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Tuesday, October 14, 2025

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Les Whittington

A crisis in search of a cause: Smith brandishes unity issue in dangerous new pipeline gambit

  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made it clear she would see anything but a go-ahead from Ottawa as a powerful accelerant for the smouldering Alberta
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 8, 2025
Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith
Asking the Liberals to scrap one of their signature environmental policies is just a political stunt, but Alberta Premier Danielle Smith seems to see her move as a win-win, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A crisis in search of a cause: Smith brandishes unity issue in dangerous new pipeline gambit

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 8, 2025
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made it clear she would see anything but a go-ahead from Ottawa as a powerful accelerant for the smouldering Alberta

A crisis in search of a cause: Smith brandishes unity issue in dangerous new pipeline gambit

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 8, 2025
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made it clear she would see anything but a go-ahead from Ottawa as a powerful accelerant for the smouldering Alberta
Danielle Smith
Asking the Liberals to scrap one of their signature environmental policies is just a political stunt, but Alberta Premier Danielle Smith seems to see her move as a win-win, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

At the UN, Zelenskyy urges action to avert a world of war

  • In his Sept. 24 UN General Assembly address, the Ukrainian president gave a stark warning about the collapse of international law.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 1, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the UN General Assembly on Sept. 24. Photograph courtesy of the Office of the President of Ukraine

At the UN, Zelenskyy urges action to avert a world of war

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 1, 2025
  • In his Sept. 24 UN General Assembly address, the Ukrainian president gave a stark warning about the collapse of international law.

At the UN, Zelenskyy urges action to avert a world of war

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 1, 2025
  • In his Sept. 24 UN General Assembly address, the Ukrainian president gave a stark warning about the collapse of international law.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the UN General Assembly on Sept. 24. Photograph courtesy of the Office of the President of Ukraine

Waiting for the truckers to come back

  • A great deal has changed in federal politics in a few months, but Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre? Not so much.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 24, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a leadership review this winter, so we shouldn't assume he'll suddenly begin prioritizing moderate, incremental, and fact-based politics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Waiting for the truckers to come back

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 24, 2025
  • A great deal has changed in federal politics in a few months, but Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre? Not so much.

Waiting for the truckers to come back

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 24, 2025
  • A great deal has changed in federal politics in a few months, but Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre? Not so much.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a leadership review this winter, so we shouldn't assume he'll suddenly begin prioritizing moderate, incremental, and fact-based politics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada ready for the nation-defining challenges ahead?

  • If we are going to succeed in the historic task of reinventing our economic culture, it will take hitherto unknown co-operation, compromise, and good-faith
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 17, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney makes a housing announcement in Nepean, Ont., on Sept. 14. Carney has set out a roadmap for the biggest upheaval in this country’s economic life in many decades, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada ready for the nation-defining challenges ahead?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 17, 2025
  • If we are going to succeed in the historic task of reinventing our economic culture, it will take hitherto unknown co-operation, compromise, and good-faith

Is Canada ready for the nation-defining challenges ahead?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 17, 2025
  • If we are going to succeed in the historic task of reinventing our economic culture, it will take hitherto unknown co-operation, compromise, and good-faith
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney makes a housing announcement in Nepean, Ont., on Sept. 14. Carney has set out a roadmap for the biggest upheaval in this country’s economic life in many decades, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Canada that Dryden believed in remains at risk today

  • There is no reason to think a Poilievre government wouldn’t find ways to seriously weaken the country's social programs.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 10, 2025
Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden
As minister of social development, Ken Dryden laid the groundwork for the Liberals’ early learning and childcare plan, which was the most important Canadian social program since medicare, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Canada that Dryden believed in remains at risk today

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 10, 2025
  • There is no reason to think a Poilievre government wouldn’t find ways to seriously weaken the country's social programs.

The Canada that Dryden believed in remains at risk today

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 10, 2025
  • There is no reason to think a Poilievre government wouldn’t find ways to seriously weaken the country's social programs.
Ken Dryden
As minister of social development, Ken Dryden laid the groundwork for the Liberals’ early learning and childcare plan, which was the most important Canadian social program since medicare, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Putin’s gulling of Trump a historic setback for Ukraine and the world’s democracies

  • The Aug. 15 meeting gave Russia the green light to continue its invasion without worrying too much about Washington intervening in a major way
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 3, 2025
It’s clear that U.S. President Donald Trump, right, has decided that it’s up to somebody else to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin’s obsession with wiping out Ukraine and other in eastern Europe, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Putin’s gulling of Trump a historic setback for Ukraine and the world’s democracies

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 3, 2025
  • The Aug. 15 meeting gave Russia the green light to continue its invasion without worrying too much about Washington intervening in a major way

Putin’s gulling of Trump a historic setback for Ukraine and the world’s democracies

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | September 3, 2025
  • The Aug. 15 meeting gave Russia the green light to continue its invasion without worrying too much about Washington intervening in a major way
It’s clear that U.S. President Donald Trump, right, has decided that it’s up to somebody else to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin’s obsession with wiping out Ukraine and other in eastern Europe, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

A world without principles

  • The commitment to democracy and individual rights has been and continues to be badly eroded, in part because of U.S. regression under its current
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 30, 2025
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The horrors being visited on the people of Gaza are one of the most grievous of the many atrocities consistent with a world increasingly steered by rights-ignoring leaders, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

A world without principles

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 30, 2025
  • The commitment to democracy and individual rights has been and continues to be badly eroded, in part because of U.S. regression under its current

A world without principles

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 30, 2025
  • The commitment to democracy and individual rights has been and continues to be badly eroded, in part because of U.S. regression under its current
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The horrors being visited on the people of Gaza are one of the most grievous of the many atrocities consistent with a world increasingly steered by rights-ignoring leaders, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Disconnect on Canada-U.S. trade as CUSMA eludes Trump menace

  • The continuation of the broad CUSMA exemption is still a significant positive development for this country in the context of the full-blown trade war
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 23, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Unsurprisingly, with Ottawa’s negotiations with the U.S. taking place behind closed doors, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his ministers aren’t saying a lot about CUSMA’s status, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Disconnect on Canada-U.S. trade as CUSMA eludes Trump menace

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 23, 2025
  • The continuation of the broad CUSMA exemption is still a significant positive development for this country in the context of the full-blown trade war

Disconnect on Canada-U.S. trade as CUSMA eludes Trump menace

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 23, 2025
  • The continuation of the broad CUSMA exemption is still a significant positive development for this country in the context of the full-blown trade war
Mark Carney
Unsurprisingly, with Ottawa’s negotiations with the U.S. taking place behind closed doors, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his ministers aren’t saying a lot about CUSMA’s status, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Has Trump realized Putin was making a fool out of him on the world stage?

  • The Russian leader’s ability to hoodwink the American former reality show host has been a constant element of Trump’s actuality for more than a
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 16, 2025
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump appears to have finally changed his tune on the Russians because Russian President Vladimir Putin has run circles around the self-appointed great dealmaker, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Has Trump realized Putin was making a fool out of him on the world stage?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 16, 2025
  • The Russian leader’s ability to hoodwink the American former reality show host has been a constant element of Trump’s actuality for more than a

Has Trump realized Putin was making a fool out of him on the world stage?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 16, 2025
  • The Russian leader’s ability to hoodwink the American former reality show host has been a constant element of Trump’s actuality for more than a
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump appears to have finally changed his tune on the Russians because Russian President Vladimir Putin has run circles around the self-appointed great dealmaker, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Canada today: an exporting country in a trade-compromised world

  • For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 9, 2025
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The reordering of Canadian export options is taking place in a world of increasing anti-globalization, splintering trade frameworks, and deteriorating supply chains, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada today: an exporting country in a trade-compromised world

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 9, 2025
  • For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent

Canada today: an exporting country in a trade-compromised world

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 9, 2025
  • For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The reordering of Canadian export options is taking place in a world of increasing anti-globalization, splintering trade frameworks, and deteriorating supply chains, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The failed $5-billion program the feds can’t shake

  • With the deployment of 200 people and the use of AI in some instances, the Phoenix backlog is gradually coming under control, but a
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 2, 2025
Alex Benay, the associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada in whose lap this mess has landed, estimated on June 23 that the cost of fixing and replacing Phoenix would be $5.1-billion, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The failed $5-billion program the feds can’t shake

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 2, 2025
  • With the deployment of 200 people and the use of AI in some instances, the Phoenix backlog is gradually coming under control, but a

The failed $5-billion program the feds can’t shake

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 2, 2025
  • With the deployment of 200 people and the use of AI in some instances, the Phoenix backlog is gradually coming under control, but a
Alex Benay, the associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada in whose lap this mess has landed, estimated on June 23 that the cost of fixing and replacing Phoenix would be $5.1-billion, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney blows the roof off inertia-bound Ottawa, but there’s no guarantee of success

  • Canada’s highly decentralized federation requires time, energy, and good fortune to reach consensus.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 25, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney
It remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Mark Carney's government can make all this work in a timeframe that complies with his refreshing, unconventional campaign to rapidly bring the country together to start building a stronger, more independent economy, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney blows the roof off inertia-bound Ottawa, but there’s no guarantee of success

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 25, 2025
  • Canada’s highly decentralized federation requires time, energy, and good fortune to reach consensus.

