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Gerry Nicholls

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant.

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

Controlling the campaign message

  • One of the more interesting battles that occur during elections is the one between politicians and journalists over who is going to control the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2025
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, top left, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, bottom left, Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, Green co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, top right, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Controlling the campaign message

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2025
  • One of the more interesting battles that occur during elections is the one between politicians and journalists over who is going to control the

Controlling the campaign message

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2025
  • One of the more interesting battles that occur during elections is the one between politicians and journalists over who is going to control the
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, top left, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, bottom left, Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, Green co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, top right, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Good vibrations: why vibes matter in this election campaign

  • Social media puts emotion much more front and centre. Unfortunately, for Pierre Poilievre, the vibes surrounding him for the past few weeks have been largely
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2025
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Thanks to the emergence of social media platforms, 'vibe politics' is more important than ever, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Wikimedia Commons, and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Good vibrations: why vibes matter in this election campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2025
  • Social media puts emotion much more front and centre. Unfortunately, for Pierre Poilievre, the vibes surrounding him for the past few weeks have been largely

Good vibrations: why vibes matter in this election campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2025
  • Social media puts emotion much more front and centre. Unfortunately, for Pierre Poilievre, the vibes surrounding him for the past few weeks have been largely
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Thanks to the emergence of social media platforms, 'vibe politics' is more important than ever, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Wikimedia Commons, and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

The Liberal Constanza strategy: do the opposite of usual practice

  • The Liberals have done a 180-degree shift; they’ve ditched the politics of pizzazz and personality and replaced it with the politics of mundane political
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberals have picked boring over sparkle, but it could work, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The Liberal Constanza strategy: do the opposite of usual practice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2025
  • The Liberals have done a 180-degree shift; they’ve ditched the politics of pizzazz and personality and replaced it with the politics of mundane political

The Liberal Constanza strategy: do the opposite of usual practice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2025
  • The Liberals have done a 180-degree shift; they’ve ditched the politics of pizzazz and personality and replaced it with the politics of mundane political
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberals have picked boring over sparkle, but it could work, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Conservative attack ad lacks authenticity

  • Most political consumers will reject the Conservative ad attacking Mark Carney as helping Donald Trump by driving jobs south because it won’t seem rooted
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2025
The Conservative Party's recent attack ad, called 'Trump wants our jobs.' Image courtesy of the Conservative Party of Canada

Conservative attack ad lacks authenticity

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2025
  • Most political consumers will reject the Conservative ad attacking Mark Carney as helping Donald Trump by driving jobs south because it won’t seem rooted

Conservative attack ad lacks authenticity

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2025
  • Most political consumers will reject the Conservative ad attacking Mark Carney as helping Donald Trump by driving jobs south because it won’t seem rooted
The Conservative Party's recent attack ad, called 'Trump wants our jobs.' Image courtesy of the Conservative Party of Canada

Get ready for a clash of nationalisms 

  • My point is, given how the Liberals essentially 'own' anti-American-style nationalism, it’ll be difficult for the Conservatives to exploit anti-Trump feeling. Difficult, but not impossible.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 6, 2025
Watch for Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, to echo this argument in his efforts to push a 'Canada First' agenda. Already, Conservative TV ads are branding Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney as 'weak,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Get ready for a clash of nationalisms 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 6, 2025
  • My point is, given how the Liberals essentially 'own' anti-American-style nationalism, it’ll be difficult for the Conservatives to exploit anti-Trump feeling. Difficult, but not impossible.

Get ready for a clash of nationalisms 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 6, 2025
  • My point is, given how the Liberals essentially 'own' anti-American-style nationalism, it’ll be difficult for the Conservatives to exploit anti-Trump feeling. Difficult, but not impossible.
Watch for Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, to echo this argument in his efforts to push a 'Canada First' agenda. Already, Conservative TV ads are branding Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney as 'weak,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Singh’s no-win scenario

  • It’s hard to see how Jagmeet Singh can overcome this no-win scenario. Of course, Captain Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru test, but he cheated. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 3, 2025
No matter what strategy he employs in the next federal election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will fail to improve his party’s standing, predicts Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Singh’s no-win scenario

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 3, 2025
  • It’s hard to see how Jagmeet Singh can overcome this no-win scenario. Of course, Captain Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru test, but he cheated. 

