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Les Whittington

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

Oval Office blow-up confirmed where Trump really stands

  • It’s becoming undeniable to all concerned that the world we have known has suddenly evaporated.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 5, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Feb. 28 clash at the White House drove home what everyone has been struggling to process about Trump, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/TheWhiteHouse

Oval Office blow-up confirmed where Trump really stands

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 5, 2025
  • It’s becoming undeniable to all concerned that the world we have known has suddenly evaporated.

Oval Office blow-up confirmed where Trump really stands

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | March 5, 2025
  • It’s becoming undeniable to all concerned that the world we have known has suddenly evaporated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Feb. 28 clash at the White House drove home what everyone has been struggling to process about Trump, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/TheWhiteHouse

Ottawa looks to new partnerships in Europe as Trump’s threats against Canada materialize

  • Canada’s and Europe’s leaders are trying to rewrite the framework of power to open the way for an end to Russia’s murderous attack on
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 26, 2025
For Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, the Feb. 24 call to action in Kyiv on behalf of Ukraine may be remembered as his best moment in nearly a decade in power, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

Ottawa looks to new partnerships in Europe as Trump’s threats against Canada materialize

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 26, 2025
  • Canada’s and Europe’s leaders are trying to rewrite the framework of power to open the way for an end to Russia’s murderous attack on

Ottawa looks to new partnerships in Europe as Trump’s threats against Canada materialize

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 26, 2025
  • Canada’s and Europe’s leaders are trying to rewrite the framework of power to open the way for an end to Russia’s murderous attack on
For Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, the Feb. 24 call to action in Kyiv on behalf of Ukraine may be remembered as his best moment in nearly a decade in power, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

Canadians face a new reality as the U.S. abandons 75 years of rules-based, liberal world order

  • U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive fixation with this country and his constant denigration of Canadians and our right to exist as a nation are
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 19, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
After a month of nearly daily threats of economically devastating tariffs, Canadians are beginning to accept the possibility that U.S. President Donald Trump actually does want to erase the Canada-U.S. border, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Canadians face a new reality as the U.S. abandons 75 years of rules-based, liberal world order

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 19, 2025
  • U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive fixation with this country and his constant denigration of Canadians and our right to exist as a nation are

Canadians face a new reality as the U.S. abandons 75 years of rules-based, liberal world order

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 19, 2025
  • U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive fixation with this country and his constant denigration of Canadians and our right to exist as a nation are
Donald Trump
After a month of nearly daily threats of economically devastating tariffs, Canadians are beginning to accept the possibility that U.S. President Donald Trump actually does want to erase the Canada-U.S. border, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Carving a new future in the wake of Trump’s betrayal

  • President Donald Trump’s decision to turn on his northern neighbour has forced Canadians to take stock of their heritage, and thrown open the door
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 12, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
In Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump’s flailing about in his new king-of-the-world act has sparked a political upheaval unlike anything seen in decades, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks

Carving a new future in the wake of Trump’s betrayal

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 12, 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s decision to turn on his northern neighbour has forced Canadians to take stock of their heritage, and thrown open the door

Carving a new future in the wake of Trump’s betrayal

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 12, 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s decision to turn on his northern neighbour has forced Canadians to take stock of their heritage, and thrown open the door
Donald Trump
In Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump’s flailing about in his new king-of-the-world act has sparked a political upheaval unlike anything seen in decades, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks

Trump forcing Canadians to look more closely at what our country is all about

  • Canadians need to grab this moment to redefine our internal and external relations.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 5, 2025
Anita Anand
Anita Anand
The work by Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand to overhaul the country’s internal trade blockages is the most obvious way to bolster the economy, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump forcing Canadians to look more closely at what our country is all about

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 5, 2025
  • Canadians need to grab this moment to redefine our internal and external relations.

