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Gerry Nicholls

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant.

Canada’s changing right

  • For better or worse, the Canadian conservative movement is morphing into something new, something different. The voices which once mainly focused on pushing economic issues
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2025
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured Oct. 9, 2025, on the Hill. The voices which once mainly focused on pushing economic issues are fading away, which will likely have at least some influence on the direction the Conservative party will take under Poilievre, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s changing right

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2025
  • For better or worse, the Canadian conservative movement is morphing into something new, something different. The voices which once mainly focused on pushing economic issues

Canada’s changing right

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2025
  • For better or worse, the Canadian conservative movement is morphing into something new, something different. The voices which once mainly focused on pushing economic issues
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured Oct. 9, 2025, on the Hill. The voices which once mainly focused on pushing economic issues are fading away, which will likely have at least some influence on the direction the Conservative party will take under Poilievre, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The power of photo-ops

  • Doug Ford's photo-op may have been a silly and overly theatrical stunt, but as someone once said, 'if it’s stupid but works, then it
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford pours Crown Royal Canadian whisky on the ground in protest of Diageo's plans to shut down its local Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont., and move jobs south of the border on Sept. 2, 2025. Screen shot courtesy of Global News

The power of photo-ops

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2025
  • Doug Ford's photo-op may have been a silly and overly theatrical stunt, but as someone once said, 'if it’s stupid but works, then it

The power of photo-ops

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2025
  • Doug Ford's photo-op may have been a silly and overly theatrical stunt, but as someone once said, 'if it’s stupid but works, then it
Ontario Premier Doug Ford pours Crown Royal Canadian whisky on the ground in protest of Diageo's plans to shut down its local Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont., and move jobs south of the border on Sept. 2, 2025. Screen shot courtesy of Global News

Differences emerge in base politics

  • Until their respective political circumstances change, Canada’s political parties will be heading down different strategic paths. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The two parties are currently pursuing a different kind of communication strategy to reflect political circumstances, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Differences emerge in base politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2025
  • Until their respective political circumstances change, Canada’s political parties will be heading down different strategic paths. 

Differences emerge in base politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2025
  • Until their respective political circumstances change, Canada’s political parties will be heading down different strategic paths. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The two parties are currently pursuing a different kind of communication strategy to reflect political circumstances, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

For Carney, it’s all about the economy

  • Mark Carney realizes that, for the average voter, economics trumps everything else, including the environment. But he has his work cut out for him.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 29, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Build Canada Homes project in Nepean, Ont., on Sept. 14, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For Carney, it’s all about the economy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 29, 2025
  • Mark Carney realizes that, for the average voter, economics trumps everything else, including the environment. But he has his work cut out for him.

For Carney, it’s all about the economy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 29, 2025
  • Mark Carney realizes that, for the average voter, economics trumps everything else, including the environment. But he has his work cut out for him.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Build Canada Homes project in Nepean, Ont., on Sept. 14, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Revenge of the Blue Liberals

  • If Carney moves too far to the right, especially on environmental issues, he risks alienating his own political base and possibly creating a rift
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Build Canada Homes Project in Nepean, Ont., on Sept. 14, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Revenge of the Blue Liberals

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2025
  • If Carney moves too far to the right, especially on environmental issues, he risks alienating his own political base and possibly creating a rift

Revenge of the Blue Liberals

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2025
  • If Carney moves too far to the right, especially on environmental issues, he risks alienating his own political base and possibly creating a rift
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Build Canada Homes Project in Nepean, Ont., on Sept. 14, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s Trump problem

  • By putting his elbows down, Mark Carney could end up paying a political price. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 15, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House on May 6, 2025. Trump seems to view other countries almost as if they were his subjects, meaning he thinks they should put the economic needs of America first, even if they must pay a price. Photograph courtesy White House photographer Daniel Torok

Carney’s Trump problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 15, 2025
  • By putting his elbows down, Mark Carney could end up paying a political price. 

Carney’s Trump problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 15, 2025
  • By putting his elbows down, Mark Carney could end up paying a political price. 
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House on May 6, 2025. Trump seems to view other countries almost as if they were his subjects, meaning he thinks they should put the economic needs of America first, even if they must pay a price. Photograph courtesy White House photographer Daniel Torok

Poilievre needs issues that cut

  • To win the next election, the Conservative leader doesn’t have to be liked; he just needs to get people to agree with him.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 8, 2025
In order to escape the political box in which Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre finds himself, he needs to find issues that will galvanize his base and also divide Liberals, Gerry Nicholls writes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre needs issues that cut

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 8, 2025
  • To win the next election, the Conservative leader doesn’t have to be liked; he just needs to get people to agree with him.

