How well is the government meeting its diversity targets? The 2023-24 Employment Equity report offers a window into federal efforts to bring about change.
The 2023-24 employment equity report is likely to be the last analysis occurring during a period of growth in the core public service, as the government embarks on a spending review across all departments. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
How well is the government meeting its diversity targets? The 2023-24 Employment Equity report offers a window into federal efforts to bring about change.
How well is the government meeting its diversity targets? The 2023-24 Employment Equity report offers a window into federal efforts to bring about change.
The 2023-24 employment equity report is likely to be the last analysis occurring during a period of growth in the core public service, as the government embarks on a spending review across all departments. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
First Nations are in a legal bind with drugs coming into our communities. Under current federal legislation, Canada Post requires 'reasonable grounds' before they
The issue of drugs in mail sent through Canada Post goes far beyond one Crown corporation. Our sovereignty means nothing if we cannot control what comes into our own territories, writes Michael Yellowback and Angela Levasseur. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
First Nations are in a legal bind with drugs coming into our communities. Under current federal legislation, Canada Post requires 'reasonable grounds' before they
First Nations are in a legal bind with drugs coming into our communities. Under current federal legislation, Canada Post requires 'reasonable grounds' before they
The issue of drugs in mail sent through Canada Post goes far beyond one Crown corporation. Our sovereignty means nothing if we cannot control what comes into our own territories, writes Michael Yellowback and Angela Levasseur. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House's Oval Office on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
We should also hope that the lawless nature of Donald Trump’s trade negotiations will be restrained not only by the actions of other major
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House's Oval Office on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
A proposed system of parallel reviews aims to disallow anti-competitive mergers or collaborations, but could block transactions that benefit airline passengers and likely reduce
If economies of scale allow large airlines to operate more efficiently than small ones, airline passengers may well be better off when two airlines merge, writes Matthew Lau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A proposed system of parallel reviews aims to disallow anti-competitive mergers or collaborations, but could block transactions that benefit airline passengers and likely reduce
A proposed system of parallel reviews aims to disallow anti-competitive mergers or collaborations, but could block transactions that benefit airline passengers and likely reduce
If economies of scale allow large airlines to operate more efficiently than small ones, airline passengers may well be better off when two airlines merge, writes Matthew Lau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with First Nations chiefs today to address opposition to his new major projects fast-tracking law. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, an unofficial India-Canada conference is happening in Ottawa today.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with First Nations chiefs today to address opposition to his new major projects fast-tracking law. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has seven confirmed staffers officially working in her office as of mid-July. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, an updated look at National Defence Minister David McGuinty’s office where Andrew Green has been named director of operations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has seven confirmed staffers officially working in her office as of mid-July. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Severe cuts to the budgets of UN humanitarian agencies, including those dealing with refugees and children, have set off panic through the organization.
Severe cuts to the budgets of UN humanitarian agencies, including those dealing with refugees and children, have set off panic through the organization.
Severe cuts to the budgets of UN humanitarian agencies, including those dealing with refugees and children, have set off panic through the organization.
Bob Rae is Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill C-5 includes 'very dangerous' language that gives 'sweeping powers' to cabinet to disregard important laws, says Kate Kempton, the senior counsel for the
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is facing a legal challenge against Bill C-5, which allows projects deemed by cabinet to be in the 'national interest' to override several environmental laws. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill C-5 includes 'very dangerous' language that gives 'sweeping powers' to cabinet to disregard important laws, says Kate Kempton, the senior counsel for the
Bill C-5 includes 'very dangerous' language that gives 'sweeping powers' to cabinet to disregard important laws, says Kate Kempton, the senior counsel for the
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is facing a legal challenge against Bill C-5, which allows projects deemed by cabinet to be in the 'national interest' to override several environmental laws. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney has championed increased trade and defence links to Europe as part of diversification efforts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Canada's vacant ambassadorial posting in Germany is just one important embassy abroad that will soon need to be filled as most G7 envoys near
Prime Minister Mark Carney has championed increased trade and defence links to Europe as part of diversification efforts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Norbert Lammert was president of Germany's Bundestag from 2005 to 2017. He now serves as chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Both Canada and Germany are 'challenged' by the Trump's administration's 'new understanding' of transatlantic relations, says Norbert Lammert.