Carney blows the roof off inertia-bound Ottawa, but there’s no guarantee of success

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 25, 2025
  • Canada’s highly decentralized federation requires time, energy, and good fortune to reach consensus.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
It remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Mark Carney's government can make all this work in a timeframe that complies with his refreshing, unconventional campaign to rapidly bring the country together to start building a stronger, more independent economy, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

That’s what dictators do

  • This plunge into totalitarian-style histrionics is just a minor manifestation of the upheaval in public norms radiating across the U.S. from Trump’s White House.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 18, 2025
Only five months into his new term, U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed moved quite a ways down the road to his own version of one-man rule, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

That’s what dictators do

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 18, 2025
  • This plunge into totalitarian-style histrionics is just a minor manifestation of the upheaval in public norms radiating across the U.S. from Trump’s White House.

That’s what dictators do

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 18, 2025
  • This plunge into totalitarian-style histrionics is just a minor manifestation of the upheaval in public norms radiating across the U.S. from Trump’s White House.
Only five months into his new term, U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed moved quite a ways down the road to his own version of one-man rule, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Visions of a gold rush in expanded oil exports fly in the face of a decades-old reality

  • The potential for a conduit to load oil tankers in the dangerous waters of the northern B.C. coast actually ended more than three decades
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 11, 2025
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith would have been in her late teens when the Exxon Valdez forever changed the public attitude on pipelines on B.C.’s northern coast, so maybe she didn’t pay much attention, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Jim Brickett

Visions of a gold rush in expanded oil exports fly in the face of a decades-old reality

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 11, 2025
  • The potential for a conduit to load oil tankers in the dangerous waters of the northern B.C. coast actually ended more than three decades

Visions of a gold rush in expanded oil exports fly in the face of a decades-old reality

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 11, 2025
  • The potential for a conduit to load oil tankers in the dangerous waters of the northern B.C. coast actually ended more than three decades
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith would have been in her late teens when the Exxon Valdez forever changed the public attitude on pipelines on B.C.’s northern coast, so maybe she didn’t pay much attention, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Jim Brickett

Election? What election?

  • The Conservatives seem to be trying to juggle the need to be constructive during a national crisis, and the belief that they got cheated
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 4, 2025
Pierre Poilievre
Pierre Poilievre
One might indeed be forgiven for thinking Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is a bit focused on the rear-view mirror, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Election? What election?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 4, 2025
  • The Conservatives seem to be trying to juggle the need to be constructive during a national crisis, and the belief that they got cheated

Election? What election?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 4, 2025
  • The Conservatives seem to be trying to juggle the need to be constructive during a national crisis, and the belief that they got cheated
Pierre Poilievre
One might indeed be forgiven for thinking Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is a bit focused on the rear-view mirror, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In 50 years, the G7’s never had a summit like the one Carney is hosting next month

  • It’s hard to imagine how the stakes could be higher in the midst of the U.S. president's economic warfare against most of the other
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 28, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump’s last trip to Canada was for the G7 Leaders’ Summit in 2018. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

In 50 years, the G7’s never had a summit like the one Carney is hosting next month

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 28, 2025
  • It’s hard to imagine how the stakes could be higher in the midst of the U.S. president's economic warfare against most of the other

In 50 years, the G7’s never had a summit like the one Carney is hosting next month

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 28, 2025
  • It’s hard to imagine how the stakes could be higher in the midst of the U.S. president's economic warfare against most of the other
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump’s last trip to Canada was for the G7 Leaders’ Summit in 2018. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Unchartable as ever: Canada’s future still up in the air as Trump juggles his trade strategy

  • Canada needs some kind of breakthrough soon because the combination of existing tariffs and the uncertainty from Trump’s tariff shell game has this country
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 21, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump seems to be entering into a more difficult phase in his unorthodox economic project, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Unchartable as ever: Canada’s future still up in the air as Trump juggles his trade strategy

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 21, 2025
  • Canada needs some kind of breakthrough soon because the combination of existing tariffs and the uncertainty from Trump’s tariff shell game has this country

Unchartable as ever: Canada’s future still up in the air as Trump juggles his trade strategy

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 21, 2025
  • Canada needs some kind of breakthrough soon because the combination of existing tariffs and the uncertainty from Trump’s tariff shell game has this country
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump seems to be entering into a more difficult phase in his unorthodox economic project, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Mark Carney and the disappearing pipeline

  • The Alberta premier and Conservative leader’s regular excoriations of Ottawa policy never seem to contain a reference to Trans Mountain.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 14, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly stated he's willing to adopt a new approach to energy development, combining increased conventional oil production with climate mitigation tactics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Mark Carney and the disappearing pipeline

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 14, 2025
  • The Alberta premier and Conservative leader’s regular excoriations of Ottawa policy never seem to contain a reference to Trans Mountain.