Poilievre needs issues that cut

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 8, 2025
  • To win the next election, the Conservative leader doesn’t have to be liked; he just needs to get people to agree with him.
In order to escape the political box in which Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre finds himself, he needs to find issues that will galvanize his base and also divide Liberals, Gerry Nicholls writes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Doug Ford’s political nihilism

  • The Ontario premier seems to lack any ideological connection to his political base. Although his approach to politics might come across as supremely cynical,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is so detached from any ideological moorings that he’ll even attack his own base if he thinks it will help him score political points, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Doug Ford’s political nihilism

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2025
  • The Ontario premier seems to lack any ideological connection to his political base. Although his approach to politics might come across as supremely cynical,

Doug Ford’s political nihilism

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2025
  • The Ontario premier seems to lack any ideological connection to his political base. Although his approach to politics might come across as supremely cynical,
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is so detached from any ideological moorings that he’ll even attack his own base if he thinks it will help him score political points, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

De Gaulle’s ‘Vive le Quebec libre!’ haunts Canada

  • The “us versus them” mentality is baked into Quebec’s political psyche. With all the uncertainty in today's world, it’s not hard for Quebec’s separatist-minded
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 25, 2025
Quebec's nationalist spirit seems to be stirring, as seen by the pro-sovereigntist Parti Québécois' lead in provincial polls and their win in three recent byelections, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

De Gaulle’s ‘Vive le Quebec libre!’ haunts Canada

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 25, 2025
  • The “us versus them” mentality is baked into Quebec’s political psyche. With all the uncertainty in today's world, it’s not hard for Quebec’s separatist-minded

De Gaulle’s ‘Vive le Quebec libre!’ haunts Canada

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 25, 2025
  • The “us versus them” mentality is baked into Quebec’s political psyche. With all the uncertainty in today's world, it’s not hard for Quebec’s separatist-minded
Quebec's nationalist spirit seems to be stirring, as seen by the pro-sovereigntist Parti Québécois' lead in provincial polls and their win in three recent byelections, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Fixing our social media problem

  • In my view, more funding of local news or the regulation of 'Big Tech' won’t really help either journalism or democracy. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 18, 2025
Media
Media
Reporters file their stories at the Conservative Party's event at the Rogers Centre on election night April 28, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Fixing our social media problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 18, 2025
  • In my view, more funding of local news or the regulation of 'Big Tech' won’t really help either journalism or democracy. 

Fixing our social media problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 18, 2025
  • In my view, more funding of local news or the regulation of 'Big Tech' won’t really help either journalism or democracy. 
Media
Reporters file their stories at the Conservative Party's event at the Rogers Centre on election night April 28, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Embracing pragmatism isn’t the answer for Poilievre

  • In my view, if Pierre Poilievre is going to win, he’ll do so not by copying Mark Carney’s pragmatism, which would mean fighting him
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 7, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre at the opening of the Calgary Stampede on July 4, 2025. Photograph courtesy of X/Pierre Poilievre

Embracing pragmatism isn’t the answer for Poilievre

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 7, 2025
  • In my view, if Pierre Poilievre is going to win, he’ll do so not by copying Mark Carney’s pragmatism, which would mean fighting him

Embracing pragmatism isn’t the answer for Poilievre

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 7, 2025
  • In my view, if Pierre Poilievre is going to win, he’ll do so not by copying Mark Carney’s pragmatism, which would mean fighting him
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre at the opening of the Calgary Stampede on July 4, 2025. Photograph courtesy of X/Pierre Poilievre

The NDP’s fundraising problem

  • Things are dreary for the NDP, which makes it extremely difficult for the party’s fundraisers to convince donors to generously open their wallets. It’s hard
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2025
Then-NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, left, and NDP MP Don Davies on the Hill on May 21, 2024. Singh resigned as party leader after he lost his own seat and the party was reduced to seven seats from 24 seats in the House in the April 28, 2025, federal election. Davies is now the interim leader. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The NDP’s fundraising problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2025
  • Things are dreary for the NDP, which makes it extremely difficult for the party’s fundraisers to convince donors to generously open their wallets. It’s hard

The NDP’s fundraising problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2025
  • Things are dreary for the NDP, which makes it extremely difficult for the party’s fundraisers to convince donors to generously open their wallets. It’s hard
Then-NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, left, and NDP MP Don Davies on the Hill on May 21, 2024. Singh resigned as party leader after he lost his own seat and the party was reduced to seven seats from 24 seats in the House in the April 28, 2025, federal election. Davies is now the interim leader. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Musk versus Goliath