Trump forcing Canadians to look more closely at what our country is all about

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | February 5, 2025
  • Canadians need to grab this moment to redefine our internal and external relations.
Anita Anand
The work by Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand to overhaul the country’s internal trade blockages is the most obvious way to bolster the economy, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

President’s threat to rules-based world order is no joke

  • As Trump continues his shakedown of Canada, it is becoming apparent that his talk about using 'economic force' to annex this country needs to
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 29, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
By re-electing Donald Trump, Americans have opened the way to the end of a world order centred on rules-based trade and democratic alliances that western countries have promoted and benefitted from throughout the postwar era, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Gage Skidmore

President’s threat to rules-based world order is no joke

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 29, 2025
  • As Trump continues his shakedown of Canada, it is becoming apparent that his talk about using 'economic force' to annex this country needs to

President’s threat to rules-based world order is no joke

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 29, 2025
  • As Trump continues his shakedown of Canada, it is becoming apparent that his talk about using 'economic force' to annex this country needs to
Donald Trump
By re-electing Donald Trump, Americans have opened the way to the end of a world order centred on rules-based trade and democratic alliances that western countries have promoted and benefitted from throughout the postwar era, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Gage Skidmore
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Economic damage mounts from failure to fight anti-competitive business practices

  • Competition Commissioner Matthew Boswell’s latest report says the current state of the grocery business hurts consumers and does not drive companies to lower their
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 5, 2023
A relic of the 1980s when policymakers felt bigger was better for the Canadian economy, our version of anti-trust policy has over the years reduced competition and allowed concentration to take place across the business sector, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Pexels

Economic damage mounts from failure to fight anti-competitive business practices

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 5, 2023
  • Competition Commissioner Matthew Boswell’s latest report says the current state of the grocery business hurts consumers and does not drive companies to lower their

Economic damage mounts from failure to fight anti-competitive business practices

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 5, 2023
  • Competition Commissioner Matthew Boswell’s latest report says the current state of the grocery business hurts consumers and does not drive companies to lower their
A relic of the 1980s when policymakers felt bigger was better for the Canadian economy, our version of anti-trust policy has over the years reduced competition and allowed concentration to take place across the business sector, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Pexels

Rewriting the Bank of Canada’s playbook as the post-COVID economy defies all expectations

  • It seems certain that the expectations of how people react to a tighter credit environment will have to be rethought.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 28, 2023
The overall economic picture is likely to be too expansive to prevent Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem from raising interest costs again at the next setting date in July, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Rewriting the Bank of Canada’s playbook as the post-COVID economy defies all expectations

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 28, 2023
  • It seems certain that the expectations of how people react to a tighter credit environment will have to be rethought.

Rewriting the Bank of Canada’s playbook as the post-COVID economy defies all expectations

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 28, 2023
  • It seems certain that the expectations of how people react to a tighter credit environment will have to be rethought.
The overall economic picture is likely to be too expansive to prevent Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem from raising interest costs again at the next setting date in July, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Looming historic clash over energy will again redraw federal political fortunes

  • Despite talk about collaboration, the country seems headed for another bruising national fight over energy in the months ahead.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 19, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has wagered much of his political fortunes on trying to shape Canada’s energy sector to deal with major challenges and chart what the Liberals see as a better future for the country, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Looming historic clash over energy will again redraw federal political fortunes

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 19, 2023
  • Despite talk about collaboration, the country seems headed for another bruising national fight over energy in the months ahead.

Looming historic clash over energy will again redraw federal political fortunes

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 19, 2023
  • Despite talk about collaboration, the country seems headed for another bruising national fight over energy in the months ahead.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has wagered much of his political fortunes on trying to shape Canada’s energy sector to deal with major challenges and chart what the Liberals see as a better future for the country, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Nothing funny about this year’s Press Gallery Dinner

  • The PM skipped a situation where he would not have been able to avoid addressing the most immediate question on everyone’s mind about David
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 14, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s video appearance at the June 10 Press Gallery Dinner alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had the effect of pointing out that there are matters of state more pressing than the nasty, pox-on-all-your houses skirmish in Parliament, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube

Nothing funny about this year’s Press Gallery Dinner

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 14, 2023
  • The PM skipped a situation where he would not have been able to avoid addressing the most immediate question on everyone’s mind about David

Nothing funny about this year’s Press Gallery Dinner

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 14, 2023
  • The PM skipped a situation where he would not have been able to avoid addressing the most immediate question on everyone’s mind about David
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s video appearance at the June 10 Press Gallery Dinner alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had the effect of pointing out that there are matters of state more pressing than the nasty, pox-on-all-your houses skirmish in Parliament, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube

Trickle-down economics: the hoax that will not die

  • The trend toward lower taxes has tilted the economy in favour of the well-off and left average people struggling to get by on stagnant
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 7, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is already playing the tax-cut card, as has every leader of Canada’s main right-wing party going back 40 years, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trickle-down economics: the hoax that will not die

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 7, 2023
  • The trend toward lower taxes has tilted the economy in favour of the well-off and left average people struggling to get by on stagnant

Trickle-down economics: the hoax that will not die

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 7, 2023
  • The trend toward lower taxes has tilted the economy in favour of the well-off and left average people struggling to get by on stagnant
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is already playing the tax-cut card, as has every leader of Canada’s main right-wing party going back 40 years, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A lesson in the dangers of extremist, scorched-earth politics from U.S. Republicans

  • While nothing in Canada is on a par with the debt ceiling clash in the U.S., voters here should think twice about endorsing a
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 31, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, far left, meets with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to discuss the debt ceiling in the Oval Office of the White House on May 9. White House photograph by Adam Schultz

A lesson in the dangers of extremist, scorched-earth politics from U.S. Republicans

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 31, 2023
  • While nothing in Canada is on a par with the debt ceiling clash in the U.S., voters here should think twice about endorsing a

A lesson in the dangers of extremist, scorched-earth politics from U.S. Republicans

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 31, 2023
  • While nothing in Canada is on a par with the debt ceiling clash in the U.S., voters here should think twice about endorsing a
U.S. President Joe Biden, far left, meets with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to discuss the debt ceiling in the Oval Office of the White House on May 9. White House photograph by Adam Schultz

Bank of Canada quietly signals long-term shift with potential for economic, political upheaval

  • The end of the low-interest-rate policy sets the stage for widespread household financial stress in 2025 and 2026, when the majority of mortgages are
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 24, 2023
The new, apparently permanent, financial reality Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem described—and the painful fallout it entails—has the potential to scramble the political outlook, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bank of Canada quietly signals long-term shift with potential for economic, political upheaval

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 24, 2023
  • The end of the low-interest-rate policy sets the stage for widespread household financial stress in 2025 and 2026, when the majority of mortgages are

Bank of Canada quietly signals long-term shift with potential for economic, political upheaval

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 24, 2023
  • The end of the low-interest-rate policy sets the stage for widespread household financial stress in 2025 and 2026, when the majority of mortgages are
The new, apparently permanent, financial reality Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem described—and the painful fallout it entails—has the potential to scramble the political outlook, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Alberta election will provide insight into Canadian tolerance for extremism

  • The Alberta race is a potential watershed for Canadians, many of whom seem ready to give the kind of anger-based, hateful politics flourishing in
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 17, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith might not support all or any of the authoritarian policies of the Republicans in the U.S., but she would still be right at home politically with many of these legislators, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Alberta election will provide insight into Canadian tolerance for extremism

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 17, 2023
  • The Alberta race is a potential watershed for Canadians, many of whom seem ready to give the kind of anger-based, hateful politics flourishing in

Alberta election will provide insight into Canadian tolerance for extremism

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 17, 2023
  • The Alberta race is a potential watershed for Canadians, many of whom seem ready to give the kind of anger-based, hateful politics flourishing in
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith might not support all or any of the authoritarian policies of the Republicans in the U.S., but she would still be right at home politically with many of these legislators, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The coronation an upbeat interlude in a country going from Brexit to Bregret

  • U.K. consumers have been facing the worst decline in living standards since the 1950s as a result of the combination of soaring inflation and
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 10, 2023
The May 6 coronation of King Charles III was forecast to create a one-time boom for much of the U.K. economy, with the hospitality and travel sector alone looking for a $1-billion-plus shot in the arm, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/The Royal Family Channel