Mark Carney and the disappearing pipeline

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 14, 2025
  • The Alberta premier and Conservative leader’s regular excoriations of Ottawa policy never seem to contain a reference to Trans Mountain.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly stated he's willing to adopt a new approach to energy development, combining increased conventional oil production with climate mitigation tactics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The man who lost his seat will soon return

  • It will be interesting to see how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—once back in his parliamentary role—chooses to position his party as the Liberals try
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 7, 2025
Pierre Poilievre
Pierre Poilievre
It’s not clear what would motivate Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to back off the anti-Liberal crusade he has been profiting off of for years, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The man who lost his seat will soon return

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 7, 2025
  • It will be interesting to see how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—once back in his parliamentary role—chooses to position his party as the Liberals try

The man who lost his seat will soon return

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 7, 2025
  • It will be interesting to see how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—once back in his parliamentary role—chooses to position his party as the Liberals try
Pierre Poilievre
It’s not clear what would motivate Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to back off the anti-Liberal crusade he has been profiting off of for years, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

And now comes the hard part: negotiating with Trump

  • Canadians can’t count on a flip-flop on tariffs since the U.S. president seems obsessed with undermining Canada in keeping with his persistent lusting after
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 30, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump can’t seem to get through a day in the Oval Office without reverting to his accusations about those freeloaders in Canada, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

And now comes the hard part: negotiating with Trump

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 30, 2025
  • Canadians can’t count on a flip-flop on tariffs since the U.S. president seems obsessed with undermining Canada in keeping with his persistent lusting after

And now comes the hard part: negotiating with Trump

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 30, 2025
  • Canadians can’t count on a flip-flop on tariffs since the U.S. president seems obsessed with undermining Canada in keeping with his persistent lusting after
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump can’t seem to get through a day in the Oval Office without reverting to his accusations about those freeloaders in Canada, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Mark Carney puts it all on the line

  • Whatever happens on April 28, Mark Carney will be remembered as the man who stepped up to offer his services to fellow Canadians in
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 23, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney greets supporters at a rally outside of the Lusitania Portuguese Club of Ottawa on April 20. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Mark Carney puts it all on the line

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 23, 2025
  • Whatever happens on April 28, Mark Carney will be remembered as the man who stepped up to offer his services to fellow Canadians in

Mark Carney puts it all on the line

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 23, 2025
  • Whatever happens on April 28, Mark Carney will be remembered as the man who stepped up to offer his services to fellow Canadians in
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney greets supporters at a rally outside of the Lusitania Portuguese Club of Ottawa on April 20. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Do Canadians really want Stephen Harper back?

  • While the former prime minister remains an icon among the Conservative base, his presence may remind voters of what they didn’t like about him
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 16, 2025
Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper
The current Conservative leader’s campaign is taking on more and more aspects of former prime minister Stephen Harper’s politics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Do Canadians really want Stephen Harper back?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 16, 2025
  • While the former prime minister remains an icon among the Conservative base, his presence may remind voters of what they didn’t like about him

Do Canadians really want Stephen Harper back?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 16, 2025
  • While the former prime minister remains an icon among the Conservative base, his presence may remind voters of what they didn’t like about him
Stephen Harper
The current Conservative leader’s campaign is taking on more and more aspects of former prime minister Stephen Harper’s politics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The world waits to see how long Trump’s attack on the global economy can last

  • The president has brushed off political realities that would have sunk most political actors a hundred times over.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 9, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Within days of U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement, most of the world was united in its criticism of his decision to wreck everyone’s economy, including his own, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House

The world waits to see how long Trump’s attack on the global economy can last

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 9, 2025
  • The president has brushed off political realities that would have sunk most political actors a hundred times over.

The world waits to see how long Trump’s attack on the global economy can last

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 9, 2025
  • The president has brushed off political realities that would have sunk most political actors a hundred times over.
Donald Trump
Within days of U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement, most of the world was united in its criticism of his decision to wreck everyone’s economy, including his own, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House

Trump has flipped the election narrative, but it’s a long way to April 28

  • The knock-on effects of tariffs could be well on the way to erasing the Liberals’ advantage in the Trump survival showdown.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 2, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump is like having a pet rattlesnake—as the whole world has learned the hard way, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House

Trump has flipped the election narrative, but it’s a long way to April 28

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 2, 2025
  • The knock-on effects of tariffs could be well on the way to erasing the Liberals’ advantage in the Trump survival showdown.

Trump has flipped the election narrative, but it’s a long way to April 28

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 2, 2025
  • The knock-on effects of tariffs could be well on the way to erasing the Liberals’ advantage in the Trump survival showdown.
Donald Trump
Dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump is like having a pet rattlesnake—as the whole world has learned the hard way, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House

Trump’s most despised adversary has an election

  • It’s beyond troubling that Canada is always being singled out for its supposedly nasty negotiating stance, and alleged unfair trading relationship with Americans.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 26, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump seems unlikely to soon give up on his promise to wreck the economy of the land he now deems his country's worst enemy, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House

Trump’s most despised adversary has an election

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 26, 2025
  • It’s beyond troubling that Canada is always being singled out for its supposedly nasty negotiating stance, and alleged unfair trading relationship with Americans.

Trump’s most despised adversary has an election

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 26, 2025
  • It’s beyond troubling that Canada is always being singled out for its supposedly nasty negotiating stance, and alleged unfair trading relationship with Americans.
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump seems unlikely to soon give up on his promise to wreck the economy of the land he now deems his country's worst enemy, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House

The real message from the Ford-initiated meeting in D.C.? Canada has no chance of dodging Trump’s trade war for now

  • As relieved as the Canadian contingent was to be engaged in an adult conversation, the March 13 discussion yielded nothing in the way of immediate
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 19, 2025
Doug Ford
Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the March 13 meeting with the U.S. commerce secretary was ‘productive,’ but he could be grasping at straws, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The real message from the Ford-initiated meeting in D.C.? Canada has no chance of dodging Trump’s trade war for now

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 19, 2025
  • As relieved as the Canadian contingent was to be engaged in an adult conversation, the March 13 discussion yielded nothing in the way of immediate

The real message from the Ford-initiated meeting in D.C.? Canada has no chance of dodging Trump’s trade war for now

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 19, 2025
  • As relieved as the Canadian contingent was to be engaged in an adult conversation, the March 13 discussion yielded nothing in the way of immediate
Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the March 13 meeting with the U.S. commerce secretary was ‘productive,’ but he could be grasping at straws, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives left searching for a message as Carney demonstrates his political potential

  • The Tories’ advantage has blown up in their faces as Canadians have begun to take another look at their political options.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 12, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
It hasn’t gone unnoticed that having a prime minister like Liberal Leader Mark Carney with economic skills, global awareness, and experience working with world leaders at the highest level on make-or-break issues might not be such a bad idea, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives left searching for a message as Carney demonstrates his political potential

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 12, 2025
  • The Tories’ advantage has blown up in their faces as Canadians have begun to take another look at their political options.

Conservatives left searching for a message as Carney demonstrates his political potential

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 12, 2025
  • The Tories’ advantage has blown up in their faces as Canadians have begun to take another look at their political options.
Mark Carney
It hasn’t gone unnoticed that having a prime minister like Liberal Leader Mark Carney with economic skills, global awareness, and experience working with world leaders at the highest level on make-or-break issues might not be such a bad idea, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Biden moves ahead on a ‘friendshoring’ plan amid mounting global uncertainty

  • For Canadians, it could be a turning point in our sluggish efforts to overhaul an economy weakened by a long-term slide in business investment
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 29, 2023
Caught up as U.S. President Joe Biden was in the spirit of good neighbourliness during his visit, his expressed willingness to abandon Buy America where Canada is concerned was probably overstated, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Biden moves ahead on a ‘friendshoring’ plan amid mounting global uncertainty

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 29, 2023
  • For Canadians, it could be a turning point in our sluggish efforts to overhaul an economy weakened by a long-term slide in business investment

Biden moves ahead on a ‘friendshoring’ plan amid mounting global uncertainty

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 29, 2023
  • For Canadians, it could be a turning point in our sluggish efforts to overhaul an economy weakened by a long-term slide in business investment
Caught up as U.S. President Joe Biden was in the spirit of good neighbourliness during his visit, his expressed willingness to abandon Buy America where Canada is concerned was probably overstated, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s populism or bust as Poilievre vies to bring Canada its own Trumpian moment

  • Is it really necessary to use the foreign interference issue to peremptorily label the prime minister a traitor acting in the interests of a
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 22, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s repeated drive-by smears accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of colluding with China are an obvious attempt to whip up conspiracy thinking about the legitimacy of the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s populism or bust as Poilievre vies to bring Canada its own Trumpian moment

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 22, 2023
  • Is it really necessary to use the foreign interference issue to peremptorily label the prime minister a traitor acting in the interests of a

It’s populism or bust as Poilievre vies to bring Canada its own Trumpian moment

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 22, 2023
  • Is it really necessary to use the foreign interference issue to peremptorily label the prime minister a traitor acting in the interests of a
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s repeated drive-by smears accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of colluding with China are an obvious attempt to whip up conspiracy thinking about the legitimacy of the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of budget-making as Canadians brace for stagflation

  • Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is trying to rein in spending at a time when the expected economic downturn could significantly worsen Ottawa’s deficit position.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 15, 2023
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
The 2023 federal budget will be tabled in the House of Commons by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on March 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of budget-making as Canadians brace for stagflation

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 15, 2023
  • Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is trying to rein in spending at a time when the expected economic downturn could significantly worsen Ottawa’s deficit position.

The politics of budget-making as Canadians brace for stagflation

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 15, 2023
  • Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is trying to rein in spending at a time when the expected economic downturn could significantly worsen Ottawa’s deficit position.
Chrystia Freeland
The 2023 federal budget will be tabled in the House of Commons by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on March 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the West’s support for Ukraine stand the test of time?

  • The overriding question is becoming whether the West will persist in helping Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold back the invasion for the long term.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 8, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, right, has vowed to stand by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as long as necessary, but Biden’s ability to keep up the current level of assistance is increasingly being questioned, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Adam Schultz

Will the West’s support for Ukraine stand the test of time?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 8, 2023
  • The overriding question is becoming whether the West will persist in helping Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold back the invasion for the long term.

Will the West’s support for Ukraine stand the test of time?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 8, 2023
  • The overriding question is becoming whether the West will persist in helping Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold back the invasion for the long term.
U.S. President Joe Biden, right, has vowed to stand by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as long as necessary, but Biden’s ability to keep up the current level of assistance is increasingly being questioned, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Adam Schultz

Protecting publicly funded health care is shaping up as a last-ditch stand

  • Holding off the push toward private care will take measurable results.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 1, 2023
The future of public health care may depend on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ability to break the mould and translate commitments forged with the provinces into actual improvements for Canadian patients, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Protecting publicly funded health care is shaping up as a last-ditch stand

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 1, 2023
  • Holding off the push toward private care will take measurable results.

Protecting publicly funded health care is shaping up as a last-ditch stand

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 1, 2023
  • Holding off the push toward private care will take measurable results.
The future of public health care may depend on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ability to break the mould and translate commitments forged with the provinces into actual improvements for Canadian patients, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Rouleau lays much of the blame for Ottawa’s occupation where it belongs—with Doug Ford

  • He reminds everyone that, under Canada’s federal system, restoring order in an Ontario city in the midst of near-riotous conditions is the remit of
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 22, 2023
Public Order Emergency Commissioner Paul Rouleau doesn’t mince words when it comes to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s hands-off approach to the blockade of streets and the lawlessness around Parliament Hill in February 2022, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Rouleau lays much of the blame for Ottawa’s occupation where it belongs—with Doug Ford

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 22, 2023
  • He reminds everyone that, under Canada’s federal system, restoring order in an Ontario city in the midst of near-riotous conditions is the remit of

Rouleau lays much of the blame for Ottawa’s occupation where it belongs—with Doug Ford

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 22, 2023
  • He reminds everyone that, under Canada’s federal system, restoring order in an Ontario city in the midst of near-riotous conditions is the remit of
Public Order Emergency Commissioner Paul Rouleau doesn’t mince words when it comes to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s hands-off approach to the blockade of streets and the lawlessness around Parliament Hill in February 2022, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ford’s free pass from integrity commissioner shows plenty of leeway in Ontario ethics conventions

  • The public may want to concentrate a bit more closely than it has been on the actions of the premier and his colleagues.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 15, 2023
Doug Ford
Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the provincial integrity czar OK’d a party at his house in which guests, including people who do business with the government, purchased tickets and donated money to Ford’s daughter to pay for her wedding, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ford’s free pass from integrity commissioner shows plenty of leeway in Ontario ethics conventions

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 15, 2023
  • The public may want to concentrate a bit more closely than it has been on the actions of the premier and his colleagues.

Ford’s free pass from integrity commissioner shows plenty of leeway in Ontario ethics conventions

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 15, 2023
  • The public may want to concentrate a bit more closely than it has been on the actions of the premier and his colleagues.
Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the provincial integrity czar OK’d a party at his house in which guests, including people who do business with the government, purchased tickets and donated money to Ford’s daughter to pay for her wedding, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The little-discussed threat to Canadians’ long-term prosperity

  • In the face of lagging business investment, there’s no guarantee the feds’ stock-buyback plan is going to be the answer.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 8, 2023
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted a new corporate stock buyback tax in last November’s fall economic statement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The little-discussed threat to Canadians’ long-term prosperity

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 8, 2023
  • In the face of lagging business investment, there’s no guarantee the feds’ stock-buyback plan is going to be the answer.

The little-discussed threat to Canadians’ long-term prosperity

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 8, 2023
  • In the face of lagging business investment, there’s no guarantee the feds’ stock-buyback plan is going to be the answer.
Chrystia Freeland
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted a new corporate stock buyback tax in last November’s fall economic statement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Canadians opt for co-operative progress or nihilistic post-COVID chaos?

  • It seems 2023 will be the year that begins to clarify the aftermath—political, economic, and otherwise—of the once-in-a-century virus.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 1, 2023
The 'Freedom Convoy 2.0' anniversary protests held at Parliament Hill on Jan. 28. When it comes to public life, the generally accepted notions about shared realities, the limits of advocacy, establishing the truth, and working toward reasonable solutions have been left behind in much of the western world, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Will Canadians opt for co-operative progress or nihilistic post-COVID chaos?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 1, 2023
  • It seems 2023 will be the year that begins to clarify the aftermath—political, economic, and otherwise—of the once-in-a-century virus.