Singh’s no-win scenario

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 3, 2025
  • It’s hard to see how Jagmeet Singh can overcome this no-win scenario. Of course, Captain Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru test, but he cheated. 
No matter what strategy he employs in the next federal election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will fail to improve his party’s standing, predicts Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Conservative course correction

  • Only time will tell if this new plan survives contact with the enemy. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 20, 2025
Pierre Poilievre and his son, Cruz, pictured Feb. 15, 2025, at the Conservative Party's rally in Ottawa at the Rogers Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The Conservative course correction

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 20, 2025
  • Only time will tell if this new plan survives contact with the enemy. 

The Conservative course correction

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 20, 2025
  • Only time will tell if this new plan survives contact with the enemy. 
Pierre Poilievre and his son, Cruz, pictured Feb. 15, 2025, at the Conservative Party's rally in Ottawa at the Rogers Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The paradox of free trade

  • Bad economics sometimes makes for good politics. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2025
Canadians see Trump’s tariff threats as an attack on our country, a feeling which was further fuelled by his frightening rhetoric about absorbing Canada as America’s '51st state,' writes Gerry Nicholls.   Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

The paradox of free trade

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2025
  • Bad economics sometimes makes for good politics. 

The paradox of free trade

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2025
  • Bad economics sometimes makes for good politics. 
Canadians see Trump’s tariff threats as an attack on our country, a feeling which was further fuelled by his frightening rhetoric about absorbing Canada as America’s '51st state,' writes Gerry Nicholls.   Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

Freeland’s flaws

  • Chrystia Freeland should have vacated the scene for a while, put some distance between herself and the prime minister, and then she could have
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2025
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s flaws

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2025
  • Chrystia Freeland should have vacated the scene for a while, put some distance between herself and the prime minister, and then she could have

Freeland’s flaws

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2025
  • Chrystia Freeland should have vacated the scene for a while, put some distance between herself and the prime minister, and then she could have
Chrystia Freeland
Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Guilbeault’s carbon tax pivot

  • This is why I always tell activists, if you want to stay true to your cause, stay out of partisan politics. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2025
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Nov. 7, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Nov. 7, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault recently admitted that he was open to implementing alternatives to the carbon tax.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Guilbeault’s carbon tax pivot

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2025
  • This is why I always tell activists, if you want to stay true to your cause, stay out of partisan politics. 

Guilbeault’s carbon tax pivot

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2025
  • This is why I always tell activists, if you want to stay true to your cause, stay out of partisan politics. 
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Nov. 7, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault recently admitted that he was open to implementing alternatives to the carbon tax.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to redefine liberalism

  • With Trump's return and the Liberals’ sagging poll numbers, that brand of progressivism seems to be a spent force. This is why the party will
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2025
Jean Chrétien
Jean Chrétien
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured on Jan. 10, 2024, once said: 'When ... the left says of you you’re a right winger, and when the people on the right say you’re a left winger, you’re a good Canadian Liberal.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to redefine liberalism

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2025
  • With Trump's return and the Liberals’ sagging poll numbers, that brand of progressivism seems to be a spent force. This is why the party will

Time to redefine liberalism

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2025
  • With Trump's return and the Liberals’ sagging poll numbers, that brand of progressivism seems to be a spent force. This is why the party will
Jean Chrétien
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured on Jan. 10, 2024, once said: 'When ... the left says of you you’re a right winger, and when the people on the right say you’re a left winger, you’re a good Canadian Liberal.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of Trump’s Panama Canal gambit

  • Panama’s president met Trump’s threats with defiance, declaring 'we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.' That’s the way of politics: nationalism on one side
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 16, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
One of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's defining characters is that he's totally unpredictable, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia/Gage Skidmore

The politics of Trump’s Panama Canal gambit

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 16, 2025
  • Panama’s president met Trump’s threats with defiance, declaring 'we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.' That’s the way of politics: nationalism on one side

The politics of Trump’s Panama Canal gambit

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 16, 2025
  • Panama’s president met Trump’s threats with defiance, declaring 'we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.' That’s the way of politics: nationalism on one side
Donald Trump
One of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's defining characters is that he's totally unpredictable, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia/Gage Skidmore