  • Musk’s America Party lacks a regional base, it doesn’t represent a defined demographic group, and its ideology is vague.  But new parties in the United
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2025
Elon Musk
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, pictured at the Kennedy Space Centre on May 30, 2020, was born in South Africa, meaning, according to the U.S. Constitution, he can’t run for president.  Photograph courtesy of NASA HQ PHOTO/Flickr

Musk versus Goliath

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2025
  • Musk’s America Party lacks a regional base, it doesn’t represent a defined demographic group, and its ideology is vague.  But new parties in the United

Musk versus Goliath

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2025
  • Musk’s America Party lacks a regional base, it doesn’t represent a defined demographic group, and its ideology is vague.  But new parties in the United
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, pictured at the Kennedy Space Centre on May 30, 2020, was born in South Africa, meaning, according to the U.S. Constitution, he can’t run for president.  Photograph courtesy of NASA HQ PHOTO/Flickr

Carney faces storm clouds ahead

  • Essentially, when the dark clouds gather, Carney will have to convince Canadians he’s making the best decisions he can based on the realities he
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 21, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney at the 2025 Calgary Stampede. Photograph courtesy of X/Mark Carney

Carney faces storm clouds ahead

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 21, 2025
  • Essentially, when the dark clouds gather, Carney will have to convince Canadians he’s making the best decisions he can based on the realities he

Carney faces storm clouds ahead

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 21, 2025
  • Essentially, when the dark clouds gather, Carney will have to convince Canadians he’s making the best decisions he can based on the realities he
Prime Minister Mark Carney at the 2025 Calgary Stampede. Photograph courtesy of X/Mark Carney

The value of strategic praise

  • Sometimes in politics, loving your enemies can be the right political play, and not just because it’ll drive them a little bit crazy.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 14, 2025
Advocacy groups should note that it's beneficial to their cause if they publicly praise a politician or government that's acting on an issue important to the group even if the political leanings between the two are different, writes Gerry Nicholls. For one, that praise will make it harder for the politician to reverse their decision. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The value of strategic praise

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 14, 2025
  • Sometimes in politics, loving your enemies can be the right political play, and not just because it’ll drive them a little bit crazy.

The value of strategic praise

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 14, 2025
  • Sometimes in politics, loving your enemies can be the right political play, and not just because it’ll drive them a little bit crazy.
Advocacy groups should note that it's beneficial to their cause if they publicly praise a politician or government that's acting on an issue important to the group even if the political leanings between the two are different, writes Gerry Nicholls. For one, that praise will make it harder for the politician to reverse their decision. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Will the NDP emulate New York City’s Mamdani?

  • Just because a 'new American left' might be surging in the U.S., that doesn’t mean it’ll also happen here in Canada.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2025
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Will the NDP emulate New York City’s Mamdani?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2025
  • Just because a 'new American left' might be surging in the U.S., that doesn’t mean it’ll also happen here in Canada.

Will the NDP emulate New York City’s Mamdani?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2025
  • Just because a 'new American left' might be surging in the U.S., that doesn’t mean it’ll also happen here in Canada.
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

When conservatives battle conservatives

  • It's unclear how much money Project Ontario will spend to advance its cause. But one thing we do know is that some conservatives are unhappy
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 30, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford will soon face some friendly fire, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When conservatives battle conservatives

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 30, 2025
  • It's unclear how much money Project Ontario will spend to advance its cause. But one thing we do know is that some conservatives are unhappy

When conservatives battle conservatives

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 30, 2025
  • It's unclear how much money Project Ontario will spend to advance its cause. But one thing we do know is that some conservatives are unhappy
Ontario Premier Doug Ford will soon face some friendly fire, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Does Doug Ford want Pierre Poilievre’s job?

  • Some polls are showing Doug Ford and his party are polling 21 points ahead of the Ontario provincial Liberals, but if the polls start
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 23, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured at a first ministers' meeting in Ottawa on March 21, 2025, is riding high in public opinion right now and is 21 points ahead of the Ontario provincial Liberals, according to a June 10 Abacus Data poll. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Does Doug Ford want Pierre Poilievre’s job?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 23, 2025
  • Some polls are showing Doug Ford and his party are polling 21 points ahead of the Ontario provincial Liberals, but if the polls start

Does Doug Ford want Pierre Poilievre’s job?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 23, 2025
  • Some polls are showing Doug Ford and his party are polling 21 points ahead of the Ontario provincial Liberals, but if the polls start
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured at a first ministers' meeting in Ottawa on March 21, 2025, is riding high in public opinion right now and is 21 points ahead of the Ontario provincial Liberals, according to a June 10 Abacus Data poll. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s ideological advantage

  • Mark Carney might only be a rookie politician, but it looks like he knows how to play the game. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 16, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on June 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on June 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on June 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s ideological advantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 16, 2025
  • Mark Carney might only be a rookie politician, but it looks like he knows how to play the game. 

