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Friday, June 27, 2025

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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.

Senate Conservative ranks could continue to grow, says caucus leader Housakos

  • Conservative Senate Leader Leo Housakos pointed to the recent change in prime minister and a desire to join a party-affiliated national caucus as reasons
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 25, 2025
The Senate Conservative caucus, now led by Quebec Senator Leo Housakos, recently added three new Senators to its ranks—its first new members since 2013. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senate Conservative ranks could continue to grow, says caucus leader Housakos

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 25, 2025
  • Conservative Senate Leader Leo Housakos pointed to the recent change in prime minister and a desire to join a party-affiliated national caucus as reasons

Senate Conservative ranks could continue to grow, says caucus leader Housakos

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 25, 2025
  • Conservative Senate Leader Leo Housakos pointed to the recent change in prime minister and a desire to join a party-affiliated national caucus as reasons
The Senate Conservative caucus, now led by Quebec Senator Leo Housakos, recently added three new Senators to its ranks—its first new members since 2013. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ministers LeBlanc, Hodgson, Thompson make key staffing hires

  • For one, Samir Kassam is deputy chief of staff and director of policy to Natural Resources and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 23, 2025
Canada-U.S. Trade and One Canadian Economy Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, and Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson have further fleshed out their respective ministerial teams. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Ministers LeBlanc, Hodgson, Thompson make key staffing hires

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 23, 2025
  • For one, Samir Kassam is deputy chief of staff and director of policy to Natural Resources and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson.

Ministers LeBlanc, Hodgson, Thompson make key staffing hires

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 23, 2025
  • For one, Samir Kassam is deputy chief of staff and director of policy to Natural Resources and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson.
Canada-U.S. Trade and One Canadian Economy Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, and Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson have further fleshed out their respective ministerial teams. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Two more ministers, two secs of state lock in chief of staff picks 

  • Hursh Jaswal is once again a chief of staff, this time to Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 18, 2025
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, left, Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai, and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr have all named their chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Two more ministers, two secs of state lock in chief of staff picks 

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 18, 2025
  • Hursh Jaswal is once again a chief of staff, this time to Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai.

Two more ministers, two secs of state lock in chief of staff picks 

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 18, 2025
  • Hursh Jaswal is once again a chief of staff, this time to Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai.
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, left, Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai, and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr have all named their chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

BOIE pushes discussion of NDP resources to future meeting as Bloc mulls ‘significant’ rule changes

  • Plus, the board approved a full carryforward for the House's budget this year, with an extra $4.9-million to be sought through the next supplementary
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 18, 2025
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon, left, and Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer have both signalled openness to NDP interim leader Don Davies' request for additional resources. Bloc Whip Yves Perron, right, says his caucus is exploring potential related permanent rule changes. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

BOIE pushes discussion of NDP resources to future meeting as Bloc mulls ‘significant’ rule changes

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 18, 2025
  • Plus, the board approved a full carryforward for the House's budget this year, with an extra $4.9-million to be sought through the next supplementary

BOIE pushes discussion of NDP resources to future meeting as Bloc mulls ‘significant’ rule changes

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 18, 2025
  • Plus, the board approved a full carryforward for the House's budget this year, with an extra $4.9-million to be sought through the next supplementary
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon, left, and Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer have both signalled openness to NDP interim leader Don Davies' request for additional resources. Bloc Whip Yves Perron, right, says his caucus is exploring potential related permanent rule changes. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

New Agriculture Minister MacDonald settles his senior staff team

  • Plus, Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand has hired Kyle Allen to oversee communications.
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald has made some key headway in setting up his cabinet office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New Agriculture Minister MacDonald settles his senior staff team

  • Plus, Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand has hired Kyle Allen to oversee communications.

New Agriculture Minister MacDonald settles his senior staff team

  • Plus, Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand has hired Kyle Allen to oversee communications.
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald has made some key headway in setting up his cabinet office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sport Secretary van Koeverden settles his chief of staff

  • First-time chief of staff Lauren Hadaller has been tapped to lead van Koeverden's team.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 11, 2025
Now Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer in the West Block on Nov. 20, 2024. He was sworn in to cabinet this past May. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sport Secretary van Koeverden settles his chief of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 11, 2025
  • First-time chief of staff Lauren Hadaller has been tapped to lead van Koeverden's team.

