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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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O’Toole’s flawed strategy was destined to fail

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s a commandment in the pundit’s playbook that says: “Thou Shalt Always Second Guess Political Party Strategists.” So, who am I, as a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca, and their children Mollie and Jack, in Oshawa, in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the election results were announced late on Sept. 20. Screen capture image photograph courtesy of CBC News

O’Toole’s flawed strategy was destined to fail

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s a commandment in the pundit’s playbook that says: “Thou Shalt Always Second Guess Political Party Strategists.” So, who am I, as a

O’Toole’s flawed strategy was destined to fail

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s a commandment in the pundit’s playbook that says: “Thou Shalt Always Second Guess Political Party Strategists.” So, who am I, as a
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca, and their children Mollie and Jack, in Oshawa, in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the election results were announced late on Sept. 20. Screen capture image photograph courtesy of CBC News

Trudeau should have ignored Rebel News

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows a thing or two about boxing, it makes me wonder why he recently made the tactical
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted Rebel News on Sept. 9, 2021, after the English-language televised debates, and said the organization was spreading 'disinformation and misinformation about vaccines, around how we’re actually going to get through this pandemic.' Image courtesy of Global News

Trudeau should have ignored Rebel News

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows a thing or two about boxing, it makes me wonder why he recently made the tactical

Trudeau should have ignored Rebel News

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows a thing or two about boxing, it makes me wonder why he recently made the tactical
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted Rebel News on Sept. 9, 2021, after the English-language televised debates, and said the organization was spreading 'disinformation and misinformation about vaccines, around how we’re actually going to get through this pandemic.' Image courtesy of Global News

The problem with great expectations 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 13, 2021
People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier, left, pictured April 15, 2021, with Ontario MPP Randy Hillier after a press conference on the Hill to protest provincial and federal restrictions in the fight against COVID-19. The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is over is Maxime Bernier.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The problem with great expectations 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is

The problem with great expectations 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is
People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier, left, pictured April 15, 2021, with Ontario MPP Randy Hillier after a press conference on the Hill to protest provincial and federal restrictions in the fight against COVID-19. The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is over is Maxime Bernier.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The importance of honest attacks

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re running the communications efforts of an election campaign you must never, ever lie about your opponents. That really should go without
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2021
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland tweeted a video of Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole early in the election campaign that was labelled 'manipulated media' by Twitter. The Conservatives should remind voters of that every time the Liberals attack them, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The importance of honest attacks

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re running the communications efforts of an election campaign you must never, ever lie about your opponents. That really should go without

The importance of honest attacks

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re running the communications efforts of an election campaign you must never, ever lie about your opponents. That really should go without
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland tweeted a video of Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole early in the election campaign that was labelled 'manipulated media' by Twitter. The Conservatives should remind voters of that every time the Liberals attack them, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s wingless election

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 26, 2021
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are keeping their parties close to the ideological middle, which could make for a dull election campaign, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times file photographs

Canada’s wingless election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 26, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant,

Canada’s wingless election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 26, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant,
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are keeping their parties close to the ideological middle, which could make for a dull election campaign, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times file photographs

Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2021
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney won the 1988 election after the campaign turned into a referendum on free trade with the United States. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political

Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney won the 1988 election after the campaign turned into a referendum on free trade with the United States. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Erin O’Toole and the Harper paradox

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole has caught himself up in what I like to call the “Harper paradox.” That paradox is this: the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 12, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured on the Hill on Feb. 18, 2021. So how can O’Toole escape this paradox? Well, I suppose he could try to come across as both friendly and strong. But unless your name is Ronald Reagan, that’s a tough trick to pull off, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Erin O’Toole and the Harper paradox

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 12, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole has caught himself up in what I like to call the “Harper paradox.” That paradox is this: the

Erin O’Toole and the Harper paradox

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 12, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole has caught himself up in what I like to call the “Harper paradox.” That paradox is this: the
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured on the Hill on Feb. 18, 2021. So how can O’Toole escape this paradox? Well, I suppose he could try to come across as both friendly and strong. But unless your name is Ronald Reagan, that’s a tough trick to pull off, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sloan should ditch his party idea

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan wants to form his own political party—tentatively called “True North”—as a vehicle to promote his ideological
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2021
It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan, pictured, wants to form his own political party—tentatively called 'True North'—as a vehicle to promote his ideological values. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sloan should ditch his party idea

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan wants to form his own political party—tentatively called “True North”—as a vehicle to promote his ideological

Sloan should ditch his party idea

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan wants to form his own political party—tentatively called “True North”—as a vehicle to promote his ideological
It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan, pictured, wants to form his own political party—tentatively called 'True North'—as a vehicle to promote his ideological values. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The need for politicians to state the problem

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Successful politicians are usually good at crisis management, by which I mean, they know how to manage it so that voters believe there’s
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

The need for politicians to state the problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Successful politicians are usually good at crisis management, by which I mean, they know how to manage it so that voters believe there’s