Trudeau brought down by his political fragility

  • When anxiety is the population’s dominant emotion, voters want leaders who show strength instead of empathy, toughness instead of sensitivity. Trudeau’s political fragility is
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau brought down by his political fragility

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2025
  • When anxiety is the population’s dominant emotion, voters want leaders who show strength instead of empathy, toughness instead of sensitivity. Trudeau’s political fragility is

Trudeau brought down by his political fragility

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2025
  • When anxiety is the population’s dominant emotion, voters want leaders who show strength instead of empathy, toughness instead of sensitivity. Trudeau’s political fragility is
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

My crazy Christmas conspiracy

  • My Christmas conspiracy theory is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided—long before his dramatic split with former cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland—to resign his position,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2024
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in a Hill scrum on Oct. 29, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

My crazy Christmas conspiracy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2024
  • My Christmas conspiracy theory is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided—long before his dramatic split with former cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland—to resign his position,

My crazy Christmas conspiracy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2024
  • My Christmas conspiracy theory is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided—long before his dramatic split with former cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland—to resign his position,
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in a Hill scrum on Oct. 29, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The importance of internal polls

  • Those public opinion polls you see on TV and in newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the polling action is actually
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau recently suggested Poilievre can’t 'unite Canadians' against president-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, which was likely based on internal polling, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The importance of internal polls

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2024
  • Those public opinion polls you see on TV and in newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the polling action is actually

The importance of internal polls

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2024
  • Those public opinion polls you see on TV and in newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the polling action is actually
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau recently suggested Poilievre can’t 'unite Canadians' against president-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, which was likely based on internal polling, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The politics of climate change are changing

  • Economists tell us such carbon taxes are the most efficient way to fight climate change. Yet, regular people will often see them as disproportionately harming
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 9, 2024
Canada's federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of climate change are changing

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 9, 2024
  • Economists tell us such carbon taxes are the most efficient way to fight climate change. Yet, regular people will often see them as disproportionately harming

The politics of climate change are changing

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 9, 2024
  • Economists tell us such carbon taxes are the most efficient way to fight climate change. Yet, regular people will often see them as disproportionately harming
Canada's federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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How protesting truckers challenged political identities

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Whether you love it or hate it, one thing can’t be denied, the “Trucker Rebellion of 2022” sparked political shockwaves not only here
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2022
A 'Freedom' protester, pictured Feb. 12, 2022, in downtown Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How protesting truckers challenged political identities

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Whether you love it or hate it, one thing can’t be denied, the “Trucker Rebellion of 2022” sparked political shockwaves not only here

How protesting truckers challenged political identities

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Whether you love it or hate it, one thing can’t be denied, the “Trucker Rebellion of 2022” sparked political shockwaves not only here
A 'Freedom' protester, pictured Feb. 12, 2022, in downtown Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Doug Ford’s base problem

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If nothing else, Erin O’Toole’s recent unceremonious ouster as Conservative Party leader should serve as a cautionary tale to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 11, 2022
If nothing else, Erin O’Toole’s recent unceremonious ouster as Conservative Party leader should serve as a cautionary tale to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Doug Ford’s base problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 11, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If nothing else, Erin O’Toole’s recent unceremonious ouster as Conservative Party leader should serve as a cautionary tale to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Doug Ford’s base problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 11, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If nothing else, Erin O’Toole’s recent unceremonious ouster as Conservative Party leader should serve as a cautionary tale to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
If nothing else, Erin O’Toole’s recent unceremonious ouster as Conservative Party leader should serve as a cautionary tale to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives need to fix their communications strategy, stat 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Sometimes you learn things too late to do you any good. Such is the case for Erin O’Toole the now-ousted Conservative Party leader,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2022
Erin O’Toole, pictured at a Hill presser on Jan. 27, 2022, was ousted as party leader on Feb. 2. Some 73 MPs voted in favour of ousting him while 45 voted to endorse his leadership. Voters can sniff out phoniness; they won’t be persuaded by a leader trying to project an artificial image, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives need to fix their communications strategy, stat 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Sometimes you learn things too late to do you any good. Such is the case for Erin O’Toole the now-ousted Conservative Party leader,

