Saturday, February 7, 2026

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Latest Paper

Jesse Cnockaert

Jesse Cnockaert is a reporter for The Hill Times, covering lobbying, federal ministers, and important legislation before the House and Senate. As the policy briefings lead, he also covers must-read federal policy issues across a broad range of sectors. Cnockaert started writing for The Hill Times in July 2021 following three years as editor of The Lobby Monitor. He previously worked for Metro Ottawa, and spent eight years covering news for three different municipal newspapers. He can be reached at Jcnockaert@hilltimes.com.

News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | February 2, 2026
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon announced a combined investment of more than $3.5-million for two Ontario firms, Voltera Inc. and Blake Medical, as they expand, build and 'adopt innovative technologies,' according to a FedDev Ontario press release on Jan. 14, 2026. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | February 2, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | February 2, 2026
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon announced a combined investment of more than $3.5-million for two Ontario firms, Voltera Inc. and Blake Medical, as they expand, build and 'adopt innovative technologies,' according to a FedDev Ontario press release on Jan. 14, 2026. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 28, 2026
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the Liberal government 'is making generational investments that will build our economy and make our communities stronger,' in a Jan. 19 press release announcing funds that have resulted in 59,000 housing units in communities across Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 28, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 28, 2026
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the Liberal government 'is making generational investments that will build our economy and make our communities stronger,' in a Jan. 19 press release announcing funds that have resulted in 59,000 housing units in communities across Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 26, 2026
The top 10 most-lobbied cabinet ministers in 2025: Tim Hodgson, top left, Mélanie Joly, Julie Dabrusin, Jill McKnight, and Heath MacDonald; Mark Carney, bottom left, François-Philippe Champagne, Dominic LeBlanc, Steven MacKinnon, and Evan Solomon. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 26, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 26, 2026
The top 10 most-lobbied cabinet ministers in 2025: Tim Hodgson, top left, Mélanie Joly, Julie Dabrusin, Jill McKnight, and Heath MacDonald; Mark Carney, bottom left, François-Philippe Champagne, Dominic LeBlanc, Steven MacKinnon, and Evan Solomon. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 26, 2026
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The House returns on Jan. 26. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 26, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 26, 2026
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The House returns on Jan. 26. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 19, 2026
Health Minister Marjorie Michel's office told The Hill Times that she continues to have conversations with provinces and territories about pharmacare. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 19, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 19, 2026
Health Minister Marjorie Michel's office told The Hill Times that she continues to have conversations with provinces and territories about pharmacare. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 19, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently engaged in a multi-stop international visit to China and Qatar, should be employing a communications strategy to bring Canadians on board in a far more substantive way, says John Delacourt, a former director of communications for the Liberal Research Bureau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 19, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 19, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently engaged in a multi-stop international visit to China and Qatar, should be employing a communications strategy to bring Canadians on board in a far more substantive way, says John Delacourt, a former director of communications for the Liberal Research Bureau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 12, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump will participate in the first joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement in July. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy Wikimedia Commons
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 12, 2026
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | January 12, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump will participate in the first joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement in July. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy Wikimedia Commons
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 30, 2025
On Dec. 9, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced $1.7-billion to launch the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 30, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 30, 2025
On Dec. 9, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced $1.7-billion to launch the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 24, 2025
Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger has been pushing for a review of the Lobbying Act since she was appointed to her role in 2017. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 24, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 24, 2025
Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger has been pushing for a review of the Lobbying Act since she was appointed to her role in 2017. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 22, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Dec. 18, 2025, where the federal and Ontario governments signed a cooperation agreement to work together on development projects. Meanwhile, Carney said opposition MPs who choose to cross the floor are 'attracted by what we are doing,' as reported by Global News on Dec. 17. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 22, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 22, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Dec. 18, 2025, where the federal and Ontario governments signed a cooperation agreement to work together on development projects. Meanwhile, Carney said opposition MPs who choose to cross the floor are 'attracted by what we are doing,' as reported by Global News on Dec. 17. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 15, 2025
To help pass legislation, Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured, is 'going to have to find dance partners on a case-by-case basis,' says Garry Keller, a vice-president at StrategyCorp, and a former Conservative Hill staffer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 15, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 15, 2025
To help pass legislation, Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured, is 'going to have to find dance partners on a case-by-case basis,' says Garry Keller, a vice-president at StrategyCorp, and a former Conservative Hill staffer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 14, 2025
To help protect Canada’s steel industry, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new measures in November, including for imposition of a global 25 per cent tariff on targeted imported steel-derivative products such as wind towers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 14, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 14, 2025
To help protect Canada’s steel industry, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new measures in November, including for imposition of a global 25 per cent tariff on targeted imported steel-derivative products such as wind towers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 10, 2025
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin told the House Environment Committee on Dec. 1 that the Liberal government remains committed to its 2030 emissions-reduction targets, despite the MOU deal outlining conditions for a new bitumen pipeline. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 10, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 10, 2025
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin told the House Environment Committee on Dec. 1 that the Liberal government remains committed to its 2030 emissions-reduction targets, despite the MOU deal outlining conditions for a new bitumen pipeline. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 8, 2025
Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin appears at the House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on Dec. 1, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 8, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 8, 2025
Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin appears at the House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on Dec. 1, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT, RIDDHI KACHHELA | December 8, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 27, outlining a shared commitment to establish Canada as 'a global energy superpower.' The HIll Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT, RIDDHI KACHHELA | December 8, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT, RIDDHI KACHHELA | December 8, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 27, outlining a shared commitment to establish Canada as 'a global energy superpower.' The HIll Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 1, 2025
“The all-season roads, ports, highways, and other trade-enabling infrastructure we build through the fund will spur growth and better connect northern and Indigenous communities to the Canadian economy and the world,” says a statement from Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty about the Arctic Infrastructure Fund. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 1, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | December 1, 2025
“The all-season roads, ports, highways, and other trade-enabling infrastructure we build through the fund will spur growth and better connect northern and Indigenous communities to the Canadian economy and the world,” says a statement from Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty about the Arctic Infrastructure Fund. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 30, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, is looked upon favourably by 34 per cent of Canadians, while Prime Minister Mark Carney is approved by 52 per cent of Canadians, according to data from the Angus Reid Institute released on Nov. 17. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 30, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 30, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, is looked upon favourably by 34 per cent of Canadians, while Prime Minister Mark Carney is approved by 52 per cent of Canadians, according to data from the Angus Reid Institute released on Nov. 17. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 26, 2025
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said that a total of $6-billion in the federal budget towards trade and transportation infrastructure will 'help Canadian businesses get their goods to new markets,' in a Nov. 21 Transport Canada press release. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 26, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 26, 2025
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said that a total of $6-billion in the federal budget towards trade and transportation infrastructure will 'help Canadian businesses get their goods to new markets,' in a Nov. 21 Transport Canada press release. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 24, 2025
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said on Nov. 4 that the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Defence Investment Agency would build up this country's defence industry by strengthening Canadian businesses and supporting Canadian workers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 24, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 24, 2025
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said on Nov. 4 that the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Defence Investment Agency would build up this country's defence industry by strengthening Canadian businesses and supporting Canadian workers. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 19, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney cited 'an increasingly dangerous and divided world' for why Canada must assert its sovereignty, build its defence industrial capacity, and meet a NATO defence commitment this year, in a June 9 statement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 19, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 19, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney cited 'an increasingly dangerous and divided world' for why Canada must assert its sovereignty, build its defence industrial capacity, and meet a NATO defence commitment this year, in a June 9 statement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 17, 2025
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured holding up the budget document on Nov. 4, 2025, before heading into the House to table it. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 17, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | November 17, 2025
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured holding up the budget document on Nov. 4, 2025, before heading into the House to table it. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 19, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly unveiled a three-pillar industrial strategy on Oct. 9 intended to support Canadian industries, create jobs, and attract global investment to protect Canada from the impacts of punishing American tariffs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 19, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 19, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly unveiled a three-pillar industrial strategy on Oct. 9 intended to support Canadian industries, create jobs, and attract global investment to protect Canada from the impacts of punishing American tariffs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 13, 2025
Mark Carney
In a recent fundraising email, the Canada Strong and Free Network said that leaders such as Prime Minister Mark Carney 'betray Canadian values.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 13, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 13, 2025
Mark Carney
In a recent fundraising email, the Canada Strong and Free Network said that leaders such as Prime Minister Mark Carney 'betray Canadian values.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 13, 2025
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, who recently announced reforms intended to modernize Canada Post, met with members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on Oct. 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 13, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 13, 2025
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, who recently announced reforms intended to modernize Canada Post, met with members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on Oct. 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 8, 2025
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said the new Build Canada Homes agency marks a turning point in how affordable housing is delivered in Canada, in a Sept. 19 press release. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 8, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 8, 2025
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said the new Build Canada Homes agency marks a turning point in how affordable housing is delivered in Canada, in a Sept. 19 press release. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 6, 2025
On Sept. 2, Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced more than $30-million over four years towards strengthening and expanding the existing Integrated Youth Services Network of Networks across Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 6, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | October 6, 2025
On Sept. 2, Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced more than $30-million over four years towards strengthening and expanding the existing Integrated Youth Services Network of Networks across Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | September 29, 2025
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty speaks with reporters after the Prime Minister’s First Nations summit on Bill C-5 in Gatineau, Que., on July 17, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | September 29, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | September 29, 2025
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty speaks with reporters after the Prime Minister’s First Nations summit on Bill C-5 in Gatineau, Que., on July 17, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade