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Gerry Nicholls

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant.

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

The theatre of leaders’ debates

  • The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2025
It's showtime: Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault will face off this week in Montreal for the English and French-language televised leaders' debates. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The theatre of leaders’ debates

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2025
  • The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points

The theatre of leaders’ debates

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2025
  • The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points
It's showtime: Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault will face off this week in Montreal for the English and French-language televised leaders' debates. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
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The myth of a rational budget

  • All I know is politicians would rather please voters than economists. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 5, 2023
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on March 27, 2023, buying her new budget day shoes at Simons at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The myth of a rational budget

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 5, 2023
  • All I know is politicians would rather please voters than economists. 

The myth of a rational budget

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 5, 2023
  • All I know is politicians would rather please voters than economists. 
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on March 27, 2023, buying her new budget day shoes at Simons at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new Harperian strategy? 

  • Former prime minister Stephen Harper believes a populist-oriented Conservative Party could stand for its traditional values while at the same time freely rail against
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 29, 2023
Former prime minister Stephen Harper delivers the keynote address at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference in Ottawa on March 22, 2023. Harper may have retired from Canada’s political ring, but he still knows how to throw a partisan jab, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new Harperian strategy? 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 29, 2023
  • Former prime minister Stephen Harper believes a populist-oriented Conservative Party could stand for its traditional values while at the same time freely rail against

A new Harperian strategy? 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 29, 2023
  • Former prime minister Stephen Harper believes a populist-oriented Conservative Party could stand for its traditional values while at the same time freely rail against
Former prime minister Stephen Harper delivers the keynote address at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference in Ottawa on March 22, 2023. Harper may have retired from Canada’s political ring, but he still knows how to throw a partisan jab, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals have a theory for winning

  • So, what is this Liberal theory for winning? I can’t say for sure, but it will likely be to emphasize Trudeau’s persona, or more specifically
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If the Conservatives can’t make Poilievre more likeable, their second choice is to make Trudeau seem unlikeable. That’ll require them to come up with a well-crafted, well-researched communication strategy aimed at undermining Trudeau's brand. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Liberals have a theory for winning

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2023
  • So, what is this Liberal theory for winning? I can’t say for sure, but it will likely be to emphasize Trudeau’s persona, or more specifically

Liberals have a theory for winning

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2023
  • So, what is this Liberal theory for winning? I can’t say for sure, but it will likely be to emphasize Trudeau’s persona, or more specifically
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If the Conservatives can’t make Poilievre more likeable, their second choice is to make Trudeau seem unlikeable. That’ll require them to come up with a well-crafted, well-researched communication strategy aimed at undermining Trudeau's brand. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Playing the game of attack and counter-attack

  • Justin Trudeau is trying to turn the tables on Pierre Poilievre, he wants to put him on the defensive and put him into a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have been going at it lately—hammer and tong—exchanging insults bordering on the savage. How you view this sort of rough-and-tumble political combat depends on your perspective, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Playing the game of attack and counter-attack

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau is trying to turn the tables on Pierre Poilievre, he wants to put him on the defensive and put him into a

Playing the game of attack and counter-attack

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2023
  • Justin Trudeau is trying to turn the tables on Pierre Poilievre, he wants to put him on the defensive and put him into a
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have been going at it lately—hammer and tong—exchanging insults bordering on the savage. How you view this sort of rough-and-tumble political combat depends on your perspective, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Is ‘Canada’s Broken’ a good slogan?

  • It's concise, it’s straightforward, and it’s easy to understand—all the hallmarks of a great political slogan. But there’s still a big communication problem with
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 8, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre seen recently on the Hill. If Poilievre keeps saying 'Canada is broken,' that the status quo isn’t working, and Trudeau keeps responding with, 'Everything is fine, let’s keep things the way they are', it could work to the Conservative Party’s benefit, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is ‘Canada’s Broken’ a good slogan?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 8, 2023
  • It's concise, it’s straightforward, and it’s easy to understand—all the hallmarks of a great political slogan. But there’s still a big communication problem with

Is ‘Canada’s Broken’ a good slogan?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 8, 2023
  • It's concise, it’s straightforward, and it’s easy to understand—all the hallmarks of a great political slogan. But there’s still a big communication problem with
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre seen recently on the Hill. If Poilievre keeps saying 'Canada is broken,' that the status quo isn’t working, and Trudeau keeps responding with, 'Everything is fine, let’s keep things the way they are', it could work to the Conservative Party’s benefit, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New ‘Cold War’ helps Poilievre