Will Canadians opt for co-operative progress or nihilistic post-COVID chaos?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 1, 2023
  • It seems 2023 will be the year that begins to clarify the aftermath—political, economic, and otherwise—of the once-in-a-century virus.
The 'Freedom Convoy 2.0' anniversary protests held at Parliament Hill on Jan. 28. When it comes to public life, the generally accepted notions about shared realities, the limits of advocacy, establishing the truth, and working toward reasonable solutions have been left behind in much of the western world, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Likening medicare to communism, Ford moves ahead with plans for privatized, two-tier health care in Ontario

  • The crumbling of the country’s medical services during COVID has opened the way for a major push by those who favour private, for-profit health
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 25, 2023
Doug Ford
Doug Ford
There’s a lot of money to be made in private health services and Premier Doug Ford, as with his other projects, seems determined to make sure Ontario’s wealthy business class gets a big chunk of it, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Likening medicare to communism, Ford moves ahead with plans for privatized, two-tier health care in Ontario

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 25, 2023
  • The crumbling of the country’s medical services during COVID has opened the way for a major push by those who favour private, for-profit health

Likening medicare to communism, Ford moves ahead with plans for privatized, two-tier health care in Ontario

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 25, 2023
  • The crumbling of the country’s medical services during COVID has opened the way for a major push by those who favour private, for-profit health
Doug Ford
There’s a lot of money to be made in private health services and Premier Doug Ford, as with his other projects, seems determined to make sure Ontario’s wealthy business class gets a big chunk of it, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau looks to gather momentum in clean tech race after potentially game-changing signs from U.S.

  • The issue is whether Ottawa has the money and the ability to move quickly enough to stay competitive with the U.S., which is pumping
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 18, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attend the North American Leaders’ Summit in Mexico City, Mexico, on Jan. 10. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Eneas De Troya

Trudeau looks to gather momentum in clean tech race after potentially game-changing signs from U.S.

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 18, 2023
  • The issue is whether Ottawa has the money and the ability to move quickly enough to stay competitive with the U.S., which is pumping

Trudeau looks to gather momentum in clean tech race after potentially game-changing signs from U.S.

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 18, 2023
  • The issue is whether Ottawa has the money and the ability to move quickly enough to stay competitive with the U.S., which is pumping
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attend the North American Leaders’ Summit in Mexico City, Mexico, on Jan. 10. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Eneas De Troya

Challenges to how Canada operates only likely to deepen in 2023

  • These situations contribute to potential chaos, distrust of government, and the weakening of the country’s system of shared governmental powers.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 11, 2023
The health-care clash pitting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against the premiers is likely to continue to destabilize national political affairs in 2023, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Challenges to how Canada operates only likely to deepen in 2023

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 11, 2023
  • These situations contribute to potential chaos, distrust of government, and the weakening of the country’s system of shared governmental powers.

Challenges to how Canada operates only likely to deepen in 2023

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 11, 2023
  • These situations contribute to potential chaos, distrust of government, and the weakening of the country’s system of shared governmental powers.
The health-care clash pitting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against the premiers is likely to continue to destabilize national political affairs in 2023, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

On health, premiers cherish their jurisdiction, not their responsibilities

  • Having let the health system reach a state of near collapse where patients run the risk of dying in emergency rooms, the premiers are
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 14, 2022
The country’s 13 provincial and territorial premiers met virtually on Dec. 9. The first ministers' meetings are political theatre of the most highly charged variety, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

On health, premiers cherish their jurisdiction, not their responsibilities

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 14, 2022
  • Having let the health system reach a state of near collapse where patients run the risk of dying in emergency rooms, the premiers are

On health, premiers cherish their jurisdiction, not their responsibilities

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 14, 2022
  • Having let the health system reach a state of near collapse where patients run the risk of dying in emergency rooms, the premiers are
The country’s 13 provincial and territorial premiers met virtually on Dec. 9. The first ministers' meetings are political theatre of the most highly charged variety, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

Smith leads the way as the right challenges democratic norms in the post-COVID political wasteland

  • Alberta’s Sovereignty Act takes place against a backdrop of anger and grievance aimed at the Trudeau government that is largely based on myth.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 7, 2022
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her signature legislation are saying the province of Alberta does not have to comply with laws passed by the democratically chosen Members of Parliament, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times file photograph

Smith leads the way as the right challenges democratic norms in the post-COVID political wasteland

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 7, 2022
  • Alberta’s Sovereignty Act takes place against a backdrop of anger and grievance aimed at the Trudeau government that is largely based on myth.

Smith leads the way as the right challenges democratic norms in the post-COVID political wasteland

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 7, 2022
  • Alberta’s Sovereignty Act takes place against a backdrop of anger and grievance aimed at the Trudeau government that is largely based on myth.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her signature legislation are saying the province of Alberta does not have to comply with laws passed by the democratically chosen Members of Parliament, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times file photograph

The real Rouleau inquiry question: who was responsible for allowing the illegal trucker blockades to drag on?