Sport Secretary van Koeverden settles his chief of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 11, 2025
  • First-time chief of staff Lauren Hadaller has been tapped to lead van Koeverden's team.
Now Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer in the West Block on Nov. 20, 2024. He was sworn in to cabinet this past May. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

More cabinet chiefs of staff confirmed, as other staff hires begin rolling in

  • Steven Guilbeault has scooped up a former PMO spokesperson to run his Quebec lieutenant office, and has made progress staffing up his culture and
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 11, 2025
Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound, left, AI and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon, Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Quebec Lieutenant Steven Guilbeault have all now confirmed their chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

More cabinet chiefs of staff confirmed, as other staff hires begin rolling in

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 11, 2025
  • Steven Guilbeault has scooped up a former PMO spokesperson to run his Quebec lieutenant office, and has made progress staffing up his culture and

More cabinet chiefs of staff confirmed, as other staff hires begin rolling in

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 11, 2025
  • Steven Guilbeault has scooped up a former PMO spokesperson to run his Quebec lieutenant office, and has made progress staffing up his culture and
Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound, left, AI and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon, Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Quebec Lieutenant Steven Guilbeault have all now confirmed their chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Senator Dasko pitches elections law reforms to address enduring issue of candidate diversity

  • Experts offered mixed reviews of Bill S-213, describing it as a ‘baby step’ forward, or as a watered-down attempt to address an already well-known
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 9, 2025
Ontario ISG Senator Donna Dasko tabled Bill S-213 with proposed reforms to the Canada Elections Act on May 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senator Dasko pitches elections law reforms to address enduring issue of candidate diversity

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 9, 2025
  • Experts offered mixed reviews of Bill S-213, describing it as a ‘baby step’ forward, or as a watered-down attempt to address an already well-known

Senator Dasko pitches elections law reforms to address enduring issue of candidate diversity

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 9, 2025
  • Experts offered mixed reviews of Bill S-213, describing it as a ‘baby step’ forward, or as a watered-down attempt to address an already well-known
Ontario ISG Senator Donna Dasko tabled Bill S-213 with proposed reforms to the Canada Elections Act on May 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘A big get’: PM Carney’s chief of staff pick Blanchard lauded across partisan lines

  • Marc-André Blanchard will take over as chief of staff to the prime minister in July.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 9, 2025
Marc-André Blanchard at a May 2017 press briefing during his time as Canada's permanent representative to the United Nations. Photograph courtesy of the UN/Manuel Elias

‘A big get’: PM Carney’s chief of staff pick Blanchard lauded across partisan lines

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 9, 2025
  • Marc-André Blanchard will take over as chief of staff to the prime minister in July.

‘A big get’: PM Carney’s chief of staff pick Blanchard lauded across partisan lines

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 9, 2025
  • Marc-André Blanchard will take over as chief of staff to the prime minister in July.
Marc-André Blanchard at a May 2017 press briefing during his time as Canada's permanent representative to the United Nations. Photograph courtesy of the UN/Manuel Elias

House Leader MacKinnon looks to hit the legislative ground running

  • ‘We’re not trying to overload the agenda, but we do have a lot to get done in a short period of time,’ says MacKinnon
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 4, 2025
'It's early, but we'll try and set a good tone here,' says Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon of the start of the 45th Parliament. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

House Leader MacKinnon looks to hit the legislative ground running

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 4, 2025
  • ‘We’re not trying to overload the agenda, but we do have a lot to get done in a short period of time,’ says MacKinnon

House Leader MacKinnon looks to hit the legislative ground running

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 4, 2025
  • ‘We’re not trying to overload the agenda, but we do have a lot to get done in a short period of time,’ says MacKinnon
'It's early, but we'll try and set a good tone here,' says Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon of the start of the 45th Parliament. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Five more cabinet chiefs of staff confirmed