Norbert Lammert was president of Germany's Bundestag from 2005 to 2017. He now serves as chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
THURSDAY, JULY 10—SUNDAY, JULY 20 Ottawa Bluesfest—Ottawa’s Bluesfest returns for 10 days featuring a lineup of musicians from a variety of genres including blues, world
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with the provincial and territorial premiers to discuss the nation's response to the latest tariff action from U.S. President Donald Trump in Huntsville, Ont., on July 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
THURSDAY, JULY 10—SUNDAY, JULY 20 Ottawa Bluesfest—Ottawa’s Bluesfest returns for 10 days featuring a lineup of musicians from a variety of genres including blues, world
THURSDAY, JULY 10—SUNDAY, JULY 20 Ottawa Bluesfest—Ottawa’s Bluesfest returns for 10 days featuring a lineup of musicians from a variety of genres including blues, world
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with the provincial and territorial premiers to discuss the nation's response to the latest tariff action from U.S. President Donald Trump in Huntsville, Ont., on July 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney meet alongside the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alta., on June 17. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC
India and Canada should see each other not as hesitant allies, but as natural partners for resilient growth.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney meet alongside the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alta., on June 17. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC
The political honeymoon Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has enjoyed since the election may have left them unprepared for the strength of the opposition they now face, writes Josie Sabatino. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The summer months often provide a buffer from intense public scrutiny, but come fall, all eyes will be on the government as it unveils
The political honeymoon Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has enjoyed since the election may have left them unprepared for the strength of the opposition they now face, writes Josie Sabatino. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Five cranes currently surround Centre Block. Three sit inside the Parliament Welcome Centre pit to facilitate construction of the new underground complex, with two flanking Centre Block's east and west ends to haul material in and out of its internal courtyards. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Meanwhile, workers continue to haul bedrock out from under the historic Centre Block building as part of excavations that will reach 23 metres below
Five cranes currently surround Centre Block. Three sit inside the Parliament Welcome Centre pit to facilitate construction of the new underground complex, with two flanking Centre Block's east and west ends to haul material in and out of its internal courtyards. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux’s term is up on Sept. 2. The House and Senate finance committees both passed motions urging his reappointment.
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux’s term is up soon, with no replacement named as a major fall reset is about to unfold.
Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux’s term is up on Sept. 2. The House and Senate finance committees both passed motions urging his reappointment.
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Volume production and technical innovations have brought the price of solar panels down so low that China is exporting them in huge quantities even to developing countries, writes Gwynne Dyer.
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash
Coal, gas, and oil account for about 75 per cent of overall greenhouse gas emissions, so seeing countries like China rapidly switching to cheaper
Volume production and technical innovations have brought the price of solar panels down so low that China is exporting them in huge quantities even to developing countries, writes Gwynne Dyer.