The need for politicians to state the problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Successful politicians are usually good at crisis management, by which I mean, they know how to manage it so that voters believe there’s
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Will the election pit Rocky against Thanos?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—About three thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks invented what we call “drama” and ever since then our society has had an insatiable
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 22, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s will try to play Thanos, the world-conquering alien, from the MCU Avenger movies. Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole will be more of a Rocky Balboa figure. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh might be good as a kind of Billy Bean character from the movie Moneyball. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia, and Commons Wikimedia

Will the election pit Rocky against Thanos?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 22, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—About three thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks invented what we call “drama” and ever since then our society has had an insatiable

Will the election pit Rocky against Thanos?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 22, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—About three thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks invented what we call “drama” and ever since then our society has had an insatiable
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s will try to play Thanos, the world-conquering alien, from the MCU Avenger movies. Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole will be more of a Rocky Balboa figure. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh might be good as a kind of Billy Bean character from the movie Moneyball. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia, and Commons Wikimedia

Turning guilt into political dollars

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party wants me to feel guilty. Indeed, the party recently sent me an email solely for the purpose of
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 15, 2021
Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, led by premier Doug Ford, wants me to feel guilty, says Gerry Nicholls, of the party's fundraising campaign. Sometimes you have to jolt people into giving, because it’s important to bear in mind that the longer a donor goes without making a donation, the greater the odds he or she will eventually lose total interest in your cause. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Turning guilt into political dollars

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 15, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party wants me to feel guilty. Indeed, the party recently sent me an email solely for the purpose of

Turning guilt into political dollars

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 15, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party wants me to feel guilty. Indeed, the party recently sent me an email solely for the purpose of
Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, led by premier Doug Ford, wants me to feel guilty, says Gerry Nicholls, of the party's fundraising campaign. Sometimes you have to jolt people into giving, because it’s important to bear in mind that the longer a donor goes without making a donation, the greater the odds he or she will eventually lose total interest in your cause. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of Trudeau’s shave

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shaved off his beard, it was a strong signal that the Liberals are getting election-ready. After all, maybe
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2021
Before, and after: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured left on June 4, and right, on June 30. When he shaved off his beard, it was a strong signal that the Liberals are getting election-ready. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

The politics of Trudeau’s shave

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shaved off his beard, it was a strong signal that the Liberals are getting election-ready. After all, maybe

The politics of Trudeau’s shave

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shaved off his beard, it was a strong signal that the Liberals are getting election-ready. After all, maybe
Before, and after: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured left on June 4, and right, on June 30. When he shaved off his beard, it was a strong signal that the Liberals are getting election-ready. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

The NDP’s disadvantage

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Anyone wanting to handicap the NDP’s chances in the next federal election, should bear in mind what I’d call the party’s polling disadvantage.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 1, 2021
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured April 14, 2021, on the Hill. If the New Democrats can’t afford to undertake such rapid polling, they’ll basically be flying partially blind. In a sense, the NDP might be playing the game short-handed. Doesn’t mean they can’t score, but it’ll be much more difficult, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The NDP’s disadvantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 1, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Anyone wanting to handicap the NDP’s chances in the next federal election, should bear in mind what I’d call the party’s polling disadvantage.

The NDP’s disadvantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 1, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Anyone wanting to handicap the NDP’s chances in the next federal election, should bear in mind what I’d call the party’s polling disadvantage.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured April 14, 2021, on the Hill. If the New Democrats can’t afford to undertake such rapid polling, they’ll basically be flying partially blind. In a sense, the NDP might be playing the game short-handed. Doesn’t mean they can’t score, but it’ll be much more difficult, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ford takes the easy way out

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Maybe the official motto for Canada’s conservative political parties should be, “We Like to Take the Easy Way Out.” After all, it seems
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 17, 2021
If you want an even more egregious example of a Conservative politician taking the easy way out, there’s Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured on the Hill on Nov. 21, 2010, who, rather than battling his opponents, fair and square, decided instead to silence them, using the heavy-handed power of the state, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ford takes the easy way out

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 17, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Maybe the official motto for Canada’s conservative political parties should be, “We Like to Take the Easy Way Out.” After all, it seems

Ford takes the easy way out

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 17, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Maybe the official motto for Canada’s conservative political parties should be, “We Like to Take the Easy Way Out.” After all, it seems
If you want an even more egregious example of a Conservative politician taking the easy way out, there’s Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured on the Hill on Nov. 21, 2010, who, rather than battling his opponents, fair and square, decided instead to silence them, using the heavy-handed power of the state, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When Conservatives battle Conservatives

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the odd things about politics is how quickly ideological allies can turn into enemies. Certainly, in the conservative world, for instance,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 10, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, on the Hill. Colin T. Brown, the chair of the National Citizens Coalition, one of Canada’s oldest conservative groups and an organization known for savagely assailing Liberals, recently posted a message on the NCC’s website that severely castigated Mr. Ford. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When Conservatives battle Conservatives

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 10, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the odd things about politics is how quickly ideological allies can turn into enemies. Certainly, in the conservative world, for instance,