  • The latest list includes Cory Pike, who has been tapped as chief of staff to Defence Minister David McGuinty. The latest five bring the
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 3, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty, left, and Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin have joined the growing list of cabinet ministers who have settled their chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Five more cabinet chiefs of staff confirmed

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 3, 2025
  • The latest list includes Cory Pike, who has been tapped as chief of staff to Defence Minister David McGuinty. The latest five bring the

Five more cabinet chiefs of staff confirmed

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 3, 2025
  • The latest list includes Cory Pike, who has been tapped as chief of staff to Defence Minister David McGuinty. The latest five bring the
Defence Minister David McGuinty, left, and Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin have joined the growing list of cabinet ministers who have settled their chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Four rookies among seven new confirmed cabinet chiefs of staff

  • Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight are among those who have elevated first-time chiefs of staff.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 2, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, left, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, and Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez have joined the ranks of ministers with confirmed chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Four rookies among seven new confirmed cabinet chiefs of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 2, 2025
  • Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight are among those who have elevated first-time chiefs of staff.

Four rookies among seven new confirmed cabinet chiefs of staff

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | June 2, 2025
  • Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight are among those who have elevated first-time chiefs of staff.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, left, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, and Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez have joined the ranks of ministers with confirmed chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Meet the first 12 chiefs of staff confirmed for the Carney cabinet

  • The list includes some first-time chiefs of staff, along with plenty of familiar faces.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 29, 2025
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Health Minister Marjorie Michel, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald are among the ministers who have named chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson

Meet the first 12 chiefs of staff confirmed for the Carney cabinet

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 29, 2025
  • The list includes some first-time chiefs of staff, along with plenty of familiar faces.

Meet the first 12 chiefs of staff confirmed for the Carney cabinet

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 29, 2025
  • The list includes some first-time chiefs of staff, along with plenty of familiar faces.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Health Minister Marjorie Michel, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald are among the ministers who have named chiefs of staff. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson

Feds set out $486.9-billion in spending in 2025-26 main estimates

  • The total budgetary ask represents an 8.4 per cent jump over last year's spending document, and includes $73.4-billion in special warrants issued while Parliament
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 28, 2025
The 2025-26 main estimates were tabled in the House of Commons by new Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali on May 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds set out $486.9-billion in spending in 2025-26 main estimates

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 28, 2025
  • The total budgetary ask represents an 8.4 per cent jump over last year's spending document, and includes $73.4-billion in special warrants issued while Parliament

Feds set out $486.9-billion in spending in 2025-26 main estimates

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 28, 2025
  • The total budgetary ask represents an 8.4 per cent jump over last year's spending document, and includes $73.4-billion in special warrants issued while Parliament
The 2025-26 main estimates were tabled in the House of Commons by new Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali on May 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Big dig under Centre Block has begun as project spending reaches $1.2-billion

  • Scaffolding is starting to go up along Centre Block’s iconic southern façade, and once erected, will be covered by a trompe-l’oeil tarp.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 28, 2025
A person walks past the Queen’s Gate on April 23, 2025.
A person walks past the Queen’s Gate on April 23, 2025.
A pedestrian walks past the main gates to Parliament Hill. Known as the Queen's Gate, the wrought iron gates were removed for restoration in March 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Big dig under Centre Block has begun as project spending reaches $1.2-billion

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 28, 2025
  • Scaffolding is starting to go up along Centre Block’s iconic southern façade, and once erected, will be covered by a trompe-l’oeil tarp.

Big dig under Centre Block has begun as project spending reaches $1.2-billion

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 28, 2025
  • Scaffolding is starting to go up along Centre Block’s iconic southern façade, and once erected, will be covered by a trompe-l’oeil tarp.
A person walks past the Queen’s Gate on April 23, 2025.
A pedestrian walks past the main gates to Parliament Hill. Known as the Queen's Gate, the wrought iron gates were removed for restoration in March 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A number of Trudeau-era cabinet staff bidding Hill farewell

  • Elections mean changeover among the Hill’s staffing ranks, and aides across the partisan divide have been saying their goodbyes.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 26, 2025
The Prime Minister's Office at 80 Wellington St., left, with the West Block building—the current seat of the House of Commons—pictured right. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A number of Trudeau-era cabinet staff bidding Hill farewell

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 26, 2025
  • Elections mean changeover among the Hill’s staffing ranks, and aides across the partisan divide have been saying their goodbyes.