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash
Highly restrictive bid criteria made competition 'impossible' for Canadian and European companies to secure the contract for military night-vision goggles, says a filing from
Defence Minister David McGuinty said he would 'look into' the terms of the contract before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal called for the government to put a hold on the procurement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Highly restrictive bid criteria made competition 'impossible' for Canadian and European companies to secure the contract for military night-vision goggles, says a filing from
Highly restrictive bid criteria made competition 'impossible' for Canadian and European companies to secure the contract for military night-vision goggles, says a filing from
Defence Minister David McGuinty said he would 'look into' the terms of the contract before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal called for the government to put a hold on the procurement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has filled some key staff positions in his new ministerial office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, AI and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon has made progress in staffing up his new office, and Rob Jamieson is chief of staff
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has filled some key staff positions in his new ministerial office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A technical loophole is letting us undermine our climate commitments, and ignores the fundamental reality that greenhouse gas emissions affect our climate regardless of
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and the government should reconsider the decision and require a comprehensive environmental assessment of the Vista coal mine expansion, writes Stephen Wilton. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A technical loophole is letting us undermine our climate commitments, and ignores the fundamental reality that greenhouse gas emissions affect our climate regardless of
A technical loophole is letting us undermine our climate commitments, and ignores the fundamental reality that greenhouse gas emissions affect our climate regardless of
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and the government should reconsider the decision and require a comprehensive environmental assessment of the Vista coal mine expansion, writes Stephen Wilton. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, pictured with his wife Anaida Poilievre on April 28 in Ottawa, is set to face a mandatory leadership review at the Calgary convention in January, as required by the party constitution following an electoral defeat. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
The Conservative ‘movement is bigger, stronger and more energized than ever’ under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, says Conservative MP Arpan Khanna.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, pictured with his wife Anaida Poilievre on April 28 in Ottawa, is set to face a mandatory leadership review at the Calgary convention in January, as required by the party constitution following an electoral defeat. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
As the federal Liberals move forward with their financial review, it’s important that they are transparent with Canadians about the actual real-life impacts of
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference in the West Block on June 20, 2025, after the passage of Bill C-5. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
As the federal Liberals move forward with their financial review, it’s important that they are transparent with Canadians about the actual real-life impacts of
As the federal Liberals move forward with their financial review, it’s important that they are transparent with Canadians about the actual real-life impacts of
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference in the West Block on June 20, 2025, after the passage of Bill C-5. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
As a part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's, right, spending review of government operations, departments that serve Indigenous Peoples—including Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada led by Minister Rebecca Alty, left—must be required to fulfill their spending obligations and "get the money out the door," writes Rose LeMay. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
CIRNAC and ISC must be forced to actually get the money out the door to Indigenous communities because this is the rare case in
As a part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's, right, spending review of government operations, departments that serve Indigenous Peoples—including Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada led by Minister Rebecca Alty, left—must be required to fulfill their spending obligations and "get the money out the door," writes Rose LeMay. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said in a recent speech that the climate is changing, and the Canadian economy has to be retooled to reflect that reality, but Shawn McCarthy argues that Hodgson's government has not demonstrated the same urgency around clean-economy policies that it has shown with deregulation. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
It will take enormous commitment and discipline to meet the bold promise of making Canada a clean energy superpower—traits that have not yet been
Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said in a recent speech that the climate is changing, and the Canadian economy has to be retooled to reflect that reality, but Shawn McCarthy argues that Hodgson's government has not demonstrated the same urgency around clean-economy policies that it has shown with deregulation. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MONDAY, JUNE 2 Prime Minister Carney to Meet with Premiers—Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to hold a meeting with the Council of the
The City of Timmins hosts a conversation between The Hill Times' columnist Gwynne Dyer and former NDP MP Charlie Angus, pictured, focused on today's ever-changing political world. Thursday, June 5, at 7 p.m. ET at the Porcupine Dante Club, 162 Cedar St. S., Timmins, Ont. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MONDAY, JUNE 2 Prime Minister Carney to Meet with Premiers—Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to hold a meeting with the Council of the
The City of Timmins hosts a conversation between The Hill Times' columnist Gwynne Dyer and former NDP MP Charlie Angus, pictured, focused on today's ever-changing political world. Thursday, June 5, at 7 p.m. ET at the Porcupine Dante Club, 162 Cedar St. S., Timmins, Ont. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Holding the balance of power in House committees, the Bloc Québécois plans to use its parliamentary leverage to promote Quebec’s interests, says Bloc House Leader Christine Normandin.