  • The issue of responsibility has tended to get lost in the endless hours of legalistic testimony in the Emergencies Act review.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 30, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testifies at the Public Order Emergency Commission on Nov. 25. The federal government was left with no option but to use emergency powers as a last-resort tactic to move the truckers who clearly had no intention of voluntarily doing so, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The real Rouleau inquiry question: who was responsible for allowing the illegal trucker blockades to drag on?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 30, 2022
  • The issue of responsibility has tended to get lost in the endless hours of legalistic testimony in the Emergencies Act review.

The real Rouleau inquiry question: who was responsible for allowing the illegal trucker blockades to drag on?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 30, 2022
  • The issue of responsibility has tended to get lost in the endless hours of legalistic testimony in the Emergencies Act review.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testifies at the Public Order Emergency Commission on Nov. 25. The federal government was left with no option but to use emergency powers as a last-resort tactic to move the truckers who clearly had no intention of voluntarily doing so, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Reaction to Trudeau-Xi exchange shows partisanship trumps all, even our national interest

  • Rather than see it for what it really was, right-wing media, politicians, and commentators couldn’t resist the opportunity to portray Canada’s leader as weak
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 23, 2022
For anyone who appreciates the importance of openness and bottom-up buy-in politics, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came off as the better of the two during the now-famous exchange with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of Twitter

Reaction to Trudeau-Xi exchange shows partisanship trumps all, even our national interest

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 23, 2022
  • Rather than see it for what it really was, right-wing media, politicians, and commentators couldn’t resist the opportunity to portray Canada’s leader as weak

Reaction to Trudeau-Xi exchange shows partisanship trumps all, even our national interest

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 23, 2022
  • Rather than see it for what it really was, right-wing media, politicians, and commentators couldn’t resist the opportunity to portray Canada’s leader as weak
For anyone who appreciates the importance of openness and bottom-up buy-in politics, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came off as the better of the two during the now-famous exchange with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of Twitter

A week that could reverberate in Canada and beyond for years

  • From the U.S. midterm elections, to policies on China and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, last week saw an unusual constellation of events.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 16, 2022
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly recently previewed Ottawa’s long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy by signalling that Canada’s decades-long effort to improve trade integration with China will be reshaped, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A week that could reverberate in Canada and beyond for years

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 16, 2022
  • From the U.S. midterm elections, to policies on China and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, last week saw an unusual constellation of events.

A week that could reverberate in Canada and beyond for years

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 16, 2022
  • From the U.S. midterm elections, to policies on China and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, last week saw an unusual constellation of events.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly recently previewed Ottawa’s long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy by signalling that Canada’s decades-long effort to improve trade integration with China will be reshaped, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Even with COVID receding, economic decision-making not getting any easier

  • As Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said, governments knew how to turn off the economy to try to slow the spread of
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 9, 2022
In the short run, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s government is for the most part facing a lose-lose proposition, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Even with COVID receding, economic decision-making not getting any easier

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 9, 2022
  • As Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said, governments knew how to turn off the economy to try to slow the spread of

Even with COVID receding, economic decision-making not getting any easier

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 9, 2022
  • As Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said, governments knew how to turn off the economy to try to slow the spread of
In the short run, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s government is for the most part facing a lose-lose proposition, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paranoid populism arrives in force

  • OTTAWA—Danielle Smith doesn’t just want to change the rules around government vaccine mandates to suit the anti-vaxxers who put her in power in Alberta.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 2, 2022
The open question is how much damage Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s anger-based paranoid populism will bring to Canadian society and governance, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

Paranoid populism arrives in force

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 2, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Danielle Smith doesn’t just want to change the rules around government vaccine mandates to suit the anti-vaxxers who put her in power in Alberta.

Paranoid populism arrives in force

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 2, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Danielle Smith doesn’t just want to change the rules around government vaccine mandates to suit the anti-vaxxers who put her in power in Alberta.
The open question is how much damage Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s anger-based paranoid populism will bring to Canadian society and governance, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

An ominous signal to Putin from the Republicans’ Russia apologists

  • OTTAWA—Of all the horrific developments in the Russian invasion of Ukraine—a seemingly endless list—one of the most appalling is the unwillingness of Republicans in
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 26, 2022
Some experts believe former U.S. president Donald Trump, left, opened the door for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expanded war against Ukraine by weakening by weakening U.S. democracy and turning Ukraine’s future into a divisive political issue, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

An ominous signal to Putin from the Republicans’ Russia apologists

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Of all the horrific developments in the Russian invasion of Ukraine—a seemingly endless list—one of the most appalling is the unwillingness of Republicans in

An ominous signal to Putin from the Republicans’ Russia apologists

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Of all the horrific developments in the Russian invasion of Ukraine—a seemingly endless list—one of the most appalling is the unwillingness of Republicans in
Some experts believe former U.S. president Donald Trump, left, opened the door for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expanded war against Ukraine by weakening by weakening U.S. democracy and turning Ukraine’s future into a divisive political issue, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

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