  • Given the aggressive nature of Chinese diplomacy, it’s likely new incidents will occur over the next year or so which will further fuel anxiety
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2023
Pierre Poilievre, pictured recently on the Hill, and his Conservative party can now play the anti-communism card to their base which should absolutely help them both with their fundraising and recruiting efforts, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New ‘Cold War’ helps Poilievre

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2023
  • Given the aggressive nature of Chinese diplomacy, it’s likely new incidents will occur over the next year or so which will further fuel anxiety

New ‘Cold War’ helps Poilievre

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2023
  • Given the aggressive nature of Chinese diplomacy, it’s likely new incidents will occur over the next year or so which will further fuel anxiety
Pierre Poilievre, pictured recently on the Hill, and his Conservative party can now play the anti-communism card to their base which should absolutely help them both with their fundraising and recruiting efforts, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives turn attacks into cash

  • If the Conservative Party of Canada handed out trophies to fundraisers, it would probably award one to CBC President Catherine Tait.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 22, 2023
CBC President Catherine Tait, left, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Soon after Tait criticized him, Polievre declared in a fundraising email, 'The president and CEO of Trudeau’s $1.2-billion propaganda arm, the CBC is now openly attacking me. They’re not even pretending to be unbiased.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Conservatives turn attacks into cash

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 22, 2023
  • If the Conservative Party of Canada handed out trophies to fundraisers, it would probably award one to CBC President Catherine Tait.

Conservatives turn attacks into cash

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 22, 2023
  • If the Conservative Party of Canada handed out trophies to fundraisers, it would probably award one to CBC President Catherine Tait.
CBC President Catherine Tait, left, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Soon after Tait criticized him, Polievre declared in a fundraising email, 'The president and CEO of Trudeau’s $1.2-billion propaganda arm, the CBC is now openly attacking me. They’re not even pretending to be unbiased.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Singh needs a few sparks

  • Sometimes it just takes a few sparks to get a political bandwagon moving.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 16, 2023
New Democratic Leader Jagmeet Singh's party more than doubled its fundraising totals from the previous quarter, raising more than $2.5-million, but the NDP should be publicizing this good financial news, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Singh needs a few sparks

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 16, 2023
  • Sometimes it just takes a few sparks to get a political bandwagon moving.

Singh needs a few sparks

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 16, 2023
  • Sometimes it just takes a few sparks to get a political bandwagon moving.
New Democratic Leader Jagmeet Singh's party more than doubled its fundraising totals from the previous quarter, raising more than $2.5-million, but the NDP should be publicizing this good financial news, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Trudeau and Poilievre won’t play nice

  • The hard political reality of the situation is Pierre Poilievre needs to bash away at Justin Trudeau and Trudeau needs to bash away at
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 9, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau and Poilievre will keep insulting each other from now until Election Day. To put it bluntly: if they’re nice, they’ll lose, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Why Trudeau and Poilievre won’t play nice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 9, 2023
  • The hard political reality of the situation is Pierre Poilievre needs to bash away at Justin Trudeau and Trudeau needs to bash away at

Why Trudeau and Poilievre won’t play nice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 9, 2023
  • The hard political reality of the situation is Pierre Poilievre needs to bash away at Justin Trudeau and Trudeau needs to bash away at
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau and Poilievre will keep insulting each other from now until Election Day. To put it bluntly: if they’re nice, they’ll lose, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

How polls help parties plan policy

  • I recently turned down a chance to participate in a phone survey dealing with federal politics, a decision I almost instantly regretted. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 2, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Leader Elizabeth May. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

How polls help parties plan policy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 2, 2023
  • I recently turned down a chance to participate in a phone survey dealing with federal politics, a decision I almost instantly regretted. 