Conservatives need to fix their communications strategy, stat 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Sometimes you learn things too late to do you any good. Such is the case for Erin O’Toole the now-ousted Conservative Party leader,
Erin O’Toole, pictured at a Hill presser on Jan. 27, 2022, was ousted as party leader on Feb. 2. Some 73 MPs voted in favour of ousting him while 45 voted to endorse his leadership. Voters can sniff out phoniness; they won’t be persuaded by a leader trying to project an artificial image, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Our discordant debates damage democracy

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If there’s anything certain in this world, it’s that conflict and politics go together like Justin Trudeau and cute socks. In fact, as
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 20, 2022
Wouldn’t it be a great idea if Justin Trudeau, Erin O’Toole, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh, and Amita Kuttner got together once in a while just to have a friendly televised conversation, asks Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Our discordant debates damage democracy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 20, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If there’s anything certain in this world, it’s that conflict and politics go together like Justin Trudeau and cute socks. In fact, as

Our discordant debates damage democracy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 20, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If there’s anything certain in this world, it’s that conflict and politics go together like Justin Trudeau and cute socks. In fact, as
Wouldn’t it be a great idea if Justin Trudeau, Erin O’Toole, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh, and Amita Kuttner got together once in a while just to have a friendly televised conversation, asks Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Omicron’s political impact 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Omicron COVID surge reminds me a lot of the Vietnam War’s Tet offensive.  What do I mean by making such a crazy
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, pictured on Jan. 5, 2022, arriving for a presser at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa. If voters are angry about losing the COVID war, then politicians who have been championing the policy of lockdowns could be in trouble. And right now, there are faint signs that anger is growing, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Omicron’s political impact 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Omicron COVID surge reminds me a lot of the Vietnam War’s Tet offensive.  What do I mean by making such a crazy

Omicron’s political impact 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Omicron COVID surge reminds me a lot of the Vietnam War’s Tet offensive.  What do I mean by making such a crazy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, pictured on Jan. 5, 2022, arriving for a presser at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa. If voters are angry about losing the COVID war, then politicians who have been championing the policy of lockdowns could be in trouble. And right now, there are faint signs that anger is growing, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Whither the Green Party?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Imagine if your job aboard the sinking Titanic was to convince its passengers to remain optimistic. Be a pretty tough task, wouldn’t it?
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 7, 2022
Green Party Parliamentary Leader Elizabeth May, pictured Dec. 1, 2021, on the Hill, was put in charge of writing a fundraising letter to Green donors that aimed to put a positive spin on her party’s future. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Whither the Green Party?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 7, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Imagine if your job aboard the sinking Titanic was to convince its passengers to remain optimistic. Be a pretty tough task, wouldn’t it?

Whither the Green Party?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 7, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Imagine if your job aboard the sinking Titanic was to convince its passengers to remain optimistic. Be a pretty tough task, wouldn’t it?
Green Party Parliamentary Leader Elizabeth May, pictured Dec. 1, 2021, on the Hill, was put in charge of writing a fundraising letter to Green donors that aimed to put a positive spin on her party’s future. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s indirect attack on Bill 21

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As I watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deal with the thorny political issue of Quebec’s Bill 21, I can’t help but think he
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 29, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Dec. 13, 2021, at a press conference on the Hill, has been making a lot of noise lately about why he opposes Sec. 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms—better known as the 'notwithstanding clause,' which gives governments the power to overturn court decisions. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s indirect attack on Bill 21

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 29, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As I watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deal with the thorny political issue of Quebec’s Bill 21, I can’t help but think he

Trudeau’s indirect attack on Bill 21

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 29, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As I watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deal with the thorny political issue of Quebec’s Bill 21, I can’t help but think he
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Dec. 13, 2021, at a press conference on the Hill, has been making a lot of noise lately about why he opposes Sec. 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms—better known as the 'notwithstanding clause,' which gives governments the power to overturn court decisions. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

My free holiday advice for federal leaders

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Now that we’re deep into the festive season, it’s an excellent time to discuss the three wise men. And, of course, by that
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 23, 2021
2022 or bust: Justin Trudeau is doing pretty well, but if the COVID pandemic continues to worsen, if the global economy seriously falters, if inflation keeps soaring, if things could get really ugly, really fast for the Liberal government. Erin O’Toole’s main weakness as a politician is his inability to present a balanced communication strategy. Jagmeet Singh has spent too much time and effort seeking to portray himself as a trendy, social media savvy leader who understands and identifies with young people, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

My free holiday advice for federal leaders

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 23, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Now that we’re deep into the festive season, it’s an excellent time to discuss the three wise men. And, of course, by that

My free holiday advice for federal leaders

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 23, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Now that we’re deep into the festive season, it’s an excellent time to discuss the three wise men. And, of course, by that
2022 or bust: Justin Trudeau is doing pretty well, but if the COVID pandemic continues to worsen, if the global economy seriously falters, if inflation keeps soaring, if things could get really ugly, really fast for the Liberal government. Erin O’Toole’s main weakness as a politician is his inability to present a balanced communication strategy. Jagmeet Singh has spent too much time and effort seeking to portray himself as a trendy, social media savvy leader who understands and identifies with young people, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Trudeau and Biden exist in alternate realities

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to ideology, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden have a lot in common, yet, when it comes
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2021

Trudeau and Biden exist in alternate realities

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to ideology, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden have a lot in common, yet, when it comes

Trudeau and Biden exist in alternate realities

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to ideology, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden have a lot in common, yet, when it comes

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative word warrior

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 13, 2021
As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal government over the issue of inflation show, he’s also capable of launching precise and devastating rhetorical surgical strikes, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative word warrior

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative word warrior

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal
As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal government over the issue of inflation show, he’s also capable of launching precise and devastating rhetorical surgical strikes, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Solving Trudeau’s conundrum

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—“A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.” That advice, written more
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2021
'A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.' That advice, written more than 400 hundred years ago by Italian Renaissance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, is more relevant than ever to modern-day politicians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Nov. 30, 2021, arriving for Question Period. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Solving Trudeau’s conundrum

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—“A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.” That advice, written more

Solving Trudeau’s conundrum

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—“A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.” That advice, written more
'A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.' That advice, written more than 400 hundred years ago by Italian Renaissance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, is more relevant than ever to modern-day politicians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Nov. 30, 2021, arriving for Question Period. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Has O’Toole hired an enforcer?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It looks like Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole might be getting ready for a rumble. I say that because, according to a recent
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2021
Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, left, might be getting ready for a rumble. He's added Jeff Ballingall, creator of the right-wing social media network Canada Proud, to his 'election readiness' team, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia and courtesy Twitter

Has O’Toole hired an enforcer?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It looks like Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole might be getting ready for a rumble. I say that because, according to a recent

Has O’Toole hired an enforcer?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It looks like Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole might be getting ready for a rumble. I say that because, according to a recent
Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, left, might be getting ready for a rumble. He's added Jeff Ballingall, creator of the right-wing social media network Canada Proud, to his 'election readiness' team, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia and courtesy Twitter

Alberta’s champion strikes again

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Former prime minister Stephen Harper recently executed a vintage Stephen-Harperian-style move. While speaking to a think tank, he vigorously defended the interests of
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 19, 2021
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured. If Erin O’Toole ever decides to distance himself from Alberta in order to win votes in Ontario and Quebec, he’ll likely incur Harper’s wrath. And, given O’Toole’s current internal problems within his party, incurring Harper’s wrath is the last thing he needs, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Alberta’s champion strikes again

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 19, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Former prime minister Stephen Harper recently executed a vintage Stephen-Harperian-style move. While speaking to a think tank, he vigorously defended the interests of

Alberta’s champion strikes again

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 19, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Former prime minister Stephen Harper recently executed a vintage Stephen-Harperian-style move. While speaking to a think tank, he vigorously defended the interests of
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured. If Erin O’Toole ever decides to distance himself from Alberta in order to win votes in Ontario and Quebec, he’ll likely incur Harper’s wrath. And, given O’Toole’s current internal problems within his party, incurring Harper’s wrath is the last thing he needs, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The dangers of subtlety in politics

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a group of experienced political consultants could ever act like a bunch of rank amateurs. But such a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 15, 2021
Anti-Trump Republican Lincoln Project demonstrators, pictured in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Oct. 29, dressed up as Unite the Right rallygoers with tiki torches outside a campaign event for Republican candidate for Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. Screen grab courtesy NBC29

The dangers of subtlety in politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 15, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a group of experienced political consultants could ever act like a bunch of rank amateurs. But such a