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The governing Liberals want to work with both the Conservatives and the Bloc in committees, say Liberal MPs Judy Sgro and Kevin Lamoureux.
Holding the balance of power in House committees, the Bloc Québécois plans to use its parliamentary leverage to promote Quebec’s interests, says Bloc House Leader Christine Normandin.
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A stable, coherent regulatory environment with well-structured incentives to attract the investments needed is a necessary step toward solving the affordability portion of the energy trilemma, writes Olha Sotska, policy adviser at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay
While the growth of renewables is critical (and to be continued), they will largely be layered on top of existing traditional energy sources, rather
A stable, coherent regulatory environment with well-structured incentives to attract the investments needed is a necessary step toward solving the affordability portion of the energy trilemma, writes Olha Sotska, policy adviser at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay
If we want a nation-building project in Canada that creates jobs, investment, increases energy resilience and sets us up for economic success for the next decade and beyond, then creating a cross-Canadian clean electricity grid is it, writes Will Noel and Jason Wang of the Pembina Institute. Photograph courtesy of Eric Anada, Pexels.com
No matter the industry, there’s one thing that’s always bad for investment: uncertainty. And in the last two years, the Government of Alberta has
If we want a nation-building project in Canada that creates jobs, investment, increases energy resilience and sets us up for economic success for the next decade and beyond, then creating a cross-Canadian clean electricity grid is it, writes Will Noel and Jason Wang of the Pembina Institute. Photograph courtesy of Eric Anada, Pexels.com
There is a strong need to reformulate the energy equation to address electrification challenges in Canada since there is no more feasible cross-border electricity
Key challenges come out of an integrated electricity network with cross-border electricity trade, and out of bilateral agreements to facilitate the exchange of electricity between Canadian provinces and American states, writes Dr. Ibrahim Dincer, a professor and the director of the Clean Energy Research Laboratory at Ontario Tech University. Photograph courtesy of minka2507, Pixabay.com
There is a strong need to reformulate the energy equation to address electrification challenges in Canada since there is no more feasible cross-border electricity
There is a strong need to reformulate the energy equation to address electrification challenges in Canada since there is no more feasible cross-border electricity
Key challenges come out of an integrated electricity network with cross-border electricity trade, and out of bilateral agreements to facilitate the exchange of electricity between Canadian provinces and American states, writes Dr. Ibrahim Dincer, a professor and the director of the Clean Energy Research Laboratory at Ontario Tech University. Photograph courtesy of minka2507, Pixabay.com
Prime Minister Mark Carney waits for the King's arrival at the Senate of Canada Building before the Throne Speech on May 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Creating the office is one of the few concrete plans in the Throne Speech, alongside a pledge to reduce approvals on 'nation-building' projects from
Prime Minister Mark Carney waits for the King's arrival at the Senate of Canada Building before the Throne Speech on May 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, holds a press conference in the House of Commons with Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman following the Throne Speech on May 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The return of Parliament kicked off a whirlwind start of the week, with the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and election
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, holds a press conference in the House of Commons with Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman following the Throne Speech on May 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The choice before Parliament is binary: strategic reinvention or fiscal drift. It's time to stop pretending this business model can be modernized with enough public
Aurelia Arcaro, a Canada Post worker from Rigaud, Que., pickets outside the head office in Ottawa when Canada Post was on strike Nov. 28, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The choice before Parliament is binary: strategic reinvention or fiscal drift. It's time to stop pretending this business model can be modernized with enough public
The choice before Parliament is binary: strategic reinvention or fiscal drift. It's time to stop pretending this business model can be modernized with enough public
Aurelia Arcaro, a Canada Post worker from Rigaud, Que., pickets outside the head office in Ottawa when Canada Post was on strike Nov. 28, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Interim NDP leader Don Davies says the party is pushing for additional resources amidst return to Parliament without recognized House status and the fewest seats ever won in the party’s history. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
After a devastating election that shrunk the NDP caucus, interim leader Don Davies says his caucus can still play an important role, predicting that
Interim NDP leader Don Davies says the party is pushing for additional resources amidst return to Parliament without recognized House status and the fewest seats ever won in the party’s history. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon has not yet moved the motion required to formally begin the selection process for committees. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, a recap of what went down in the Senate this week.