A number of Trudeau-era cabinet staff bidding Hill farewell

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 26, 2025
  • Elections mean changeover among the Hill’s staffing ranks, and aides across the partisan divide have been saying their goodbyes.
The Prime Minister's Office at 80 Wellington St., left, with the West Block building—the current seat of the House of Commons—pictured right. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A look at Treasury Board rules as Carney and cabinet start to staff up

  • With 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, hundreds of staffing hires will take place in the coming days and weeks.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 22, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney walks down Sparks Street after of his first post-election press conference in the Wellington Building on May 2. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A look at Treasury Board rules as Carney and cabinet start to staff up

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 22, 2025
  • With 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, hundreds of staffing hires will take place in the coming days and weeks.

A look at Treasury Board rules as Carney and cabinet start to staff up

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 22, 2025
  • With 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, hundreds of staffing hires will take place in the coming days and weeks.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney walks down Sparks Street after of his first post-election press conference in the Wellington Building on May 2. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘It makes a lot of things easier’: ex-staffers turned MPs say Hill experience proving a boon

  • More than 100 first-time MPs were elected on April 28, and are now readying for Parliament’s fastest post-election return since 1988.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 21, 2025
Liberals Marianne Dandurand, left, Fares Al Soud, and Conservative Grant Jackson are all former staff who've been elected to sit in the House of Commons. Photographs courtesy of Facebook

‘It makes a lot of things easier’: ex-staffers turned MPs say Hill experience proving a boon

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 21, 2025
  • More than 100 first-time MPs were elected on April 28, and are now readying for Parliament’s fastest post-election return since 1988.

‘It makes a lot of things easier’: ex-staffers turned MPs say Hill experience proving a boon

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 21, 2025
  • More than 100 first-time MPs were elected on April 28, and are now readying for Parliament’s fastest post-election return since 1988.
Liberals Marianne Dandurand, left, Fares Al Soud, and Conservative Grant Jackson are all former staff who've been elected to sit in the House of Commons. Photographs courtesy of Facebook

Many MPs could start new Parliament without Hill offices

  • Hill office assignments are handled by respective party whips, and start with the party with the most seats in the House. New Liberal Whip
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 16, 2025
The House of Commons will be back in business in the West Block starting with the election of the Speaker on May 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Many MPs could start new Parliament without Hill offices

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 16, 2025
  • Hill office assignments are handled by respective party whips, and start with the party with the most seats in the House. New Liberal Whip

Many MPs could start new Parliament without Hill offices

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 16, 2025
  • Hill office assignments are handled by respective party whips, and start with the party with the most seats in the House. New Liberal Whip
The House of Commons will be back in business in the West Block starting with the election of the Speaker on May 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘I hope I can say I have fought the good fight’: Tory stalwart Don Plett retires

  • ‘We have to make sure that we do not wait for the other person to put out the olive branch,’ says the outgoing Conservative
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 14, 2025
Retiring Conservative senator Don Plett sat down with The Hill Times in his third-floor office in the Senate of Canada Building on May 7. He officially retires on May 14. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

‘I hope I can say I have fought the good fight’: Tory stalwart Don Plett retires

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 14, 2025
  • ‘We have to make sure that we do not wait for the other person to put out the olive branch,’ says the outgoing Conservative

‘I hope I can say I have fought the good fight’: Tory stalwart Don Plett retires

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 14, 2025
  • ‘We have to make sure that we do not wait for the other person to put out the olive branch,’ says the outgoing Conservative
Retiring Conservative senator Don Plett sat down with The Hill Times in his third-floor office in the Senate of Canada Building on May 7. He officially retires on May 14. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Carney PMO transition continues, staff await word

  • Plus, Liberal Tatiana Auguste’s win in Terrebonne, Que., brings the count of former staffers turned first-time MPs to at least eight.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 13, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney held his first post-election press conference in the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on May 2. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney PMO transition continues, staff await word

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 13, 2025
  • Plus, Liberal Tatiana Auguste’s win in Terrebonne, Que., brings the count of former staffers turned first-time MPs to at least eight.

Carney PMO transition continues, staff await word

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 13, 2025
  • Plus, Liberal Tatiana Auguste’s win in Terrebonne, Que., brings the count of former staffers turned first-time MPs to at least eight.
Prime Minister Mark Carney held his first post-election press conference in the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on May 2. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

At least seven ex-staffers will soon be taking seats as first-time MPs

  • Among those who celebrated victories on April 28 are former senior PMO staffers John Zerucelli and Marjorie Michel.
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 7, 2025
Newly elected Liberal MPs Chi Nguyen, left; Leslie Church, centre; and Marianne Dandurand sit down for a House of Commons orientation session in the Wellington Building on May 5. All three are former Liberal staffers. The Hill Times photograph Sam Garcia

At least seven ex-staffers will soon be taking seats as first-time MPs

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 7, 2025
  • Among those who celebrated victories on April 28 are former senior PMO staffers John Zerucelli and Marjorie Michel.

At least seven ex-staffers will soon be taking seats as first-time MPs

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | May 7, 2025
  • Among those who celebrated victories on April 28 are former senior PMO staffers John Zerucelli and Marjorie Michel.
Newly elected Liberal MPs Chi Nguyen, left; Leslie Church, centre; and Marianne Dandurand sit down for a House of Commons orientation session in the Wellington Building on May 5. All three are former Liberal staffers. The Hill Times photograph Sam Garcia

Read it on Reddit? Project looks to help Canadians navigate online political conversations

  • Early assessments of the popular subreddit r/Canada found a few 'power users' dominated the discourse, meaning 'a very small group of people have a
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 23, 2025
The Samara Centre is keeping an eye on online political discussions this election, both to help Canadians navigate potential risks, and to highlight the positives. Photograph courtesy of Unsplash, illustration by Joey Sabourin, and screenshots courtesy of Reddit, YouTube, and Bluesky

Read it on Reddit? Project looks to help Canadians navigate online political conversations

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 23, 2025
  • Early assessments of the popular subreddit r/Canada found a few 'power users' dominated the discourse, meaning 'a very small group of people have a

Read it on Reddit? Project looks to help Canadians navigate online political conversations

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 23, 2025
  • Early assessments of the popular subreddit r/Canada found a few 'power users' dominated the discourse, meaning 'a very small group of people have a
The Samara Centre is keeping an eye on online political discussions this election, both to help Canadians navigate potential risks, and to highlight the positives. Photograph courtesy of Unsplash, illustration by Joey Sabourin, and screenshots courtesy of Reddit, YouTube, and Bluesky

Day 25: Leaders debate en français

  • Plus, the Bank of Canada bets on Canada’s economic future.
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 16, 2025
The federal party leaders will square off in a French-language debate in Montreal tonight. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Day 25: Leaders debate en français

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 16, 2025
  • Plus, the Bank of Canada bets on Canada’s economic future.

Day 25: Leaders debate en français

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 16, 2025
  • Plus, the Bank of Canada bets on Canada’s economic future.
The federal party leaders will square off in a French-language debate in Montreal tonight. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

NDP has a familiar team fighting to keep its presence in the House

  • ‘For the NDP, the battle of this campaign is going to be fought in their incumbent ridings,’ and target ridings, says strategist Jordan Leichnitz.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 15, 2025
Jagmeet Singh
Jagmeet Singh
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is backed by a team of experienced, and familiar, party organizers this election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

NDP has a familiar team fighting to keep its presence in the House

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 15, 2025
  • ‘For the NDP, the battle of this campaign is going to be fought in their incumbent ridings,’ and target ridings, says strategist Jordan Leichnitz.

NDP has a familiar team fighting to keep its presence in the House

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 15, 2025
  • ‘For the NDP, the battle of this campaign is going to be fought in their incumbent ridings,’ and target ridings, says strategist Jordan Leichnitz.
Jagmeet Singh
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is backed by a team of experienced, and familiar, party organizers this election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Day 19: Carney hits Brampton, Poilievre targets Kitchener area

  • Plus, the Conservatives propose a ‘three strikes’ law, despite well-documented failures.
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 10, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Mark Carney will campaign in Brampton, Ont., today. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stopped in the city yesterday. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Day 19: Carney hits Brampton, Poilievre targets Kitchener area

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 10, 2025
  • Plus, the Conservatives propose a ‘three strikes’ law, despite well-documented failures.

Day 19: Carney hits Brampton, Poilievre targets Kitchener area

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT | April 10, 2025
  • Plus, the Conservatives propose a ‘three strikes’ law, despite well-documented failures.
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Mark Carney will campaign in Brampton, Ont., today. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stopped in the city yesterday. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Day 18: Conservatives get Trumpy in the capital

  • Plus, Poilievre campaigns in Brampton, Carney and Singh in Saskatchewan.
FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, LAURA RYCKEWAERT, RIDDHI KACHHELA | April 9, 2025
The Canada Strong and Free Network conference begins in Ottawa today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Day 18: Conservatives get Trumpy in the capital

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, LAURA RYCKEWAERT, RIDDHI KACHHELA | April 9, 2025
  • Plus, Poilievre campaigns in Brampton, Carney and Singh in Saskatchewan.

Day 18: Conservatives get Trumpy in the capital

FeatureBY PETER MAZEREEUW, LAURA RYCKEWAERT, RIDDHI KACHHELA | April 9, 2025
  • Plus, Poilievre campaigns in Brampton, Carney and Singh in Saskatchewan.
The Canada Strong and Free Network conference begins in Ottawa today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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“The dollar continues to dip. Should Canadians be concerned?”

  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “Our government is closely monitoring the strength of the Canadian dollar, which has been affected by the recent downturn in
Opinion | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 1, 2016

“The dollar continues to dip. Should Canadians be concerned?”

Opinion | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 1, 2016
  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “Our government is closely monitoring the strength of the Canadian dollar, which has been affected by the recent downturn in

“The dollar continues to dip. Should Canadians be concerned?”

Opinion | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 1, 2016
  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “Our government is closely monitoring the strength of the Canadian dollar, which has been affected by the recent downturn in

Meet Liberal PMO’s de facto No. 2: Jeremy Broadhurst

  • PARLIAMENT HILL—In the Prime Minister’s Office, the two top dogs are chief of staff Katie Telford and principal secretary Gerald Butts. Jeremy Broadhurst is the
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
PMO deputy chief of staff and deputy principal secretary Jeremy Broadhurst helped modernize the Liberal Party and was a key architect in the party's majority government win during the last election. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Meet Liberal PMO’s de facto No. 2: Jeremy Broadhurst

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • PARLIAMENT HILL—In the Prime Minister’s Office, the two top dogs are chief of staff Katie Telford and principal secretary Gerald Butts. Jeremy Broadhurst is the

Meet Liberal PMO’s de facto No. 2: Jeremy Broadhurst

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • PARLIAMENT HILL—In the Prime Minister’s Office, the two top dogs are chief of staff Katie Telford and principal secretary Gerald Butts. Jeremy Broadhurst is the
PMO deputy chief of staff and deputy principal secretary Jeremy Broadhurst helped modernize the Liberal Party and was a key architect in the party's majority government win during the last election. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Liberal Cabinet, PMO continue to staff up as Parliament returns

  • Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi recently hired a press secretary to soon join his ministerial office, scooping up Brook Simpson from Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson’s office, as
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016

Liberal Cabinet, PMO continue to staff up as Parliament returns

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi recently hired a press secretary to soon join his ministerial office, scooping up Brook Simpson from Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson’s office, as

Liberal Cabinet, PMO continue to staff up as Parliament returns

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi recently hired a press secretary to soon join his ministerial office, scooping up Brook Simpson from Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson’s office, as

Barber briefs Liberals on how to implement ambitious government agenda

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has an ambitious agenda ahead, but it got a run-down from world-renowned management consultancy expert Sir Michael Barber on
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016

Barber briefs Liberals on how to implement ambitious government agenda

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has an ambitious agenda ahead, but it got a run-down from world-renowned management consultancy expert Sir Michael Barber on

Barber briefs Liberals on how to implement ambitious government agenda

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has an ambitious agenda ahead, but it got a run-down from world-renowned management consultancy expert Sir Michael Barber on

“Work is underway to draft a new federal budget. What do you think should be included?”

  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “During the election, we made a commitment to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow Canada’s economy by making
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016

“Work is underway to draft a new federal budget. What do you think should be included?”

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “During the election, we made a commitment to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow Canada’s economy by making

“Work is underway to draft a new federal budget. What do you think should be included?”

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 25, 2016
  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “During the election, we made a commitment to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow Canada’s economy by making

McGill grads, Queen’s Park staffers landing top Hill jobs

  • Work to staff the new Liberal Cabinet continues to ramp up ahead of Parliament’s return next week, with a noticeable trend of McGill grads
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan has hired Rob Rosenfeld to serve as her chief of staff. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

McGill grads, Queen’s Park staffers landing top Hill jobs

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Work to staff the new Liberal Cabinet continues to ramp up ahead of Parliament’s return next week, with a noticeable trend of McGill grads

McGill grads, Queen’s Park staffers landing top Hill jobs

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Work to staff the new Liberal Cabinet continues to ramp up ahead of Parliament’s return next week, with a noticeable trend of McGill grads
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan has hired Rob Rosenfeld to serve as her chief of staff. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Spin Doctors: “TransCanada recently filed a lawsuit against U.S. Pres. Barack Obama’s administration under NAFTA following its rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. What do you think of this?”

  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist  “The recently-filed Keystone lawsuit involves a private corporation and the Obama administration. The Government of Canada has no role in
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016

Spin Doctors: “TransCanada recently filed a lawsuit against U.S. Pres. Barack Obama’s administration under NAFTA following its rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. What do you think of this?”

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist  “The recently-filed Keystone lawsuit involves a private corporation and the Obama administration. The Government of Canada has no role in

Spin Doctors: “TransCanada recently filed a lawsuit against U.S. Pres. Barack Obama’s administration under NAFTA following its rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. What do you think of this?”

FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Kate Purchase Liberal strategist  “The recently-filed Keystone lawsuit involves a private corporation and the Obama administration. The Government of Canada has no role in

Numbers on homelessness among Canadian vets just ‘tip of iceberg,’ say vets’ advocates: it’s time for action

  • A recent government report that found 2.7 per cent of Canada’s total homeless population using shelters are veterans is just the “tip of the iceberg”
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
'We ran on a National Housing Strategy. We are making social housing investments over the course of the next 10 years, and how Veterans Affairs ties and taps into those opportunities for our veterans is what we will do,' says Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Numbers on homelessness among Canadian vets just ‘tip of iceberg,’ say vets’ advocates: it’s time for action

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • A recent government report that found 2.7 per cent of Canada’s total homeless population using shelters are veterans is just the “tip of the iceberg”

Numbers on homelessness among Canadian vets just ‘tip of iceberg,’ say vets’ advocates: it’s time for action

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • A recent government report that found 2.7 per cent of Canada’s total homeless population using shelters are veterans is just the “tip of the iceberg”
'We ran on a National Housing Strategy. We are making social housing investments over the course of the next 10 years, and how Veterans Affairs ties and taps into those opportunities for our veterans is what we will do,' says Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Ad Hoc Cabinet Subcommittee on Refugees

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum announced the creation of a new ad hoc Cabinet subcommittee on refugees on Nov. 9 to help
List | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016

Ad Hoc Cabinet Subcommittee on Refugees

List | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum announced the creation of a new ad hoc Cabinet subcommittee on refugees on Nov. 9 to help

Ad Hoc Cabinet Subcommittee on Refugees

List | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum announced the creation of a new ad hoc Cabinet subcommittee on refugees on Nov. 9 to help