Carney’s ideological advantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 16, 2025
  • Mark Carney might only be a rookie politician, but it looks like he knows how to play the game. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on June 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on June 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feeding the fundraising beast

  • One of the key principles of fundraising is that you don’t give your donor base a chance to relax, which is to say, you
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 9, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. Political parties may have their differences, but when it comes to fundraising, they all share the same principles, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Feeding the fundraising beast

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 9, 2025
  • One of the key principles of fundraising is that you don’t give your donor base a chance to relax, which is to say, you

Feeding the fundraising beast

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 9, 2025
  • One of the key principles of fundraising is that you don’t give your donor base a chance to relax, which is to say, you
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. Political parties may have their differences, but when it comes to fundraising, they all share the same principles, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Economic ambush awaits Carney

  • Unfortunately, for the prime minister, when it comes to mending the economy, there are no easy solutions, no quick fixes, no magic answers. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 29, 2025
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

Economic ambush awaits Carney

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 29, 2025
  • Unfortunately, for the prime minister, when it comes to mending the economy, there are no easy solutions, no quick fixes, no magic answers. 

Economic ambush awaits Carney

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 29, 2025
  • 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

Carney’s boomer base

  • Mark Carney’s alliance with the boomer generation could pose future challenges for the Liberals. For one thing, if the Liberals do anything that boomers consider
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 26, 2025
Generation X: Pierre Poilievre, left, and Mark Carney, are both technically generation Xers, people born between 1965 and 1980. Poilievre was born in 1979 and Carney was born in 1965, but Carney comes across like a boomer, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Carney’s boomer base

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 26, 2025
  • Mark Carney’s alliance with the boomer generation could pose future challenges for the Liberals. For one thing, if the Liberals do anything that boomers consider

Carney’s boomer base

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 26, 2025
  • Mark Carney’s alliance with the boomer generation could pose future challenges for the Liberals. For one thing, if the Liberals do anything that boomers consider
Generation X: Pierre Poilievre, left, and Mark Carney, are both technically generation Xers, people born between 1965 and 1980. Poilievre was born in 1979 and Carney was born in 1965, but Carney comes across like a boomer, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

New book reappraises Diefenbaker’s legacy

  • Bob Plamondon paints Diefenbaker as a passionate, charismatic, quick-witted politician who, above all else, strongly identified with the common people. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 19, 2025
Former prime minister John Diefenbaker has gotten a raw deal when it comes to his historical reputation, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

New book reappraises Diefenbaker’s legacy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 19, 2025
  • Bob Plamondon paints Diefenbaker as a passionate, charismatic, quick-witted politician who, above all else, strongly identified with the common people. 

New book reappraises Diefenbaker’s legacy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 19, 2025
  • Bob Plamondon paints Diefenbaker as a passionate, charismatic, quick-witted politician who, above all else, strongly identified with the common people. 
Former prime minister John Diefenbaker has gotten a raw deal when it comes to his historical reputation, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Ford’s embrace of realpolitik

  • If it’s in Doug Ford’s own self-interest to have you as a friend, then he’s your friend; but if it’s in his interest to
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 12, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are not buddies. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Ford’s embrace of realpolitik

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 12, 2025
  • If it’s in Doug Ford’s own self-interest to have you as a friend, then he’s your friend; but if it’s in his interest to

Ford’s embrace of realpolitik

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 12, 2025
  • If it’s in Doug Ford’s own self-interest to have you as a friend, then he’s your friend; but if it’s in his interest to
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are not buddies. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The CPC’s Harper problem

  • The Harper syndrome is weakening the Conservative Party because instead of looking forward, it keeps looking back. It’s hard for a party to advance that
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 5, 2025
Even though former prime minister Stephen Harper has been off the political stage for nearly 10 years now, the memory of his leadership, the force of his personality, and the power of his intellect, still looms over the Conservative Party like a ghostly colossus, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The CPC’s Harper problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 5, 2025
  • The Harper syndrome is weakening the Conservative Party because instead of looking forward, it keeps looking back. It’s hard for a party to advance that

