Feb. 28. DND photograph by MCpl Jennifer Kusche
News | BY NEIL MOSS | June 4, 2025
News | BY NEIL MOSS | June 4, 2025
Canada only deployed 26 personnel on peacekeeping missions, according to the latest United Nations numbers as of Feb. 28. DND photograph by MCpl Jennifer Kusche
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 4, 2025
Pierre Poilievre
One might indeed be forgiven for thinking Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is a bit focused on the rear-view mirror, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 4, 2025
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 4, 2025
Pierre Poilievre
One might indeed be forgiven for thinking Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is a bit focused on the rear-view mirror, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | June 4, 2025
Opinion | June 4, 2025
Opinion | June 4, 2025
Opinion | June 4, 2025
Opinion | June 4, 2025
Opinion | June 4, 2025
Opinion | BY ROBERT FOWLER | June 4, 2025
Donald Trump
Canadians have good reason to dislike and distrust U.S. President Donald Trump, but not everything he has said about defence is wrong, writes Robert R. Fowler. White House photograph by Joyce N. Boghosian
Opinion | BY ROBERT FOWLER | June 4, 2025
Opinion | BY ROBERT FOWLER | June 4, 2025
Donald Trump
Canadians have good reason to dislike and distrust U.S. President Donald Trump, but not everything he has said about defence is wrong, writes Robert R. Fowler. White House photograph by Joyce N. Boghosian
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | June 4, 2025
Conservative MP Tom Kmiec, top left, is the new House deputy speaker. His assistant deputy speakers are Liberal MP Alexandra Mendès, bottom left, and Conservative MP John Nater. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia, and photograph courtesy of X
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | June 4, 2025
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | June 4, 2025
Conservative MP Tom Kmiec, top left, is the new House deputy speaker. His assistant deputy speakers are Liberal MP Alexandra Mendès, bottom left, and Conservative MP John Nater. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia, and photograph courtesy of X
Gary Anandasangaree
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is backing a bill to expand surveillance and security powers for law and border enforcement, and block out more asylum seekers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Gary Anandasangaree
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is backing a bill to expand surveillance and security powers for law and border enforcement, and block out more asylum seekers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY LEAH TEMPER | June 3, 2025
The overlapping crises demand more than nudges and voluntary commitments from Prime Minister Mark Carney—they require structural change, writes Leah Temper. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY LEAH TEMPER | June 3, 2025
Opinion | BY LEAH TEMPER | June 3, 2025
The overlapping crises demand more than nudges and voluntary commitments from Prime Minister Mark Carney—they require structural change, writes Leah Temper. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | June 3, 2025
The inability to hold the warming down means more and bigger forest fires, floods, droughts, cyclones, and killer heatwaves, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | June 3, 2025
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | June 3, 2025
The inability to hold the warming down means more and bigger forest fires, floods, droughts, cyclones, and killer heatwaves, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with his cabinet today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with his cabinet today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 2, 2025
Canadian and French helicopters sit on the flight deck of the Mistral off the coast of Gaspé, Que., on June 20, 2014. DND photograph by MCpl Patrick Blanchard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 2, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 2, 2025
Canadian and French helicopters sit on the flight deck of the Mistral off the coast of Gaspé, Que., on June 20, 2014. DND photograph by MCpl Patrick Blanchard
Opinion | BY MICHAEL FOX | June 2, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mandate letter to cabinet stopped short full Indigenous economic inclusion, but he course-corrected in the Throne Speech, writes Michael Fox. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY MICHAEL FOX | June 2, 2025
Opinion | BY MICHAEL FOX | June 2, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mandate letter to cabinet stopped short full Indigenous economic inclusion, but he course-corrected in the Throne Speech, writes Michael Fox. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 2, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, left, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, and Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez have joined the ranks of ministers with confirmed chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 2, 2025
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 2, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, left, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, and Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez have joined the ranks of ministers with confirmed chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 24, 2023
“Denialism involves not only the complete denial of the existence of residential schools […but] it also involves attempts to […] deny basic, established facts about survivors and accounts,” said PSG Senator Brian Francis, chair of the Senate’s Indigenous Peoples Committee. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 24, 2023
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 24, 2023
“Denialism involves not only the complete denial of the existence of residential schools […but] it also involves attempts to […] deny basic, established facts about survivors and accounts,” said PSG Senator Brian Francis, chair of the Senate’s Indigenous Peoples Committee. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 24, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. All Canadians have an interest in the setting of the national policy agenda, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 24, 2023
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 24, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. All Canadians have an interest in the setting of the national policy agenda, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
Jake Cole, a former federal public servant, keeps a close watch on where federal departments and agencies rank within a lengthy list. Photograph courtesy of Jake Wright, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
Jake Cole, a former federal public servant, keeps a close watch on where federal departments and agencies rank within a lengthy list. Photograph courtesy of Jake Wright, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 24, 2023
Heavy smoke in Ottawa on June 30. One would think the scale of the disaster would prompt some shift in tone, or even a reset in terms of how we talk about climate change. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 24, 2023
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 24, 2023
Heavy smoke in Ottawa on June 30. One would think the scale of the disaster would prompt some shift in tone, or even a reset in terms of how we talk about climate change. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | July 24, 2023
