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Gerry Nicholls

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant.

Harper, from brawler to statesman

  • When Stephen Harper retired from politics, he put aside his brawler persona and took on the role of a wise elder statesman, whose portrait
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 16, 2026
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper speaks at an event held by Library and Archives Canada on Feb. 5, 2026, about the launch his archival collection at the Library and Archives Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Harper, from brawler to statesman

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 16, 2026
  • When Stephen Harper retired from politics, he put aside his brawler persona and took on the role of a wise elder statesman, whose portrait

Harper, from brawler to statesman

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 16, 2026
  • When Stephen Harper retired from politics, he put aside his brawler persona and took on the role of a wise elder statesman, whose portrait
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper speaks at an event held by Library and Archives Canada on Feb. 5, 2026, about the launch his archival collection at the Library and Archives Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney now ‘owns’ the anti-Trump issue

  • If the No. 1 issue in the next election is protecting Canada from Donald Trump, and if Mark Carney is seen as the most
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 9, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives for Question Period on Feb. 3, 2026. As Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin put it, 'The prime minister is now seen as leading the resistance among middle powers of the world to American subjugation.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney now ‘owns’ the anti-Trump issue

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 9, 2026
  • If the No. 1 issue in the next election is protecting Canada from Donald Trump, and if Mark Carney is seen as the most

Carney now ‘owns’ the anti-Trump issue

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 9, 2026
  • If the No. 1 issue in the next election is protecting Canada from Donald Trump, and if Mark Carney is seen as the most
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives for Question Period on Feb. 3, 2026. As Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin put it, 'The prime minister is now seen as leading the resistance among middle powers of the world to American subjugation.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s grand political plan

  • Mark Carney is both energizing his Liberal legions in the Eastern Canada while potentially making friends and allies in the Western Canada. It could all
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 29, 2026
Even though Prime Minister Mark Carney is relatively new to the game, he seems to be quickly developing the instincts of an expert political tactician, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s grand political plan

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 29, 2026
  • Mark Carney is both energizing his Liberal legions in the Eastern Canada while potentially making friends and allies in the Western Canada. It could all

Carney’s grand political plan

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 29, 2026
  • Mark Carney is both energizing his Liberal legions in the Eastern Canada while potentially making friends and allies in the Western Canada. It could all
Even though Prime Minister Mark Carney is relatively new to the game, he seems to be quickly developing the instincts of an expert political tactician, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative convention promises drama

  • Will Pierre Poilievre use the convention to showcase a new political persona? Will we see a new and improved Poilievre, one perhaps who is
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 26, 2026
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will go through his leadership review at the Conservative convention in Calgary. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative convention promises drama

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 26, 2026
  • Will Pierre Poilievre use the convention to showcase a new political persona? Will we see a new and improved Poilievre, one perhaps who is

Conservative convention promises drama

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 26, 2026
  • Will Pierre Poilievre use the convention to showcase a new political persona? Will we see a new and improved Poilievre, one perhaps who is
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will go through his leadership review at the Conservative convention in Calgary. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The NDP and the 11th Commandment

  • It makes sense for a front-runner to make a virtue of cordial campaigning and to shame opponents who decide to go on the attack. In
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 19, 2026
NDP leadership candidates Rob Ashton, left, Heather McPherson, and Avi Lewis, pictured in Ottawa on Oct. 28, 2025. Ashton came under fire from within his own party's ranks because he publicly criticized Lewis, the NDP's perceived leadership front-runner, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

The NDP and the 11th Commandment

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 19, 2026
  • It makes sense for a front-runner to make a virtue of cordial campaigning and to shame opponents who decide to go on the attack. In

The NDP and the 11th Commandment

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 19, 2026
  • It makes sense for a front-runner to make a virtue of cordial campaigning and to shame opponents who decide to go on the attack. In
NDP leadership candidates Rob Ashton, left, Heather McPherson, and Avi Lewis, pictured in Ottawa on Oct. 28, 2025. Ashton came under fire from within his own party's ranks because he publicly criticized Lewis, the NDP's perceived leadership front-runner, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Harperism is back

  • The principles, values, and political goals that guided former prime minister Stephen Harper’s actions while he led Canada’s government more than a decade ago
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 12, 2026
Former prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured on March 22, 2023, at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Harperism is back

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 12, 2026
  • The principles, values, and political goals that guided former prime minister Stephen Harper’s actions while he led Canada’s government more than a decade ago