The CPC’s Harper problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 5, 2025
  • The Harper syndrome is weakening the Conservative Party because instead of looking forward, it keeps looking back. It’s hard for a party to advance that
Even though former prime minister Stephen Harper has been off the political stage for nearly 10 years now, the memory of his leadership, the force of his personality, and the power of his intellect, still looms over the Conservative Party like a ghostly colossus, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to face defeat

  • People vote for parties because they believe in ideas, not because they want Parliament to work better, and fighting to the end is always
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 28, 2025
Green co-Leader Elizabeth May in a Hill scrum on Dec. 3, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to face defeat

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 28, 2025
  • People vote for parties because they believe in ideas, not because they want Parliament to work better, and fighting to the end is always

How to face defeat

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 28, 2025
  • People vote for parties because they believe in ideas, not because they want Parliament to work better, and fighting to the end is always
Green co-Leader Elizabeth May in a Hill scrum on Dec. 3, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s backseat drivers

  • It’s easy to say things like a campaign should change its messaging or alter its tone, but to do this during an election campaign
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 17, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Kory Teneycke, former campaign manager for Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Teneycke recently accused the federal Conservatives of 'campaign malpractice.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson

Poilievre’s backseat drivers

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 17, 2025
  • It’s easy to say things like a campaign should change its messaging or alter its tone, but to do this during an election campaign

Poilievre’s backseat drivers

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 17, 2025
  • It’s easy to say things like a campaign should change its messaging or alter its tone, but to do this during an election campaign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Kory Teneycke, former campaign manager for Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Teneycke recently accused the federal Conservatives of 'campaign malpractice.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson
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The problems with political time travel 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When running for elected office, politicians often try to win votes by suggesting they have access to some sort of magical time machine.  
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 11, 2020
Canadians might, in theory, support the idea of quickly implementing a futuristic 'green economy' based on windmills and solar panels, but they probably wouldn’t like the idea of paying massive taxes for gas, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Pexels

The problems with political time travel 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 11, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When running for elected office, politicians often try to win votes by suggesting they have access to some sort of magical time machine.  

The problems with political time travel 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 11, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When running for elected office, politicians often try to win votes by suggesting they have access to some sort of magical time machine.  
Canadians might, in theory, support the idea of quickly implementing a futuristic 'green economy' based on windmills and solar panels, but they probably wouldn’t like the idea of paying massive taxes for gas, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Pexels

Harper versus the media 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Long lasting and bitter feuds, it seems, are an inherent part of human culture, think of the Montagues versus the Capulets, the Hatfields versus the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 4, 2020
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured on Oct. 16, 2015, campaigning in Fredericton, N.B. Long lasting and bitter feuds, it seems, are an inherent part of human culture, think of the Montagues versus the Capulets, the Hatfields versus the McCoys, and the Yankees versus the Red Sox. And to that list, we could certainly add, Stephen Harper versus the Media, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Harper versus the media 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 4, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Long lasting and bitter feuds, it seems, are an inherent part of human culture, think of the Montagues versus the Capulets, the Hatfields versus the

Harper versus the media 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 4, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Long lasting and bitter feuds, it seems, are an inherent part of human culture, think of the Montagues versus the Capulets, the Hatfields versus the
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured on Oct. 16, 2015, campaigning in Fredericton, N.B. Long lasting and bitter feuds, it seems, are an inherent part of human culture, think of the Montagues versus the Capulets, the Hatfields versus the McCoys, and the Yankees versus the Red Sox. And to that list, we could certainly add, Stephen Harper versus the Media, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

COVID-19 lockdown triggers ancient debate 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown might be unprecedented in modern times, but the debate it has triggered within our society is actually as old
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 1, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured May 27, 2020, arriving to the West Block on Parliament Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

COVID-19 lockdown triggers ancient debate 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 1, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown might be unprecedented in modern times, but the debate it has triggered within our society is actually as old

COVID-19 lockdown triggers ancient debate 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 1, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown might be unprecedented in modern times, but the debate it has triggered within our society is actually as old
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured May 27, 2020, arriving to the West Block on Parliament Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Trump lose the battle but win the war?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conventional punditry wisdom seems to be that U.S. President Donald Trump can’t possibly get re-elected in 2020. Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 23, 2020
Conventional punditry wisdom seems to be that U.S. President Donald Trump can’t possibly get re-elected in 2020 and even though Mr. Trump might lose the election, his ideas on protectionism, anti-elitism and xenophobia might eventually win the day, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Will Trump lose the battle but win the war?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 23, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conventional punditry wisdom seems to be that U.S. President Donald Trump can’t possibly get re-elected in 2020. Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin,