Riwayat models Isabel De La Torre, left, Melanie Renaud, and Yara Ebaid walk runway at the Pakistan High Commission's culture and fashion show on June 19. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | July 24, 2023
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | July 24, 2023
Riwayat models Isabel De La Torre, left, Melanie Renaud, and Yara Ebaid walk runway at the Pakistan High Commission's culture and fashion show on June 19. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will make an announcement about Canada's climate commitment at 11 a.m. EDT in Montreal today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will make an announcement about Canada's climate commitment at 11 a.m. EDT in Montreal today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Life is kept secret. It is an evolving revelation we live and one we endure. It is Alpha and Omega. It is a journey. It is defined by who we become, writes Cran Campbell. Image courtesy of PxHere
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Life is kept secret. It is an evolving revelation we live and one we endure. It is Alpha and Omega. It is a journey. It is defined by who we become, writes Cran Campbell. Image courtesy of PxHere
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be attending high-level United Nations meetings in September. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be attending high-level United Nations meetings in September. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | July 24, 2023
A collapsed road in Nova Scotia, where several wildfires were burning on May 31, 2023. Photograph courtesy of RCMP/Nova Scotia
Opinion | July 24, 2023
Opinion | July 24, 2023
A collapsed road in Nova Scotia, where several wildfires were burning on May 31, 2023. Photograph courtesy of RCMP/Nova Scotia
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, by Bill Vigars. Book Cover Image courtesy of Sutherland House Books
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
FeatureBY MIKE LAPOINTE | July 24, 2023
Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, by Bill Vigars. Book Cover Image courtesy of Sutherland House Books
Did somebody say beer?: Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman will take part in a 'Pints & Politics' gathering on July 26 at 6 p.m. in Kitchener, Ont. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Did somebody say beer?: Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman will take part in a 'Pints & Politics' gathering on July 26 at 6 p.m. in Kitchener, Ont. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland are each working south of the border today. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland are each working south of the border today. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY KATRINA MILLER | July 20, 2023
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland should be congratulated for not backing down in the face of international pressure to hold off on taxing online multinational corporations, writes Katrina Miller. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KATRINA MILLER | July 20, 2023
Opinion | BY KATRINA MILLER | July 20, 2023
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland should be congratulated for not backing down in the face of international pressure to hold off on taxing online multinational corporations, writes Katrina Miller. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 20, 2023
Families Minister Karina Gould announced the opening of public consultations to gather input about a national school food policy, which was held between Nov. 16 and Dec. 16, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 20, 2023
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 20, 2023
Families Minister Karina Gould announced the opening of public consultations to gather input about a national school food policy, which was held between Nov. 16 and Dec. 16, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY CARL HAGER | July 20, 2023
NDP MP Jenny Kwan, left, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Peter Julian at the House Affairs Committee meeting to question David Johnston, then the independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, on June 6, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY CARL HAGER | July 20, 2023
Opinion | BY CARL HAGER | July 20, 2023
NDP MP Jenny Kwan, left, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Peter Julian at the House Affairs Committee meeting to question David Johnston, then the independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, on June 6, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY AMANDA BRYANT | July 20, 2023
Wildfire EWF-031 located southeast of Edson, Alta. Greenhouse gasses emitted from fossil fuel activity directly cause wildfires, and Canada is experiencing its worst-ever wildfire season, writes Amanda Bryant. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Alberta
Opinion | BY AMANDA BRYANT | July 20, 2023
Opinion | BY AMANDA BRYANT | July 20, 2023
Wildfire EWF-031 located southeast of Edson, Alta. Greenhouse gasses emitted from fossil fuel activity directly cause wildfires, and Canada is experiencing its worst-ever wildfire season, writes Amanda Bryant. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Alberta
Opinion | BY DON HEAD | July 20, 2023
Marco Mendicino
There is a framework in place for sharing more information in relation to the penitentiary transfer of Paul Bernardo, but it requires fearless leadership on the part of Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and the corrections commissioner to make it happen, writes Don Head. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DON HEAD | July 20, 2023
Opinion | BY DON HEAD | July 20, 2023
Marco Mendicino
There is a framework in place for sharing more information in relation to the penitentiary transfer of Paul Bernardo, but it requires fearless leadership on the part of Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and the corrections commissioner to make it happen, writes Don Head. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
With the threat of a continued B.C. port strike, the government has been under intense pressure to recall Parliament and force the longshoremen back to work. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
With the threat of a continued B.C. port strike, the government has been under intense pressure to recall Parliament and force the longshoremen back to work. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ORLANDO GUTIéRREZ BORONAT | July 19, 2023
Dr. Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, third right, joined Conservative MPs including national defence critic James Bezan, far left, deputy leader Melissa Lantsman, finance critic Jasraj Singh Hallan and foreign affairs critic Michael Chong, far right, on the Hill on June 21. Handout photograph
Opinion | BY ORLANDO GUTIéRREZ BORONAT | July 19, 2023
Opinion | BY ORLANDO GUTIéRREZ BORONAT | July 19, 2023
Dr. Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, third right, joined Conservative MPs including national defence critic James Bezan, far left, deputy leader Melissa Lantsman, finance critic Jasraj Singh Hallan and foreign affairs critic Michael Chong, far right, on the Hill on June 21. Handout photograph
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
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 19, 2023
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