‘I’ve never done anything quite like this before’: McCallum on helping to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum, 65, has seen a lot in politics. But as one of the government’s lead ministers trying to
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
Immigration and Refugee Minister John McCallum. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

‘I’ve never done anything quite like this before’: McCallum on helping to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum, 65, has seen a lot in politics. But as one of the government’s lead ministers trying to

‘I’ve never done anything quite like this before’: McCallum on helping to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 18, 2016
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum, 65, has seen a lot in politics. But as one of the government’s lead ministers trying to
Immigration and Refugee Minister John McCallum. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Trudeau’s PMO enthusiastic, but swamped: ‘It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain they’re about to climb’

  • Staffers in the new Liberal Prime Minister’s Office are still feeling invigorated three months after their party won a surprising majority government and are
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
'They’ve come off an historic election win, so it’s a very exhilarating time, especially for those who are serving for the first time in such a senior capacity in government. At the same time, it’s also enormously daunting. It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain that they’re about to climb in terms of the workload and in terms of the pressure they’ll be faced with,' says Earnscliffe Strategy Group's Charles Bird. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Trudeau’s PMO enthusiastic, but swamped: ‘It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain they’re about to climb’

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • Staffers in the new Liberal Prime Minister’s Office are still feeling invigorated three months after their party won a surprising majority government and are

Trudeau’s PMO enthusiastic, but swamped: ‘It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain they’re about to climb’

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • Staffers in the new Liberal Prime Minister’s Office are still feeling invigorated three months after their party won a surprising majority government and are
'They’ve come off an historic election win, so it’s a very exhilarating time, especially for those who are serving for the first time in such a senior capacity in government. At the same time, it’s also enormously daunting. It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain that they’re about to climb in terms of the workload and in terms of the pressure they’ll be faced with,' says Earnscliffe Strategy Group's Charles Bird. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Feds restate commitment to national oversight committee, McGuinty to play role

  • The government has restated its campaign commitment to create an all-party parliamentary national security oversight committee, but is so far not saying when it
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016

Feds restate commitment to national oversight committee, McGuinty to play role

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • The government has restated its campaign commitment to create an all-party parliamentary national security oversight committee, but is so far not saying when it

Feds restate commitment to national oversight committee, McGuinty to play role

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • The government has restated its campaign commitment to create an all-party parliamentary national security oversight committee, but is so far not saying when it

“The Liberal government has a lot of deadline to meet this year. Which commitments are you paying most attention to? Will they be met?”

  • Kate Purchase, Liberal strategist “Middle-class Canadians continue to work longer and harder just to make ends meet. On Oct. 19, voters made it clear that
Opinion | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016

“The Liberal government has a lot of deadline to meet this year. Which commitments are you paying most attention to? Will they be met?”

Opinion | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • Kate Purchase, Liberal strategist “Middle-class Canadians continue to work longer and harder just to make ends meet. On Oct. 19, voters made it clear that

“The Liberal government has a lot of deadline to meet this year. Which commitments are you paying most attention to? Will they be met?”

Opinion | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • Kate Purchase, Liberal strategist “Middle-class Canadians continue to work longer and harder just to make ends meet. On Oct. 19, voters made it clear that

More Liberal chiefs of staff named, but handful of ministers still without

  • Some Cabinet ministers still haven’t hired a chief of staff yet, more than two months after being sworn into Cabinet. In many offices, some
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
Monique Lugli is one of a number of recently hired Cabinet chiefs of staff. She is chief of staff to Status of Women Minister Patty Hajdu. Twitter photograph

More Liberal chiefs of staff named, but handful of ministers still without

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • Some Cabinet ministers still haven’t hired a chief of staff yet, more than two months after being sworn into Cabinet. In many offices, some

More Liberal chiefs of staff named, but handful of ministers still without

News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 11, 2016
  • Some Cabinet ministers still haven’t hired a chief of staff yet, more than two months after being sworn into Cabinet. In many offices, some
Monique Lugli is one of a number of recently hired Cabinet chiefs of staff. She is chief of staff to Status of Women Minister Patty Hajdu. Twitter photograph

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