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon has not yet moved the motion required to formally begin the selection process for committees. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade
In a post-Throne Speech panel hosted by the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy, former British Columbia MP Peter Julian noted the speech only signalled maintaining the current national pharmacare program. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Former NDP MP Peter Julian says pharmacare, in its current state, was only meant to be the initial step to universal drug coverage, and
In a post-Throne Speech panel hosted by the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy, former British Columbia MP Peter Julian noted the speech only signalled maintaining the current national pharmacare program. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and his wife Diana Fox Carney tour Ottawa's Lansdowne Park with King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 26, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Unfortunately, for the prime minister, when it comes to mending the economy, there are no easy solutions, no quick fixes, no magic answers.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and his wife Diana Fox Carney tour Ottawa's Lansdowne Park with King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 26, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Canadian Union of Postal Workers members picket on Dec. 12, 2024, after the union was locked out by its employer. Just six months later, the union is again escalating strike action as its collective agreement expires. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
If the government refuses to intervene, it will only drag out the corporation’s troubles and end up costing taxpayers billions of dollars.
Canadian Union of Postal Workers members picket on Dec. 12, 2024, after the union was locked out by its employer. Just six months later, the union is again escalating strike action as its collective agreement expires. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
If Prime Minister Mark Carney wants his government to be different from that of his predecessor, he must change the government’s approach to Canada’s radical expansion of euthanasia, writes Daniel Zekveld. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The expansion of medical assisted death to people with mental illness is set to come into effect in March 2027. A recent UN committee
If Prime Minister Mark Carney wants his government to be different from that of his predecessor, he must change the government’s approach to Canada’s radical expansion of euthanasia, writes Daniel Zekveld. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
PSG Senator Peter Harder has introduced a historic bill in the Upper Chamber, titled An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 (notwithstanding clause). Its main goal is to put in place legislative safeguards to prevent the excessive use of the notwithstanding clause at the federal level, writes Errol Mendes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Senator Peter Harder's bill would prohibit the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause at the federal level.
PSG Senator Peter Harder has introduced a historic bill in the Upper Chamber, titled An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 (notwithstanding clause). Its main goal is to put in place legislative safeguards to prevent the excessive use of the notwithstanding clause at the federal level, writes Errol Mendes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Newly elected Conservative MP Michael Ma, left, who represents Markham-Unionville, Ont., and Billy Morin, who represents Edmonton Northwest, Alta., attend an orientation session put on by House of Commons staff on May 21, 2025. They will have to set up their riding offices, too. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Never lose sight of the prime directive: you want to put in place a team to deal with an inordinate number of complicated files
Newly elected Conservative MP Michael Ma, left, who represents Markham-Unionville, Ont., and Billy Morin, who represents Edmonton Northwest, Alta., attend an orientation session put on by House of Commons staff on May 21, 2025. They will have to set up their riding offices, too. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Health Minister Marjorie Michel, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald are among the ministers who have named chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson
The list includes some first-time chiefs of staff, along with plenty of familiar faces.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Health Minister Marjorie Michel, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald are among the ministers who have named chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson
Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland is the federal representative on the Committee on Internal Trade, which is due to meet virtually today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland is the federal representative on the Committee on Internal Trade, which is due to meet virtually today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon. As the G7 summit host country, Canada has the chance to lead by showing that democratic values can scale with technology, writes Keith Jansa. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Canada will host the G7 summit in less than a month. G7 leaders will come together not only to provide global leadership on the
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon. As the G7 summit host country, Canada has the chance to lead by showing that democratic values can scale with technology, writes Keith Jansa. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia