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Laura Ryckewaert

Laura Ryckewaert has been a reporter with The Hill Times since 2011 and a deputy editor since 2019. Originally from Toronto, she’s been living in the national capital since 2007 and is a graduate of Carleton University’s bachelor of journalism program. She tackles the Hill Climbers column for the paper, which follows political staffing changes on Parliament Hill, and, among other things, regularly covers the Procedure and House Affairs Committee, the Board of Internal Economy, and Parliamentary Precinct renovations.

A dive into Public Safety, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Democratic Institutions Minister LeBlanc’s 28-member office

  • Dominic LeBlanc’s office includes three directors of policy—one for each of his cabinet portfolios—and one deputy director for public safety.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 7, 2023
Public Safety, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer in the West Block. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A dive into Public Safety, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Democratic Institutions Minister LeBlanc’s 28-member office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 7, 2023
  • Dominic LeBlanc’s office includes three directors of policy—one for each of his cabinet portfolios—and one deputy director for public safety.

A dive into Public Safety, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Democratic Institutions Minister LeBlanc’s 28-member office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 7, 2023
  • Dominic LeBlanc’s office includes three directors of policy—one for each of his cabinet portfolios—and one deputy director for public safety.
Public Safety, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer in the West Block. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Former Parliamentarians Association seeks cash injection to boost presence, establish mentorship program

  • CAPF was asked to return to the BOIE with a revised pitch after MPs were reluctant to endorse a four-year plan involving almost $1.6-million
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 6, 2023
Members of Parliament take part in an orientation session in the House of Commons Chamber on Dec. 3, 2019, after that year's federal election. CAPF president Matt DeCourcey says with more funding, the association could do more to help MPs transition in and out of public office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Former Parliamentarians Association seeks cash injection to boost presence, establish mentorship program

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 6, 2023
  • CAPF was asked to return to the BOIE with a revised pitch after MPs were reluctant to endorse a four-year plan involving almost $1.6-million

Former Parliamentarians Association seeks cash injection to boost presence, establish mentorship program

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 6, 2023
  • CAPF was asked to return to the BOIE with a revised pitch after MPs were reluctant to endorse a four-year plan involving almost $1.6-million
Members of Parliament take part in an orientation session in the House of Commons Chamber on Dec. 3, 2019, after that year's federal election. CAPF president Matt DeCourcey says with more funding, the association could do more to help MPs transition in and out of public office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A look at Labour and Seniors Minister Seamus O’Regan’s team

  • O’Regan currently has a number of acting directors in his office, including acting policy director Lhori Webster, and acting parliamentary affairs director Jonathan Robinson.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 4, 2023
Labour and Seniors Minister Seamus O'Regan speaks with reporters in the foyer outside the House of Commons Chamber before tabling the government's anti-scab legislation, Bill C-58, on Nov. 9. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A look at Labour and Seniors Minister Seamus O’Regan’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 4, 2023
  • O’Regan currently has a number of acting directors in his office, including acting policy director Lhori Webster, and acting parliamentary affairs director Jonathan Robinson.

A look at Labour and Seniors Minister Seamus O’Regan’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 4, 2023
  • O’Regan currently has a number of acting directors in his office, including acting policy director Lhori Webster, and acting parliamentary affairs director Jonathan Robinson.
Labour and Seniors Minister Seamus O'Regan speaks with reporters in the foyer outside the House of Commons Chamber before tabling the government's anti-scab legislation, Bill C-58, on Nov. 9. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A tour of Tourism Minister Martinez Ferrada’s team

  • Senior staff to the minister include director of policy Sandenga Yeba and director of parliamentary affairs Béatrice Lavallée.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 30, 2023
Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who is also the minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec, is pictured recently on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A tour of Tourism Minister Martinez Ferrada’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 30, 2023
  • Senior staff to the minister include director of policy Sandenga Yeba and director of parliamentary affairs Béatrice Lavallée.

A tour of Tourism Minister Martinez Ferrada’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 30, 2023
  • Senior staff to the minister include director of policy Sandenga Yeba and director of parliamentary affairs Béatrice Lavallée.
Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who is also the minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec, is pictured recently on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Penny wise, pound foolish’: interparliamentary group chairs decry decision to reject funding boost

  • 'It is absolutely vital and critical that we continue to be able to be part of these very important international meetings,' says Liberal MP
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 29, 2023
Liberal MPs John McKay, left, co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group; Julie Dzerowicz, chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association; and Marc Serré, chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas say there's a need for more Joint Interparliamentary Council funding. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

‘Penny wise, pound foolish’: interparliamentary group chairs decry decision to reject funding boost

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 29, 2023
  • 'It is absolutely vital and critical that we continue to be able to be part of these very important international meetings,' says Liberal MP

‘Penny wise, pound foolish’: interparliamentary group chairs decry decision to reject funding boost

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 29, 2023
  • 'It is absolutely vital and critical that we continue to be able to be part of these very important international meetings,' says Liberal MP
Liberal MPs John McKay, left, co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group; Julie Dzerowicz, chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association; and Marc Serré, chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas say there's a need for more Joint Interparliamentary Council funding. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Taking a gander at Veterans Minister Petitpas Taylor’s 13-member office

  • Plus, Defence Minister Bill Blair recently hired Diana Ebadi as his new press secretary, and House Speaker Greg Fergus has a new director of
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 27, 2023
Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor has brought a number of staff from her old office to her new team, including her chief of staff and director of parliamentary affairs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Taking a gander at Veterans Minister Petitpas Taylor’s 13-member office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 27, 2023
  • Plus, Defence Minister Bill Blair recently hired Diana Ebadi as his new press secretary, and House Speaker Greg Fergus has a new director of

Taking a gander at Veterans Minister Petitpas Taylor’s 13-member office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 27, 2023
  • Plus, Defence Minister Bill Blair recently hired Diana Ebadi as his new press secretary, and House Speaker Greg Fergus has a new director of
Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor has brought a number of staff from her old office to her new team, including her chief of staff and director of parliamentary affairs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

House Board OKs four Centre Block design decisions, with more to come

  • The MP working group has a busy month ahead, with seven sets of decisions to go through in December, which are now expected to
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 27, 2023
Centre Block's Rotunda—also known as Confederation Hall—is currently covered in protective boarding, as seen during a June 22 media tour of the site. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

House Board OKs four Centre Block design decisions, with more to come

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 27, 2023
  • The MP working group has a busy month ahead, with seven sets of decisions to go through in December, which are now expected to

House Board OKs four Centre Block design decisions, with more to come

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 27, 2023
  • The MP working group has a busy month ahead, with seven sets of decisions to go through in December, which are now expected to
Centre Block's Rotunda—also known as Confederation Hall—is currently covered in protective boarding, as seen during a June 22 media tour of the site. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who’s who in Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge’s office

  • Recent additions to the office include policy advisers Dominic Morin and Madison Taipalus, and Nina Bouteldja as director of issues and stakeholder management.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 23, 2023
Now-Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons Chamber in the West Block on Dec. 13, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who’s who in Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge’s office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 23, 2023
  • Recent additions to the office include policy advisers Dominic Morin and Madison Taipalus, and Nina Bouteldja as director of issues and stakeholder management.

Who’s who in Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge’s office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 23, 2023
  • Recent additions to the office include policy advisers Dominic Morin and Madison Taipalus, and Nina Bouteldja as director of issues and stakeholder management.
Now-Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons Chamber in the West Block on Dec. 13, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Remote simultaneous interpretation now in use for House committees

  • Following a pilot, party whips agreed to begin phasing in use of remote interpretation services for regular committee meetings starting on Nov. 20.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 22, 2023
An interpreter covers a press conference with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Feb. 16, 2021. The use of remote simultaneous interpretation began being phased in for regular House committee meetings on Nov. 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Remote simultaneous interpretation now in use for House committees

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 22, 2023
  • Following a pilot, party whips agreed to begin phasing in use of remote interpretation services for regular committee meetings starting on Nov. 20.

Remote simultaneous interpretation now in use for House committees

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 22, 2023
  • Following a pilot, party whips agreed to begin phasing in use of remote interpretation services for regular committee meetings starting on Nov. 20.
An interpreter covers a press conference with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Feb. 16, 2021. The use of remote simultaneous interpretation began being phased in for regular House committee meetings on Nov. 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Making a mark: Speaker Fergus’ bid to improve decorum in the House

  • The Speaker recently circulated a draft proposal outlining how existing House rules around parliamentary recognition will be applied, which could be released as soon
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 22, 2023
House Speaker Greg Fergus in his second-floor West Block office on Nov. 15, seated in front of a stylized portrait of the Commons Chamber by Anthony Batten. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Making a mark: Speaker Fergus’ bid to improve decorum in the House

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 22, 2023
  • The Speaker recently circulated a draft proposal outlining how existing House rules around parliamentary recognition will be applied, which could be released as soon

Making a mark: Speaker Fergus’ bid to improve decorum in the House

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 22, 2023
  • The Speaker recently circulated a draft proposal outlining how existing House rules around parliamentary recognition will be applied, which could be released as soon
House Speaker Greg Fergus in his second-floor West Block office on Nov. 15, seated in front of a stylized portrait of the Commons Chamber by Anthony Batten. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Familiar staff, new office: a look at Minister Boissonnault’s team

  • Post-shuffle promotions include Morgan Breitkreuz’s elevation to deputy chief of staff, and Riley Schnurr’s bump up to deputy director of policy.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 20, 2023
Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages Minister Randy Boissonnault heads into a cabinet meeting in the West Block with press secretary Farrah-Lilia Kerkadi on Sept. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Familiar staff, new office: a look at Minister Boissonnault’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 20, 2023
  • Post-shuffle promotions include Morgan Breitkreuz’s elevation to deputy chief of staff, and Riley Schnurr’s bump up to deputy director of policy.

Familiar staff, new office: a look at Minister Boissonnault’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 20, 2023
  • Post-shuffle promotions include Morgan Breitkreuz’s elevation to deputy chief of staff, and Riley Schnurr’s bump up to deputy director of policy.
Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages Minister Randy Boissonnault heads into a cabinet meeting in the West Block with press secretary Farrah-Lilia Kerkadi on Sept. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A rundown of Innovation Minister Champagne’s 19-member ministerial team

  • Champagne's office includes Boyan Gerasimov as director of policy, and Thi Tran as director of parliamentary affairs and issues management.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 16, 2023
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne takes part in a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, right, on Sept. 26, moderated by the CBC's Elizabeth Thompson, left. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A rundown of Innovation Minister Champagne’s 19-member ministerial team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 16, 2023
  • Champagne's office includes Boyan Gerasimov as director of policy, and Thi Tran as director of parliamentary affairs and issues management.

A rundown of Innovation Minister Champagne’s 19-member ministerial team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 16, 2023
  • Champagne's office includes Boyan Gerasimov as director of policy, and Thi Tran as director of parliamentary affairs and issues management.
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne takes part in a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, right, on Sept. 26, moderated by the CBC's Elizabeth Thompson, left. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senators float scrapping regional offices

  • Senators have been able to open a regional office—akin to an MP's constituency office—for more than a decade. Currently, only four such offices exist.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 15, 2023
A recent review of newly imposed Canada Labour Code and Accessible Canada Act obligations has prompted the Senate to reconsider whether Senators should still be able to set up regional offices. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senators float scrapping regional offices

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 15, 2023
  • Senators have been able to open a regional office—akin to an MP's constituency office—for more than a decade. Currently, only four such offices exist.

Senators float scrapping regional offices

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 15, 2023
  • Senators have been able to open a regional office—akin to an MP's constituency office—for more than a decade. Currently, only four such offices exist.
A recent review of newly imposed Canada Labour Code and Accessible Canada Act obligations has prompted the Senate to reconsider whether Senators should still be able to set up regional offices. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal revenue, property, money losses spike to $534.2-million in 2022-23

  • An inverse of the previous year's trends, lost public property cases were down in 2022-23, but the associated costs were higher, with 17,400 cases
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 15, 2023
Treasury Board President Anita Anand tabled the 2022-23 Public Accounts in the House on Oct. 24. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal revenue, property, money losses spike to $534.2-million in 2022-23

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 15, 2023
  • An inverse of the previous year's trends, lost public property cases were down in 2022-23, but the associated costs were higher, with 17,400 cases

Federal revenue, property, money losses spike to $534.2-million in 2022-23

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 15, 2023
  • An inverse of the previous year's trends, lost public property cases were down in 2022-23, but the associated costs were higher, with 17,400 cases
Treasury Board President Anita Anand tabled the 2022-23 Public Accounts in the House on Oct. 24. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A look at Trade Minister Ng’s office

  • Plus, new House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus recently hired Tommy Desfossés as his chief of staff.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 13, 2023
International Trade Minister Mary Ng's team includes new addition Sean O'Neill as director of parliamentary affairs. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

A look at Trade Minister Ng’s office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 13, 2023
  • Plus, new House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus recently hired Tommy Desfossés as his chief of staff.

A look at Trade Minister Ng’s office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 13, 2023
  • Plus, new House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus recently hired Tommy Desfossés as his chief of staff.
International Trade Minister Mary Ng's team includes new addition Sean O'Neill as director of parliamentary affairs. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Who’s who in Prime Minister Trudeau’s 90-member office

  • Recent changes include Jenna Ghassabeh’s promotion to press secretary, and Kirsten Strom’s promotion to director of human resources and finance.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 10, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the CARICOM-Canada Summit in Ottawa on Oct. 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who’s who in Prime Minister Trudeau’s 90-member office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 10, 2023
  • Recent changes include Jenna Ghassabeh’s promotion to press secretary, and Kirsten Strom’s promotion to director of human resources and finance.

Who’s who in Prime Minister Trudeau’s 90-member office

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 10, 2023
  • Recent changes include Jenna Ghassabeh’s promotion to press secretary, and Kirsten Strom’s promotion to director of human resources and finance.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the CARICOM-Canada Summit in Ottawa on Oct. 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New directors on Indigenous Services Minister Hajdu’s team

  • Plus, the minister is currently in the market for a new press secretary following Zeus Eden’s recent exit.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 6, 2023
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu attends the 2023 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness in Ottawa, where she gave a keynote address on Oct. 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New directors on Indigenous Services Minister Hajdu’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 6, 2023
  • Plus, the minister is currently in the market for a new press secretary following Zeus Eden’s recent exit.

New directors on Indigenous Services Minister Hajdu’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 6, 2023
  • Plus, the minister is currently in the market for a new press secretary following Zeus Eden’s recent exit.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu attends the 2023 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness in Ottawa, where she gave a keynote address on Oct. 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal spending dropped four per cent in 2022-23 as public debt charges continue climb

  • Finance Canada was the highest-spending department for the second year in a row at $117.8-billion, and ministerial office expenditures rose by $18.2-million in 2022-23.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 6, 2023
Treasury Board President Anita Anand, who took over the portfolio on July 26, tabled the 2023 Public Accounts in the House of Commons on Oct. 24. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal spending dropped four per cent in 2022-23 as public debt charges continue climb

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 6, 2023
  • Finance Canada was the highest-spending department for the second year in a row at $117.8-billion, and ministerial office expenditures rose by $18.2-million in 2022-23.

Federal spending dropped four per cent in 2022-23 as public debt charges continue climb

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 6, 2023
  • Finance Canada was the highest-spending department for the second year in a row at $117.8-billion, and ministerial office expenditures rose by $18.2-million in 2022-23.
Treasury Board President Anita Anand, who took over the portfolio on July 26, tabled the 2023 Public Accounts in the House of Commons on Oct. 24. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hill Climbers: a rundown of Environment Minister Guilbeault’s ministerial team

  • The environment and climate change minister has 26 political staffers in his office.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 2, 2023
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the West Block about the Supreme Court of Canada's recent opinion on the Impact Assessment Act on Oct. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hill Climbers: a rundown of Environment Minister Guilbeault’s ministerial team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 2, 2023
  • The environment and climate change minister has 26 political staffers in his office.

Hill Climbers: a rundown of Environment Minister Guilbeault’s ministerial team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 2, 2023
  • The environment and climate change minister has 26 political staffers in his office.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the West Block about the Supreme Court of Canada's recent opinion on the Impact Assessment Act on Oct. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Things are stacking up’: BOIE delays four Centre Block design decisions

  • 'Although the project continues to track well, we have been taking on some water on the design side in decision-making,' PSPC's Rob Wright told
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 1, 2023
Centre Block's Hall of Honour as seen during a media tour of the building on June 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Things are stacking up’: BOIE delays four Centre Block design decisions

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 1, 2023
  • 'Although the project continues to track well, we have been taking on some water on the design side in decision-making,' PSPC's Rob Wright told

‘Things are stacking up’: BOIE delays four Centre Block design decisions

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 1, 2023
  • 'Although the project continues to track well, we have been taking on some water on the design side in decision-making,' PSPC's Rob Wright told
Centre Block's Hall of Honour as seen during a media tour of the building on June 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Red Chamber assigns help for Senators, staff navigating ‘horrendous’ health-plan transfer

  • CSG Senator Jim Quinn says the fact that the administration has had to assign staff to work on the issue is ‘almost reprehensible.’
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 1, 2023
Treasury Board President Anita Anand speaks with reporters in the West Block on Oct. 25, alongside her press secretary, Ezechial Nana. Anand and her department are under scrutiny for the problem-ridden transfer of the public service health-care plan to Canada Life. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Red Chamber assigns help for Senators, staff navigating ‘horrendous’ health-plan transfer

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 1, 2023
  • CSG Senator Jim Quinn says the fact that the administration has had to assign staff to work on the issue is ‘almost reprehensible.’

Red Chamber assigns help for Senators, staff navigating ‘horrendous’ health-plan transfer

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 1, 2023
  • CSG Senator Jim Quinn says the fact that the administration has had to assign staff to work on the issue is ‘almost reprehensible.’
Treasury Board President Anita Anand speaks with reporters in the West Block on Oct. 25, alongside her press secretary, Ezechial Nana. Anand and her department are under scrutiny for the problem-ridden transfer of the public service health-care plan to Canada Life. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Updates to Health Minister Mark Holland’s team

  • Plus, Leslie Church has officially bade farewell to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office, and Government House Leader Karina Gould is
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 30, 2023
Health Minister Mark Holland now has a 24-member ministerial team in place. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Updates to Health Minister Mark Holland’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 30, 2023
  • Plus, Leslie Church has officially bade farewell to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office, and Government House Leader Karina Gould is

Updates to Health Minister Mark Holland’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 30, 2023
  • Plus, Leslie Church has officially bade farewell to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office, and Government House Leader Karina Gould is
Health Minister Mark Holland now has a 24-member ministerial team in place. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Minister Fraser houses a 21-member political staff team

  • Senior staff to Fraser include Kyle Fox as director of policy, and Alexann Kropman as director of parliamentary affairs and issues management.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 26, 2023
Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Minister Sean Fraser speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons Chamber in the West Block on Sept. 18, ahead of the start of the fall sitting. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Minister Fraser houses a 21-member political staff team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 26, 2023
  • Senior staff to Fraser include Kyle Fox as director of policy, and Alexann Kropman as director of parliamentary affairs and issues management.