When Conservatives battle Conservatives

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 10, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—One of the odd things about politics is how quickly ideological allies can turn into enemies. Certainly, in the conservative world, for instance,
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, on the Hill. Colin T. Brown, the chair of the National Citizens Coalition, one of Canada’s oldest conservative groups and an organization known for savagely assailing Liberals, recently posted a message on the NCC’s website that severely castigated Mr. Ford. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The allure of foreign consultants

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s interesting how the hiring practices of Canada’s Conservative Party always seem to generate news. Or more specifically, the media’s interest tends to
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 7, 2021
Conservative party Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured June 1, 2021, holding a press conference in the West Block. It’s interesting how the hiring practices of Canada’s Conservative Party always seem to generate news. Or more specifically, the media’s interest tends to get piqued whenever Conservatives hire foreign political consultants, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The allure of foreign consultants

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 7, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s interesting how the hiring practices of Canada’s Conservative Party always seem to generate news. Or more specifically, the media’s interest tends to

The allure of foreign consultants

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 7, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s interesting how the hiring practices of Canada’s Conservative Party always seem to generate news. Or more specifically, the media’s interest tends to
Conservative party Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured June 1, 2021, holding a press conference in the West Block. It’s interesting how the hiring practices of Canada’s Conservative Party always seem to generate news. Or more specifically, the media’s interest tends to get piqued whenever Conservatives hire foreign political consultants, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

O’Toole’s Quebec quandary

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Conservative Party of Canada must be experiencing a disturbing case of déjà vu. I say that because, just like in times of
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 27, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has agreed that the province of Quebec can unilaterally alter a specific part of the Constitution, as proposed by Premier François Legault. Quebec autonomy has been a sensitive subject for many Conservative Party supporters in Western Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

O’Toole’s Quebec quandary

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 27, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Conservative Party of Canada must be experiencing a disturbing case of déjà vu. I say that because, just like in times of

O’Toole’s Quebec quandary

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 27, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The Conservative Party of Canada must be experiencing a disturbing case of déjà vu. I say that because, just like in times of
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has agreed that the province of Quebec can unilaterally alter a specific part of the Constitution, as proposed by Premier François Legault. Quebec autonomy has been a sensitive subject for many Conservative Party supporters in Western Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Can’t attack the message? Then attack the messenger

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Canada must be an awful place, full of horrible people. That’s certainly the takeaway you’d get, if you believed all the nasty rhetoric
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 20, 2021
Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, the government’s point man on the bill, suggested those who opposed Bill C-10, did so not because they were concerned about possible government censorship, but because they were part of, as he put, it a 'deliberate campaign of misinformation' orchestrated by 'web giants.'

Can’t attack the message? Then attack the messenger

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Canada must be an awful place, full of horrible people. That’s certainly the takeaway you’d get, if you believed all the nasty rhetoric

Can’t attack the message? Then attack the messenger

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Canada must be an awful place, full of horrible people. That’s certainly the takeaway you’d get, if you believed all the nasty rhetoric
Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, the government’s point man on the bill, suggested those who opposed Bill C-10, did so not because they were concerned about possible government censorship, but because they were part of, as he put, it a 'deliberate campaign of misinformation' orchestrated by 'web giants.'

The promise and perils of political rebranding

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was extremely unhappy with the way some of his United Conservative Party supporters were openly and brazenly defying COVID
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 13, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa after a meeting of Canada’s premiers to discuss the federal government's support to provinces during the ongoing COIVD crisis. Mr. Kenney was extremely unhappy with the way some of his United Conservative Party supporters were openly and brazenly defying COVID lockdown restrictions. In fact, he was so exasperated, it’s reported he actually said to his MLAs, 'I want a new base.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The promise and perils of political rebranding

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was extremely unhappy with the way some of his United Conservative Party supporters were openly and brazenly defying COVID

The promise and perils of political rebranding

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was extremely unhappy with the way some of his United Conservative Party supporters were openly and brazenly defying COVID
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa after a meeting of Canada’s premiers to discuss the federal government's support to provinces during the ongoing COIVD crisis. Mr. Kenney was extremely unhappy with the way some of his United Conservative Party supporters were openly and brazenly defying COVID lockdown restrictions. In fact, he was so exasperated, it’s reported he actually said to his MLAs, 'I want a new base.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to benefit from electoral royal rumbles

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to formulating grand strategies, military planners always seek to avoid the nightmare of fighting a “two-front” war. Such is not
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 10, 2021
The Conservative Party of Canada, led by Erin O'Toole, will, in the next federal election, find itself battling the Liberals, the NDP, the Maverick Party, and the People’s Party. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to benefit from electoral royal rumbles

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 10, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to formulating grand strategies, military planners always seek to avoid the nightmare of fighting a “two-front” war. Such is not

How to benefit from electoral royal rumbles

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 10, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to formulating grand strategies, military planners always seek to avoid the nightmare of fighting a “two-front” war. Such is not
The Conservative Party of Canada, led by Erin O'Toole, will, in the next federal election, find itself battling the Liberals, the NDP, the Maverick Party, and the People’s Party. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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