How polls help parties plan policy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 2, 2023
  • I recently turned down a chance to participate in a phone survey dealing with federal politics, a decision I almost instantly regretted. 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Leader Elizabeth May. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

It’s better for Singh to be Singh

  • To be successful, a politician has to be real. That’s to say if a politician tries to be something he or she isn’t, it
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 26, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured on the Hill. New Democrat strategists should focus on addressing Singh’s true political vulnerabilities, argues Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s better for Singh to be Singh

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 26, 2023
  • To be successful, a politician has to be real. That’s to say if a politician tries to be something he or she isn’t, it

It’s better for Singh to be Singh

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 26, 2023
  • To be successful, a politician has to be real. That’s to say if a politician tries to be something he or she isn’t, it
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured on the Hill. New Democrat strategists should focus on addressing Singh’s true political vulnerabilities, argues Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politics and the five-issue clusters

  • In a tight race, other issues could play a pivotal part in deciding who wins and who loses. Maybe a new slogan should be: 'It’s
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 18, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left; NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Co-Leader Elizabeth May. The next federal election will be won by whichever political party puts together a campaign which best reflects that famous slogan, 'It’s the economy, stupid.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Politics and the five-issue clusters

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 18, 2023
  • In a tight race, other issues could play a pivotal part in deciding who wins and who loses. Maybe a new slogan should be: 'It’s

Politics and the five-issue clusters

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 18, 2023
  • In a tight race, other issues could play a pivotal part in deciding who wins and who loses. Maybe a new slogan should be: 'It’s
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left; NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Co-Leader Elizabeth May. The next federal election will be won by whichever political party puts together a campaign which best reflects that famous slogan, 'It’s the economy, stupid.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Trudeau’s ‘boredom’ problem

  • If Canadians are simply bored of Justin Trudeau, he still has a path to victory. But if Canadians are bored of Trudeau and also think
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 12, 2023
A Nanos poll came out recently which seemed to have bad news for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Indeed, according to this poll, just over half of Canadians (51 per cent) want the Liberals to dump Trudeau as their leader before the next federal election.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s ‘boredom’ problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 12, 2023
  • If Canadians are simply bored of Justin Trudeau, he still has a path to victory. But if Canadians are bored of Trudeau and also think

Trudeau’s ‘boredom’ problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 12, 2023
  • If Canadians are simply bored of Justin Trudeau, he still has a path to victory. But if Canadians are bored of Trudeau and also think
A Nanos poll came out recently which seemed to have bad news for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Indeed, according to this poll, just over half of Canadians (51 per cent) want the Liberals to dump Trudeau as their leader before the next federal election.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Notley’s policy gambit

  • Anyone who’s expecting the Alberta election to be a battle of policy platforms will be sorely disappointed.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 4, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, left, will face off against Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley in the provincial election this spring. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright and courtesy of Flickr

Notley’s policy gambit

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 4, 2023
  • Anyone who’s expecting the Alberta election to be a battle of policy platforms will be sorely disappointed.

Notley’s policy gambit

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 4, 2023
  • Anyone who’s expecting the Alberta election to be a battle of policy platforms will be sorely disappointed.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, left, will face off against Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley in the provincial election this spring. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright and courtesy of Flickr

Harper’s ideals live on

  • The Canadian Alliance Stephen Harper, not the Conservative Harper, exuded ideological fervour, which mobilized the conservative base. And right now, the conservative base needs mobilizing. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2022
Stephen Harper, pictured campaigning in New Brunswick in the 2015 federal election. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has branded himself as conservatism’s true champion and as an adamant foe of wishy-washy Red Toryism, seems to be taking a page out of Canadian Alliance Harper’s playbook, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Harper’s ideals live on

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2022
  • The Canadian Alliance Stephen Harper, not the Conservative Harper, exuded ideological fervour, which mobilized the conservative base. And right now, the conservative base needs mobilizing. 

Harper’s ideals live on

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2022
  • The Canadian Alliance Stephen Harper, not the Conservative Harper, exuded ideological fervour, which mobilized the conservative base. And right now, the conservative base needs mobilizing. 
Stephen Harper, pictured campaigning in New Brunswick in the 2015 federal election. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has branded himself as conservatism’s true champion and as an adamant foe of wishy-washy Red Toryism, seems to be taking a page out of Canadian Alliance Harper’s playbook, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The problem with applause lines

  • Message discipline should always trump the urge to score with applause lines. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 12, 2022
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May recently landed in some hot water after she attempted an applause line.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The problem with applause lines

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 12, 2022
  • Message discipline should always trump the urge to score with applause lines. 