Will Trump lose the battle but win the war?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 23, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conventional punditry wisdom seems to be that U.S. President Donald Trump can’t possibly get re-elected in 2020. Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin,
Conventional punditry wisdom seems to be that U.S. President Donald Trump can’t possibly get re-elected in 2020 and even though Mr. Trump might lose the election, his ideas on protectionism, anti-elitism and xenophobia might eventually win the day, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Fundraisers face tough challenge

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—We all know how the COVID-19 “lockdown” has decimated the entire world’s economy. But what’s less appreciated is how the pandemic will negatively
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 20, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. As long as the virus crisis is in full swing, the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP are going to have an extremely difficult time when it comes to fundraising, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Fundraisers face tough challenge

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 20, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—We all know how the COVID-19 “lockdown” has decimated the entire world’s economy. But what’s less appreciated is how the pandemic will negatively

Fundraisers face tough challenge

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 20, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—We all know how the COVID-19 “lockdown” has decimated the entire world’s economy. But what’s less appreciated is how the pandemic will negatively
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. As long as the virus crisis is in full swing, the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP are going to have an extremely difficult time when it comes to fundraising, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Safeguarding democracy at a time of crisis

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The other day, I got an email from my local government that made my skin crawl. And, no, it wasn’t my latest property
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 13, 2020
Gatineau Police, pictured at the Portage Bridge on April 1, 2020, enforcing a provincial order to halt unessential travel to and from Quebec in Gatineau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Safeguarding democracy at a time of crisis

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 13, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The other day, I got an email from my local government that made my skin crawl. And, no, it wasn’t my latest property

Safeguarding democracy at a time of crisis

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 13, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The other day, I got an email from my local government that made my skin crawl. And, no, it wasn’t my latest property
Gatineau Police, pictured at the Portage Bridge on April 1, 2020, enforcing a provincial order to halt unessential travel to and from Quebec in Gatineau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Conservative Party’s competence problem

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Instead of focusing on the depressing crisis known as COVID-19, I thought I’d focus instead on the depressing crisis known as the Conservative
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 6, 2020
Conservative leadership candidates Peter MacKay, Erin O'Toole, and Marilyn Gladu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The Conservative Party’s competence problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 6, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Instead of focusing on the depressing crisis known as COVID-19, I thought I’d focus instead on the depressing crisis known as the Conservative

The Conservative Party’s competence problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 6, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Instead of focusing on the depressing crisis known as COVID-19, I thought I’d focus instead on the depressing crisis known as the Conservative
Conservative leadership candidates Peter MacKay, Erin O'Toole, and Marilyn Gladu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Some isolated thoughts during my isolation

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Like just about everybody else in the country, I’ve put myself into self-isolation, meaning I’m stuck in my house all day, binge-watching old
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 30, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis has 'shaken the box'; nature has hit the reset button, meaning the entire world is now entering a dark room. We don’t really know what lies ahead. All we do know is everything is going to be different. So there you have my random isolated thoughts, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy Commons Wikipedia

Some isolated thoughts during my isolation

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 30, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Like just about everybody else in the country, I’ve put myself into self-isolation, meaning I’m stuck in my house all day, binge-watching old

Some isolated thoughts during my isolation

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 30, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Like just about everybody else in the country, I’ve put myself into self-isolation, meaning I’m stuck in my house all day, binge-watching old
The COVID-19 crisis has 'shaken the box'; nature has hit the reset button, meaning the entire world is now entering a dark room. We don’t really know what lies ahead. All we do know is everything is going to be different. So there you have my random isolated thoughts, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy Commons Wikipedia

Politicians are no match for a virus

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the best lines from the original Ghostbusters movie comes after the character Egon Spengler (played by the late Harold Ramis) beholds
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on March 17, 2020, holding a press conference outside the Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. The prime minister and his children are in self-isolation since his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau tested positive for the coronavirus on March 12. Ms. Grégoire Trudeau has been in quarantine since March 12. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians are no match for a virus

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the best lines from the original Ghostbusters movie comes after the character Egon Spengler (played by the late Harold Ramis) beholds

Politicians are no match for a virus

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the best lines from the original Ghostbusters movie comes after the character Egon Spengler (played by the late Harold Ramis) beholds
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on March 17, 2020, holding a press conference outside the Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. The prime minister and his children are in self-isolation since his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau tested positive for the coronavirus on March 12. Ms. Grégoire Trudeau has been in quarantine since March 12. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians should beware of the ‘applause lines’