Harperism is back

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 12, 2026
  • The principles, values, and political goals that guided former prime minister Stephen Harper’s actions while he led Canada’s government more than a decade ago
Former prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured on March 22, 2023, at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre needs the NDP

  • If the Carney Liberals sense there’s a threat emerging on their left-wing flank, they might themselves move to the left, which would give Pierre
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 22, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. No matter how many punches Poilievre throws at the Liberal government, nothing seems to change; he doesn’t seem to be having any impact. The reason for that, I’d argue, is that Prime Minister Mark Carney has basically adopted Conservative-style policies, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre needs the NDP

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 22, 2025
  • If the Carney Liberals sense there’s a threat emerging on their left-wing flank, they might themselves move to the left, which would give Pierre

Poilievre needs the NDP

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 22, 2025
  • If the Carney Liberals sense there’s a threat emerging on their left-wing flank, they might themselves move to the left, which would give Pierre
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. No matter how many punches Poilievre throws at the Liberal government, nothing seems to change; he doesn’t seem to be having any impact. The reason for that, I’d argue, is that Prime Minister Mark Carney has basically adopted Conservative-style policies, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney, cynic or idealist?

  • By making this one pipeline deal, Mark Carney might be hoping to destroy the stereotype that Liberals are a bunch of progressive, tree-hugging greens
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 12, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves the Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Dec. 3, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney, cynic or idealist?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 12, 2025
  • By making this one pipeline deal, Mark Carney might be hoping to destroy the stereotype that Liberals are a bunch of progressive, tree-hugging greens

Carney, cynic or idealist?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 12, 2025
  • By making this one pipeline deal, Mark Carney might be hoping to destroy the stereotype that Liberals are a bunch of progressive, tree-hugging greens
Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves the Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Dec. 3, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Outhouse will tweak the Tory engine

  • The upshot is that the changes Steve Outhouse will bring to the party will likely be subtle, not flashy, more about tweaking the party’s
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 4, 2025
When the Conservatives hired Steve Outhouse as their latest campaign manager, they acquired a new face, but, to my mind, it’s unlikely the party will get much of a new look, writes Gerry Nicholls. Handout photograph

Outhouse will tweak the Tory engine

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 4, 2025
  • The upshot is that the changes Steve Outhouse will bring to the party will likely be subtle, not flashy, more about tweaking the party’s

Outhouse will tweak the Tory engine

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 4, 2025
  • The upshot is that the changes Steve Outhouse will bring to the party will likely be subtle, not flashy, more about tweaking the party’s
When the Conservatives hired Steve Outhouse as their latest campaign manager, they acquired a new face, but, to my mind, it’s unlikely the party will get much of a new look, writes Gerry Nicholls. Handout photograph

The controversy of hiring foreign help

  • I don’t think the Alberta NDP should apologize for hiring Fight Agency; it’s perfectly legitimate. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 1, 2025
American political ad company Fight Agency has produced one ad to reintroduce former Calgary mayor and current Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi to Albertans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The controversy of hiring foreign help

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 1, 2025
  • I don’t think the Alberta NDP should apologize for hiring Fight Agency; it’s perfectly legitimate. 

The controversy of hiring foreign help

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 1, 2025
  • I don’t think the Alberta NDP should apologize for hiring Fight Agency; it’s perfectly legitimate. 
American political ad company Fight Agency has produced one ad to reintroduce former Calgary mayor and current Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi to Albertans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of Poilievre’s personality

  • Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre should not pay attention to his critics.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 20, 2025
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured holding press conference in the House foyer to speak about Conservative MP Frank Caputo’s private member's bill C-225 to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence in Canada on Oct. 28, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of Poilievre’s personality

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 20, 2025
  • Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre should not pay attention to his critics.

The politics of Poilievre’s personality

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 20, 2025
  • Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre should not pay attention to his critics.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured holding press conference in the House foyer to speak about Conservative MP Frank Caputo’s private member's bill C-225 to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence in Canada on Oct. 28, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s fundraising problem

  • Considering the Liberals are still basking in their electoral triumph from earlier this year and seeing how they’re still doing relatively well in the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 13, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Carney’s fundraising problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 13, 2025
  • Considering the Liberals are still basking in their electoral triumph from earlier this year and seeing how they’re still doing relatively well in the

Carney’s fundraising problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 13, 2025
  • Considering the Liberals are still basking in their electoral triumph from earlier this year and seeing how they’re still doing relatively well in the
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

How Bill Gates has shifted the politics of climate change

  • The environmental movement has suffered a loss. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 5, 2025
Whereas Bill Gates was once a powerful voice in sounding the alarm about the dangers of climate change, he’s now apparently arguing that the threat it poses to humanity is overblown, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

How Bill Gates has shifted the politics of climate change

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 5, 2025
  • The environmental movement has suffered a loss. 

How Bill Gates has shifted the politics of climate change

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 5, 2025
  • The environmental movement has suffered a loss. 
Whereas Bill Gates was once a powerful voice in sounding the alarm about the dangers of climate change, he’s now apparently arguing that the threat it poses to humanity is overblown, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Will the budget kill Carney’s honeymoon?

  • Watch for provincial governments to attack Carney for not doing enough in the budget. Mind you, none of this means Carney won’t survive the onslaught. It
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 3, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with reporters before the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Oct. 8, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the budget kill Carney’s honeymoon?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 3, 2025
  • Watch for provincial governments to attack Carney for not doing enough in the budget. Mind you, none of this means Carney won’t survive the onslaught. It

Will the budget kill Carney’s honeymoon?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 3, 2025
  • Watch for provincial governments to attack Carney for not doing enough in the budget. Mind you, none of this means Carney won’t survive the onslaught. It
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with reporters before the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Oct. 8, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How social media impacts politics

  • A recent study by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network, noted that '[social media] influencers, not parties, or newsrooms, dominated distribution and attention across
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 23, 2025
If you want to protest Prime Minister Mark Carney’s policies, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to buy a TV spot; you just use AI to create a video and then upload it to YouTube. And, yes, it seems this sort of social media influencing is having an impact, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How social media impacts politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 23, 2025
  • A recent study by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network, noted that '[social media] influencers, not parties, or newsrooms, dominated distribution and attention across

How social media impacts politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 23, 2025
  • A recent study by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network, noted that '[social media] influencers, not parties, or newsrooms, dominated distribution and attention across
If you want to protest Prime Minister Mark Carney’s policies, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to buy a TV spot; you just use AI to create a video and then upload it to YouTube. And, yes, it seems this sort of social media influencing is having an impact, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s changing right

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

Canada’s changing right

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

Canada’s changing right

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

The power of photo-ops

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

The power of photo-ops

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

The power of photo-ops

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

Differences emerge in base politics

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

Differences emerge in base politics

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

Differences emerge in base politics

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

For Carney, it’s all about the economy

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

For Carney, it’s all about the economy

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

For Carney, it’s all about the economy

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

Revenge of the Blue Liberals

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

Revenge of the Blue Liberals

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

Revenge of the Blue Liberals

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

Carney’s Trump problem

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

Carney’s Trump problem

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

Carney’s Trump problem

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

Poilievre needs issues that cut

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

Poilievre needs issues that cut

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

Poilievre needs issues that cut

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

Doug Ford’s political nihilism

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

Doug Ford’s political nihilism

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

Doug Ford’s political nihilism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fixing our social media problem

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

Fixing our social media problem

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

Fixing our social media problem

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

Embracing pragmatism isn’t the answer for Poilievre

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

Embracing pragmatism isn’t the answer for Poilievre

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

Embracing pragmatism isn’t the answer for Poilievre

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

The NDP’s fundraising problem

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

The NDP’s fundraising problem

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

The NDP’s fundraising problem

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

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—American politician Sarah Palin once dismissed polls saying they were for “strippers and cross-country skiers.” Of course, Palin isn’t the only politician who
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 19, 2022
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca, and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath are running to win the June 2 election. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

In praise of polling

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 19, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—American politician Sarah Palin once dismissed polls saying they were for “strippers and cross-country skiers.” Of course, Palin isn’t the only politician who

In praise of polling

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 19, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—American politician Sarah Palin once dismissed polls saying they were for “strippers and cross-country skiers.” Of course, Palin isn’t the only politician who
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca, and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath are running to win the June 2 election. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

In Conservative leadership race, everyone has an angle

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Well, that certainly didn’t take long. Before the dust had even settled from the very first Conservative Party leadership debate, concerned voices were
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 11, 2022
At the first—unofficial—Conservative leadership debate, Pierre Poilievre, left, had some heated moments with opponents including Leslyn Lewis, right. Scott Aitchison, centre, said in an email to supporters after the debate that he was 'embarrassed' by its tone. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In Conservative leadership race, everyone has an angle

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 11, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Well, that certainly didn’t take long. Before the dust had even settled from the very first Conservative Party leadership debate, concerned voices were