The problem with applause lines

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 12, 2022
  • Message discipline should always trump the urge to score with applause lines. 
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May recently landed in some hot water after she attempted an applause line.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Chasing ‘meh’ voters 

  • The much-anticipated Republican 'red wave' was more like a 'red trickle.' The question is, what happened? Why did the supposed Republican juggernaut fizzle out? 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 1, 2022
Not-so-sleepy Joe: U.S. President Joe Biden's Democrats outperformed the historical trend in the Nov. 8, 2022, midterm elections. According to The Cook Political Report’s Amy Walter, the election hinged on what she termed the 'meh voters,' defined as independents, Americans not registered as either Republicans or Democrats. Photograph courtesy of Flickr

Chasing ‘meh’ voters 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 1, 2022
  • The much-anticipated Republican 'red wave' was more like a 'red trickle.' The question is, what happened? Why did the supposed Republican juggernaut fizzle out? 

Chasing ‘meh’ voters 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 1, 2022
  • The much-anticipated Republican 'red wave' was more like a 'red trickle.' The question is, what happened? Why did the supposed Republican juggernaut fizzle out? 
Not-so-sleepy Joe: U.S. President Joe Biden's Democrats outperformed the historical trend in the Nov. 8, 2022, midterm elections. According to The Cook Political Report’s Amy Walter, the election hinged on what she termed the 'meh voters,' defined as independents, Americans not registered as either Republicans or Democrats. Photograph courtesy of Flickr

Planning the politics of division 

  • Will Pierre Poilievre emulate Ronald Reagan and try to split Canada along ideological lines, perhaps by setting populists against elites? Or, like Justin Trudeau, maybe
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 28, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau could seek a less controversial division, such as splitting up Canadians between those who want change in government and those who favour keeping the status quo. We’ll have to wait and see how Poilievre's pollsters come up with a way to divide and conquer. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Planning the politics of division 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 28, 2022
  • Will Pierre Poilievre emulate Ronald Reagan and try to split Canada along ideological lines, perhaps by setting populists against elites? Or, like Justin Trudeau, maybe

Planning the politics of division 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 28, 2022
  • Will Pierre Poilievre emulate Ronald Reagan and try to split Canada along ideological lines, perhaps by setting populists against elites? Or, like Justin Trudeau, maybe
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau could seek a less controversial division, such as splitting up Canadians between those who want change in government and those who favour keeping the status quo. We’ll have to wait and see how Poilievre's pollsters come up with a way to divide and conquer. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s self-sabotaging comment 

  • Chrystia Freeland’s apology essentially informed Canadians that she really isn’t like 'us,' which is why she doesn’t understand our economic problems, which is why
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 16, 2022
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured recently on the Hill. In the political game of 'Us vs. Them,' politicians must follow one key rule: they should always identify with 'us,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s self-sabotaging comment 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 16, 2022
  • Chrystia Freeland’s apology essentially informed Canadians that she really isn’t like 'us,' which is why she doesn’t understand our economic problems, which is why

Freeland’s self-sabotaging comment 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 16, 2022
  • Chrystia Freeland’s apology essentially informed Canadians that she really isn’t like 'us,' which is why she doesn’t understand our economic problems, which is why
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured recently on the Hill. In the political game of 'Us vs. Them,' politicians must follow one key rule: they should always identify with 'us,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Closing a Charter loophole

  • So that’s the lesson for all those who oppose the notwithstanding clause. Maybe you can’t close that loophole in the court of law, but
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 10, 2022
Ontario Doug Ford, pictured on Oct. 17, 2022, at Nokia in Kanata, Ont., recently buckled on his threat to use the notwithstanding clause to pre-emptively protect a law his government had enacted banning the province’s education workers from going on strike. Apparently, he miscalculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Closing a Charter loophole

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 10, 2022
  • So that’s the lesson for all those who oppose the notwithstanding clause. Maybe you can’t close that loophole in the court of law, but

Closing a Charter loophole

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 10, 2022
  • So that’s the lesson for all those who oppose the notwithstanding clause. Maybe you can’t close that loophole in the court of law, but
Ontario Doug Ford, pictured on Oct. 17, 2022, at Nokia in Kanata, Ont., recently buckled on his threat to use the notwithstanding clause to pre-emptively protect a law his government had enacted banning the province’s education workers from going on strike. Apparently, he miscalculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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