The dangers of subtlety in politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 15, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a group of experienced political consultants could ever act like a bunch of rank amateurs. But such a
Anti-Trump Republican Lincoln Project demonstrators, pictured in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Oct. 29, dressed up as Unite the Right rallygoers with tiki torches outside a campaign event for Republican candidate for Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. Screen grab courtesy NBC29

How to push for ideals in a pragmatic world

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Warning: if you’re an idealist who goes into politics armed with grand notions about changing the world for the better, the odds are
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2021
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured Oct. 27, 2021, in Ottawa. Here’s a man who was once an ardent 'green' activist, who joined a mainstream party and is now helping set the country’s environmental policies, but is likely not pleased about the fact that he’s part of a government that supports the Trans Mountain Pipeline, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to push for ideals in a pragmatic world

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Warning: if you’re an idealist who goes into politics armed with grand notions about changing the world for the better, the odds are

How to push for ideals in a pragmatic world

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Warning: if you’re an idealist who goes into politics armed with grand notions about changing the world for the better, the odds are
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured Oct. 27, 2021, in Ottawa. Here’s a man who was once an ardent 'green' activist, who joined a mainstream party and is now helping set the country’s environmental policies, but is likely not pleased about the fact that he’s part of a government that supports the Trans Mountain Pipeline, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

O’Toole’s fundraising challenge

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to the “horse race” aspect of politics, pundits don’t just focus on who’s ahead and who’s behind in the latest
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 27, 2021
Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Aug. 21, 2021, in Ottawa. Fundraising might be a serious challenge for all of Canada’s political parties in the upcoming months. With all the scary talk about a 'supply chain crisis' and soaring energy prices and 'hyperinflation,' we seem to be entering a period where economic anxiety will dominate the public consciousness. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

O’Toole’s fundraising challenge

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 27, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to the “horse race” aspect of politics, pundits don’t just focus on who’s ahead and who’s behind in the latest

O’Toole’s fundraising challenge

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 27, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to the “horse race” aspect of politics, pundits don’t just focus on who’s ahead and who’s behind in the latest
Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Aug. 21, 2021, in Ottawa. Fundraising might be a serious challenge for all of Canada’s political parties in the upcoming months. With all the scary talk about a 'supply chain crisis' and soaring energy prices and 'hyperinflation,' we seem to be entering a period where economic anxiety will dominate the public consciousness. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trudeau should put off that ‘walk in the snow’

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it’s time
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2021
Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it's time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pack it in. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trudeau should put off that ‘walk in the snow’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it’s time

Trudeau should put off that ‘walk in the snow’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it’s time
Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it's time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pack it in. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Will O’Toole rethink his stance on carbon taxes?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I wonder if Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole is thinking about backtracking his support for carbon taxes? That’s the question I pondered this
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Oct. 5, 2021, at the Conservative national caucus meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Will O’Toole rethink his stance on carbon taxes?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I wonder if Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole is thinking about backtracking his support for carbon taxes? That’s the question I pondered this

Will O’Toole rethink his stance on carbon taxes?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I wonder if Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole is thinking about backtracking his support for carbon taxes? That’s the question I pondered this
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Oct. 5, 2021, at the Conservative national caucus meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Explaining a fundraising folly

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2021
Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. About a month ago, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party landed in hot water after it sent out a fundraising letter in an envelope labelled 'important: invoice enclosed.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Explaining a fundraising folly

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago,

Explaining a fundraising folly

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago,
Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. About a month ago, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party landed in hot water after it sent out a fundraising letter in an envelope labelled 'important: invoice enclosed.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Get ready for O’Toole 2.5 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Should he stay or should he go?  That’s the burning question people in political circles are asking these days about Conservative Party Leader
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 30, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca in Oshawa, Ont., in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the elections results were announced and after delivering his concession speech. Screengrab image courtesy of CBCNN

Get ready for O’Toole 2.5 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 30, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Should he stay or should he go?  That’s the burning question people in political circles are asking these days about Conservative Party Leader

Get ready for O’Toole 2.5 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 30, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Should he stay or should he go?  That’s the burning question people in political circles are asking these days about Conservative Party Leader
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca in Oshawa, Ont., in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the elections results were announced and after delivering his concession speech. Screengrab image courtesy of CBCNN

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