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given my status as a “pundit,” I occasionally appear on radio talk shows to discuss all things political and sometimes I’ll get into
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2020
Conservative Party leadership hopeful Peter MacKay might have been influenced by 'applause lines' a few weeks ago when he posted a controversial comment on Twitter about counter-protesters who removed blockades erected by eco-activists. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Politicians should beware of the ‘applause lines’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given my status as a “pundit,” I occasionally appear on radio talk shows to discuss all things political and sometimes I’ll get into

Politicians should beware of the ‘applause lines’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given my status as a “pundit,” I occasionally appear on radio talk shows to discuss all things political and sometimes I’ll get into
Conservative Party leadership hopeful Peter MacKay might have been influenced by 'applause lines' a few weeks ago when he posted a controversial comment on Twitter about counter-protesters who removed blockades erected by eco-activists. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Trudeau must overcome the wolves of fear

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old German proverb that says, “Fear makes the wolf look bigger.” And, of course, what that means is we sometimes allow
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 9, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Feb. 21, 2020. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau must overcome the wolves of fear

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 9, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old German proverb that says, “Fear makes the wolf look bigger.” And, of course, what that means is we sometimes allow

Trudeau must overcome the wolves of fear

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 9, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old German proverb that says, “Fear makes the wolf look bigger.” And, of course, what that means is we sometimes allow
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Feb. 21, 2020. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bernie Sanders and the myth of homo politicus

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The surprising success of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary race has dealt a stunning blow to those who believe in the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2020
The surprising success of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary race has dealt a stunning blow to those who believe in the existence of the fabled species known as homo politicus, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

Bernie Sanders and the myth of homo politicus

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The surprising success of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary race has dealt a stunning blow to those who believe in the

Bernie Sanders and the myth of homo politicus

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The surprising success of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary race has dealt a stunning blow to those who believe in the
The surprising success of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary race has dealt a stunning blow to those who believe in the existence of the fabled species known as homo politicus, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

How to energize a political campaign

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—According to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, “the energy of the mind is the essence of life.” That’s a profound thought that I’d
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 24, 2020
Conservative leadership candidates Marilyn Gladu, Peter MacKay, and Erin O'Toole, pictured, must either generate their own energy like Justin Trudeau, or, like Donald Trump, find existing energy they can exploit for political gain, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

How to energize a political campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 24, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—According to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, “the energy of the mind is the essence of life.” That’s a profound thought that I’d

How to energize a political campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 24, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—According to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, “the energy of the mind is the essence of life.” That’s a profound thought that I’d
Conservative leadership candidates Marilyn Gladu, Peter MacKay, and Erin O'Toole, pictured, must either generate their own energy like Justin Trudeau, or, like Donald Trump, find existing energy they can exploit for political gain, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

When strategists and candidates conflict

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Nobody seems to like “negative” political ads. Journalists don’t like them; academics don’t like them; according to pollsters, voters don’t like them. But,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2020
Conservative Party leadership hopeful Peter MacKay, pictured in this file photo on the Hill, recently expressed dissatisfaction with a tweet his own team sent out, a tweet showing a photo of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau performing a yoga move. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

When strategists and candidates conflict

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Nobody seems to like “negative” political ads. Journalists don’t like them; academics don’t like them; according to pollsters, voters don’t like them. But,

When strategists and candidates conflict

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Nobody seems to like “negative” political ads. Journalists don’t like them; academics don’t like them; according to pollsters, voters don’t like them. But,
Conservative Party leadership hopeful Peter MacKay, pictured in this file photo on the Hill, recently expressed dissatisfaction with a tweet his own team sent out, a tweet showing a photo of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau performing a yoga move. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Political parties facing an identity crisis

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The ongoing Conservative Party leadership race isn’t just about Conservatives picking a leader; it’s also about them finding an identity. As Conservative strategist
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2020
Stephen Harper molded and hammered the Conservative Party into his image, imprinting upon it his own strategic goals, goals that were not ideological, but tactical. Screen capture image courtesy of Conservative Party of Canada

Political parties facing an identity crisis

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The ongoing Conservative Party leadership race isn’t just about Conservatives picking a leader; it’s also about them finding an identity. As Conservative strategist

Political parties facing an identity crisis

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The ongoing Conservative Party leadership race isn’t just about Conservatives picking a leader; it’s also about them finding an identity. As Conservative strategist
Stephen Harper molded and hammered the Conservative Party into his image, imprinting upon it his own strategic goals, goals that were not ideological, but tactical. Screen capture image courtesy of Conservative Party of Canada