Minister Fraser houses a 21-member political staff team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 26, 2023
  • Senior staff to Fraser include Kyle Fox as director of policy, and Alexann Kropman as director of parliamentary affairs and issues management.
Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Minister Sean Fraser speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons Chamber in the West Block on Sept. 18, ahead of the start of the fall sitting. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greens’ May calls for two-person sign off for recognition in Parliament

  • If they’d been followed, existing House guidelines should have prevented Yaroslav Hunka from being recognized in Parliament in the first place, argues May.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 24, 2023
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says recognition of guests shouldn't be allowed outside of a proper House sitting based on how the rules are currently applied. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greens’ May calls for two-person sign off for recognition in Parliament

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 24, 2023
  • If they’d been followed, existing House guidelines should have prevented Yaroslav Hunka from being recognized in Parliament in the first place, argues May.

Greens’ May calls for two-person sign off for recognition in Parliament

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 24, 2023
  • If they’d been followed, existing House guidelines should have prevented Yaroslav Hunka from being recognized in Parliament in the first place, argues May.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says recognition of guests shouldn't be allowed outside of a proper House sitting based on how the rules are currently applied. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Catching up with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Anandasangree’s burgeoning team

  • More staff hires are expected in the rookie minister’s office, but so far, the team includes former PMO staffer Joanna Sivasankaran as director of
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 23, 2023
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree speaks with reporters after a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 4. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Catching up with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Anandasangree’s burgeoning team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 23, 2023
  • More staff hires are expected in the rookie minister’s office, but so far, the team includes former PMO staffer Joanna Sivasankaran as director of

Catching up with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Anandasangree’s burgeoning team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 23, 2023
  • More staff hires are expected in the rookie minister’s office, but so far, the team includes former PMO staffer Joanna Sivasankaran as director of
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree speaks with reporters after a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 4. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New Families Minister Jenna Sudds’ team so far

  • Plus, Hill Climbers catches up on some staff departures that have happened since the summer cabinet shuffle, including that of longtime aide Scott Bardsley.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 23, 2023
Liberal MP Jenna Sudds arrives at Rideau Hall to be sworn in as minister for families, children, and social development on July 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New Families Minister Jenna Sudds’ team so far

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 23, 2023
  • Plus, Hill Climbers catches up on some staff departures that have happened since the summer cabinet shuffle, including that of longtime aide Scott Bardsley.

New Families Minister Jenna Sudds’ team so far

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 23, 2023
  • Plus, Hill Climbers catches up on some staff departures that have happened since the summer cabinet shuffle, including that of longtime aide Scott Bardsley.
Liberal MP Jenna Sudds arrives at Rideau Hall to be sworn in as minister for families, children, and social development on July 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Suspended animation’: acting assignments pile up within House administration

  • Five key roles within the House of Commons administration are currently filled on an acting basis; meanwhile, the Senate has had a series of
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 18, 2023
The Speaker's Parade—featuring new House Speaker Greg Fergus, centre, and acting House clerk Eric Janse, third from right—enters the House of Commons Chamber on Oct. 4. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Suspended animation’: acting assignments pile up within House administration

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 18, 2023
  • Five key roles within the House of Commons administration are currently filled on an acting basis; meanwhile, the Senate has had a series of

‘Suspended animation’: acting assignments pile up within House administration

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 18, 2023
  • Five key roles within the House of Commons administration are currently filled on an acting basis; meanwhile, the Senate has had a series of
The Speaker's Parade—featuring new House Speaker Greg Fergus, centre, and acting House clerk Eric Janse, third from right—enters the House of Commons Chamber on Oct. 4. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Environment Minister Guilbeault taps Kippen as new chief of staff

  • Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at new Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos’ team.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault makes his way into the West Block building on Parliament Hill on Sept. 18. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Environment Minister Guilbeault taps Kippen as new chief of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
  • Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at new Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos’ team.

Environment Minister Guilbeault taps Kippen as new chief of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
  • Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at new Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos’ team.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault makes his way into the West Block building on Parliament Hill on Sept. 18. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A dive into National Defence Minister Bill Blair’s team

  • Manel Menouar is now both deputy chief of staff and director of policy to the defence minister, and Renée Filiatrault is back on the
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
Defence Minister Bill Blair speaks with reporters on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 4, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A dive into National Defence Minister Bill Blair’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
  • Manel Menouar is now both deputy chief of staff and director of policy to the defence minister, and Renée Filiatrault is back on the

A dive into National Defence Minister Bill Blair’s team

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 16, 2023
  • Manel Menouar is now both deputy chief of staff and director of policy to the defence minister, and Renée Filiatrault is back on the
Defence Minister Bill Blair speaks with reporters on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 4, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senate sizes up annual carbon footprint in bid for 2030 net-zero goal

  • Travel and commuting made up roughly 35 per cent of the Senate’s total emissions for 2022-23, while building-related emissions accounted for 56.4 per cent.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 11, 2023
The entrance to the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau St. Other buildings currently occupied by the Senate include the East Block and the Victoria Building. The Senate’s annual carbon footprint has been estimated at 3,577 tonnes of CO2e. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senate sizes up annual carbon footprint in bid for 2030 net-zero goal

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 11, 2023
  • Travel and commuting made up roughly 35 per cent of the Senate’s total emissions for 2022-23, while building-related emissions accounted for 56.4 per cent.

Senate sizes up annual carbon footprint in bid for 2030 net-zero goal

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 11, 2023
  • Travel and commuting made up roughly 35 per cent of the Senate’s total emissions for 2022-23, while building-related emissions accounted for 56.4 per cent.
The entrance to the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau St. Other buildings currently occupied by the Senate include the East Block and the Victoria Building. The Senate’s annual carbon footprint has been estimated at 3,577 tonnes of CO2e. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who’s who so far in the offices of ministers Hussen, Valdez

  • For one, former PMO photographer Alex Tétreault is now director of communications to International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 9, 2023
Hill Climbers dives into the staff teams of International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, left, and Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez, as they stand so far. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Who’s who so far in the offices of ministers Hussen, Valdez

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 9, 2023
  • For one, former PMO photographer Alex Tétreault is now director of communications to International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen.

Who’s who so far in the offices of ministers Hussen, Valdez

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 9, 2023
  • For one, former PMO photographer Alex Tétreault is now director of communications to International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen.
Hill Climbers dives into the staff teams of International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, left, and Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez, as they stand so far. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Transport Minister Rodriguez slowly solidifies team led by new chief Miled Hill

  • Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez and Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan both have first-time chiefs of staff running their shops: Miled Hill and James Cudmore,
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 9, 2023
Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announces $11-million in funding for the Canadian North airline to build a new cargo facility on Aug. 9 at the Ottawa airport. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Transport Minister Rodriguez slowly solidifies team led by new chief Miled Hill

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 9, 2023
  • Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez and Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan both have first-time chiefs of staff running their shops: Miled Hill and James Cudmore,

Transport Minister Rodriguez slowly solidifies team led by new chief Miled Hill

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 9, 2023
  • Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez and Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan both have first-time chiefs of staff running their shops: Miled Hill and James Cudmore,
Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announces $11-million in funding for the Canadian North airline to build a new cargo facility on Aug. 9 at the Ottawa airport. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pressed for space: Hill scribes have mixed views on continued closure of National Press Theatre

  • The NPT hosted its last press conference on March 16, 2020. Initially shuttered in part due to physical distancing concerns, it remains closed because
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 4, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters about the SNC-Lavalin scandal in the National Press Theatre on March 7, 2019. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pressed for space: Hill scribes have mixed views on continued closure of National Press Theatre

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 4, 2023
  • The NPT hosted its last press conference on March 16, 2020. Initially shuttered in part due to physical distancing concerns, it remains closed because

Pressed for space: Hill scribes have mixed views on continued closure of National Press Theatre

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 4, 2023
  • The NPT hosted its last press conference on March 16, 2020. Initially shuttered in part due to physical distancing concerns, it remains closed because