In Conservative leadership race, everyone has an angle

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 11, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Well, that certainly didn’t take long. Before the dust had even settled from the very first Conservative Party leadership debate, concerned voices were
At the first—unofficial—Conservative leadership debate, Pierre Poilievre, left, had some heated moments with opponents including Leslyn Lewis, right. Scott Aitchison, centre, said in an email to supporters after the debate that he was 'embarrassed' by its tone. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Liberal branding advantage

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—American billionaire (and soon to be the owner of Twitter) Elon Musk once said, “Brand is just a perception, and perception will match
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 5, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on April 28, 2022, in Ottawa. Branding, in short, provides, what I call, 'structural support.' Certainly, Liberals in Canada have strong branding, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The Liberal branding advantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 5, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—American billionaire (and soon to be the owner of Twitter) Elon Musk once said, “Brand is just a perception, and perception will match

The Liberal branding advantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 5, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—American billionaire (and soon to be the owner of Twitter) Elon Musk once said, “Brand is just a perception, and perception will match
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on April 28, 2022, in Ottawa. Branding, in short, provides, what I call, 'structural support.' Certainly, Liberals in Canada have strong branding, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trudeau versus Blue Liberals?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s lots of discussion these days about whether the federal Conservatives are moving too far to the right. And yes, I certainly get
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 29, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on the Hill. There’s lots of discussion these days about whether the federal Conservatives are moving too far to the right. And yes, I certainly get why that’s happening. But maybe we should also spend some time discussing whether the federal Liberals are moving too far to the left, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times Photograph by Sam Garcia

Trudeau versus Blue Liberals?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 29, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s lots of discussion these days about whether the federal Conservatives are moving too far to the right. And yes, I certainly get

Trudeau versus Blue Liberals?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 29, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s lots of discussion these days about whether the federal Conservatives are moving too far to the right. And yes, I certainly get
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on the Hill. There’s lots of discussion these days about whether the federal Conservatives are moving too far to the right. And yes, I certainly get why that’s happening. But maybe we should also spend some time discussing whether the federal Liberals are moving too far to the left, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times Photograph by Sam Garcia

The power of small numbers

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Winston Churchill once said, “short words are best.” What that means is, unless you’re talking to Conrad Black, if you want to make
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2022
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured in Ottawa on Nov. 21, 2019. Ford's government, in the name of refunding the cost of past licence sticker fees which are being phased out, recently mailed every qualified driver in the province a cheque for $280. That’s smart politics because receiving that bit of cash will likely please Ontarians more than if the government had announced some sort of multi-billion-dollar spending scheme, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The power of small numbers

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Winston Churchill once said, “short words are best.” What that means is, unless you’re talking to Conrad Black, if you want to make

The power of small numbers

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Winston Churchill once said, “short words are best.” What that means is, unless you’re talking to Conrad Black, if you want to make
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured in Ottawa on Nov. 21, 2019. Ford's government, in the name of refunding the cost of past licence sticker fees which are being phased out, recently mailed every qualified driver in the province a cheque for $280. That’s smart politics because receiving that bit of cash will likely please Ontarians more than if the government had announced some sort of multi-billion-dollar spending scheme, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Charting a path for a Charest victory

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—In the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race, Pierre Poilievre has a clear advantage over his main rival, Jean Charet. This is mainly because
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2022
Even though Jean Charest is a 'non-winged' underdog candidate, he can still come up with a theory for winning, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Charting a path for a Charest victory

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—In the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race, Pierre Poilievre has a clear advantage over his main rival, Jean Charet. This is mainly because

Charting a path for a Charest victory

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—In the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race, Pierre Poilievre has a clear advantage over his main rival, Jean Charet. This is mainly because
Even though Jean Charest is a 'non-winged' underdog candidate, he can still come up with a theory for winning, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Why Poilievre will ignore Bergen’s plea 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I don’t consider myself a rebel, but years ago, while working in a U.S. Senatorial Republican primary race, I was part of a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2022
This is me: Conservative MP Pierre Poillievre, pictured Feb. 14, 2022, speaking with reporters outside the House of Commons before Question Period. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Poilievre will ignore Bergen’s plea 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I don’t consider myself a rebel, but years ago, while working in a U.S. Senatorial Republican primary race, I was part of a

Why Poilievre will ignore Bergen’s plea 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I don’t consider myself a rebel, but years ago, while working in a U.S. Senatorial Republican primary race, I was part of a
This is me: Conservative MP Pierre Poillievre, pictured Feb. 14, 2022, speaking with reporters outside the House of Commons before Question Period. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The New Democrats throw the Liberals a lifeline

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—So, the New Democrats have agreed to a deal which will see them prop up the Liberal government until 2025. I’m not entirely
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2022
Let's do this: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured on Nov. 14, 2019, publicly announced on Monday, March 21, 2022, that they had struck a rare 'supply and confidence' agreement aimed at keeping this Parliament and the prime minister's mandate going until the fall of 2025, when the next fixed election date is scheduled. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

The New Democrats throw the Liberals a lifeline

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—So, the New Democrats have agreed to a deal which will see them prop up the Liberal government until 2025. I’m not entirely

The New Democrats throw the Liberals a lifeline

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—So, the New Democrats have agreed to a deal which will see them prop up the Liberal government until 2025. I’m not entirely
Let's do this: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured on Nov. 14, 2019, publicly announced on Monday, March 21, 2022, that they had struck a rare 'supply and confidence' agreement aimed at keeping this Parliament and the prime minister's mandate going until the fall of 2025, when the next fixed election date is scheduled. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Why political dilettantes have a path to power

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne recently had blunt advice for federal Conservatives as they ponder choosing a new leader. He wrote: “Clown
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2022
One of the ancient Roman Republic’s most successful politicians was general Gaius Marius, who styled himself as a novo homo, 'new man,' writes Gerry Nicholls. Image courtesy of www.bridgemanart.com

Why political dilettantes have a path to power

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne recently had blunt advice for federal Conservatives as they ponder choosing a new leader. He wrote: “Clown

Why political dilettantes have a path to power

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne recently had blunt advice for federal Conservatives as they ponder choosing a new leader. He wrote: “Clown
One of the ancient Roman Republic’s most successful politicians was general Gaius Marius, who styled himself as a novo homo, 'new man,' writes Gerry Nicholls. Image courtesy of www.bridgemanart.com

The world’s bad news is good news for the CPC

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The federal Conservative leadership race will be decided on Sept. 10, which, reckoned in political-events time, is about a million years from now.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 10, 2022
Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen, pictured in Ottawa. With Russia pummelling Ukraine and China sabre-rattling over Taiwan, Canadians will likely see the world as a much more dangerous place. This works for the Conservatives because they’ve always been known as the party which favours having a strong defence and a well-equipped, well-funded military, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The world’s bad news is good news for the CPC

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 10, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The federal Conservative leadership race will be decided on Sept. 10, which, reckoned in political-events time, is about a million years from now.

The world’s bad news is good news for the CPC

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 10, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The federal Conservative leadership race will be decided on Sept. 10, which, reckoned in political-events time, is about a million years from now.
Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen, pictured in Ottawa. With Russia pummelling Ukraine and China sabre-rattling over Taiwan, Canadians will likely see the world as a much more dangerous place. This works for the Conservatives because they’ve always been known as the party which favours having a strong defence and a well-equipped, well-funded military, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is there such a thing as a ‘real Conservative?’

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Apparently, former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t think much of former Progressive Conservative Party leader Jean Charest’s brand of conservatism. Indeed, it seems
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2022
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney, pictured at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on March 5, 2019, posing for a selfie with people who attended The Prime Ministers Series, a partnership between the University of Ottawa Professional Development Institute and the Canada School of Public Service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is there such a thing as a ‘real Conservative?’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Apparently, former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t think much of former Progressive Conservative Party leader Jean Charest’s brand of conservatism. Indeed, it seems

Is there such a thing as a ‘real Conservative?’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 2, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Apparently, former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t think much of former Progressive Conservative Party leader Jean Charest’s brand of conservatism. Indeed, it seems
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney, pictured at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on March 5, 2019, posing for a selfie with people who attended The Prime Ministers Series, a partnership between the University of Ottawa Professional Development Institute and the Canada School of Public Service. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s sad, polarized political future 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Mark Twain once said, “The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it, he
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 25, 2022
A Freedom Convoy supporter, pictured on Wellington Street on Feb. 17, 2022. Justin Trudeau has helped create a political climate where everybody despises everybody and everyone will eventually have to pick a side—the good guys or the bad guys. There will be no in between. This is known as polarizing the electorate, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s sad, polarized political future 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 25, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Mark Twain once said, “The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it, he

Canada’s sad, polarized political future 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 25, 2022
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Mark Twain once said, “The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it, he
A Freedom Convoy supporter, pictured on Wellington Street on Feb. 17, 2022. Justin Trudeau has helped create a political climate where everybody despises everybody and everyone will eventually have to pick a side—the good guys or the bad guys. There will be no in between. This is known as polarizing the electorate, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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

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