Being nice won’t shield politicians from attack

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re pondering about running for elected office, and you’re thinking that since you’re a nice person, you won’t have to worry about
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2020
There were media reports which suggested Bernie Sanders had told fellow Democratic candidate Elizabeth Warren in a private meeting last year that a woman couldn’t win the presidency. Mr. Sanders has vehemently denied ever saying this, but that didn’t save him from getting put through the ringer with some in the media suggesting he was now 'tainted by a whiff of sexism,' while others declared a Sanders victory would mean 'another misogynist as president.' Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Being nice won’t shield politicians from attack

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re pondering about running for elected office, and you’re thinking that since you’re a nice person, you won’t have to worry about

Being nice won’t shield politicians from attack

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re pondering about running for elected office, and you’re thinking that since you’re a nice person, you won’t have to worry about
There were media reports which suggested Bernie Sanders had told fellow Democratic candidate Elizabeth Warren in a private meeting last year that a woman couldn’t win the presidency. Mr. Sanders has vehemently denied ever saying this, but that didn’t save him from getting put through the ringer with some in the media suggesting he was now 'tainted by a whiff of sexism,' while others declared a Sanders victory would mean 'another misogynist as president.' Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Why Harper still dominates the news

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When you hear the name “Stephen Harper,” the last word that springs to mind is “charismatic.” Words that do spring to mind, on
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2020
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured on Oct. 16, 2015, campaigning in Frdericton, N.B. It’s easy to see then why Harper still looms in the background like a conservative colossus; his experience, combined with his articulateness and insightful nature, still make him the country’s most credible spokesman for conservative thought and for conservative opinion, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Harper still dominates the news

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When you hear the name “Stephen Harper,” the last word that springs to mind is “charismatic.” Words that do spring to mind, on

Why Harper still dominates the news

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When you hear the name “Stephen Harper,” the last word that springs to mind is “charismatic.” Words that do spring to mind, on
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured on Oct. 16, 2015, campaigning in Frdericton, N.B. It’s easy to see then why Harper still looms in the background like a conservative colossus; his experience, combined with his articulateness and insightful nature, still make him the country’s most credible spokesman for conservative thought and for conservative opinion, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The beauty of billboards

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Maybe this is a sign I’m getting old, but it always pleases me when, in this age of high-tech communication strategies, an “old-fashioned”
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 20, 2020
Not long after the billboards were put up, CTV news posted a story on its website with the provocative headline: 'Anti-Trudeau billboards advertising Alberta Wexit campaign cause uproar.' Screenshot image courtesy of CTV News

The beauty of billboards

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 20, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Maybe this is a sign I’m getting old, but it always pleases me when, in this age of high-tech communication strategies, an “old-fashioned”

The beauty of billboards

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 20, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Maybe this is a sign I’m getting old, but it always pleases me when, in this age of high-tech communication strategies, an “old-fashioned”
Not long after the billboards were put up, CTV news posted a story on its website with the provocative headline: 'Anti-Trudeau billboards advertising Alberta Wexit campaign cause uproar.' Screenshot image courtesy of CTV News

The Conservative challenge: picking a leader today to meet the needs of tomorrow

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The fallout from the recent eradication of a top Iranian military commander should remind us all as to just how quickly the Canadian
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2020
Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer, pictured on Dec. 5, 2019. Conservatives may just have to roll the dice and hope their new leader of today will meet Canada’s psychological needs of tomorrow, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Conservative challenge: picking a leader today to meet the needs of tomorrow

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The fallout from the recent eradication of a top Iranian military commander should remind us all as to just how quickly the Canadian

The Conservative challenge: picking a leader today to meet the needs of tomorrow

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2020
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The fallout from the recent eradication of a top Iranian military commander should remind us all as to just how quickly the Canadian
Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer, pictured on Dec. 5, 2019. Conservatives may just have to roll the dice and hope their new leader of today will meet Canada’s psychological needs of tomorrow, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

2019: the year of the unexpected

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the fun aspects about politics is its unpredictably. You just never know what’s going to happen next. And nowadays it seems,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2019
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured. Forget about predictions; the only thing you can really expect in 2020 is the unexpected, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

2019: the year of the unexpected

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2019
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the fun aspects about politics is its unpredictably. You just never know what’s going to happen next. And nowadays it seems,

2019: the year of the unexpected

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2019
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the fun aspects about politics is its unpredictably. You just never know what’s going to happen next. And nowadays it seems,
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured. Forget about predictions; the only thing you can really expect in 2020 is the unexpected, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

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