The coronation an upbeat interlude in a country going from Brexit to Bregret

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 10, 2023
  • U.K. consumers have been facing the worst decline in living standards since the 1950s as a result of the combination of soaring inflation and

The coronation an upbeat interlude in a country going from Brexit to Bregret

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 10, 2023
  • U.K. consumers have been facing the worst decline in living standards since the 1950s as a result of the combination of soaring inflation and
The May 6 coronation of King Charles III was forecast to create a one-time boom for much of the U.K. economy, with the hospitality and travel sector alone looking for a $1-billion-plus shot in the arm, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/The Royal Family Channel

All bets are off in today’s policy-free political environment

  • Policies, or the specific actions of governments, seem less important than ever in an era when emotion and the demagoguery that taps into it
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 3, 2023
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s success has to be seen as emblematic of the way politics has changed since 2015 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put the Liberals back in power federally, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All bets are off in today’s policy-free political environment

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 3, 2023
  • Policies, or the specific actions of governments, seem less important than ever in an era when emotion and the demagoguery that taps into it

All bets are off in today’s policy-free political environment

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 3, 2023
  • Policies, or the specific actions of governments, seem less important than ever in an era when emotion and the demagoguery that taps into it
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s success has to be seen as emblematic of the way politics has changed since 2015 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put the Liberals back in power federally, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians should look closely at U.S. shambles before endorsing Poilievre’s Republican-style populism

  • There are many disturbing developments in the U.S. that are cause for growing alarm for anyone concerned about humanistic governance, public order, and the
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 26, 2023
Canadians might want to give some thought to what kind of country they want as they sidle up to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose post-truth, pernicious, and divisive tactics would win high marks from any Republican organizer, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians should look closely at U.S. shambles before endorsing Poilievre’s Republican-style populism

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 26, 2023
  • There are many disturbing developments in the U.S. that are cause for growing alarm for anyone concerned about humanistic governance, public order, and the

Canadians should look closely at U.S. shambles before endorsing Poilievre’s Republican-style populism

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 26, 2023
  • There are many disturbing developments in the U.S. that are cause for growing alarm for anyone concerned about humanistic governance, public order, and the
Canadians might want to give some thought to what kind of country they want as they sidle up to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose post-truth, pernicious, and divisive tactics would win high marks from any Republican organizer, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Mass killing report a scathing condemnation of Canada’s failure to curb violence against women

  • As the Nova Scotia inquiry found, there is no excuse for not moving ahead vigorously and forcefully to address this shameful, ongoing crisis.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 19, 2023
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino is the minister responsible for the RCMP. The Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission's report is a scathing indictment of Canadians’ lack of progress over many years in reducing and dealing with deeply ingrained and widespread violence against women, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Mass killing report a scathing condemnation of Canada’s failure to curb violence against women

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 19, 2023
  • As the Nova Scotia inquiry found, there is no excuse for not moving ahead vigorously and forcefully to address this shameful, ongoing crisis.

Mass killing report a scathing condemnation of Canada’s failure to curb violence against women

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 19, 2023
  • As the Nova Scotia inquiry found, there is no excuse for not moving ahead vigorously and forcefully to address this shameful, ongoing crisis.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino is the minister responsible for the RCMP. The Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission's report is a scathing indictment of Canadians’ lack of progress over many years in reducing and dealing with deeply ingrained and widespread violence against women, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A uniquely Canadian national embarrassment

  • It’s been obvious for many years that Canadians resent spending on the prime minister’s residence, labelling it self-indulgent and wasteful.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 12, 2023
The deterioration of 24 Sussex Drive reflects Canada’s innate regional divisions and the resentment of centralized power in a very decentralized, regionally oriented federal system, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Kevin Philipupillai

A uniquely Canadian national embarrassment

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 12, 2023
  • It’s been obvious for many years that Canadians resent spending on the prime minister’s residence, labelling it self-indulgent and wasteful.

A uniquely Canadian national embarrassment

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 12, 2023
  • It’s been obvious for many years that Canadians resent spending on the prime minister’s residence, labelling it self-indulgent and wasteful.
The deterioration of 24 Sussex Drive reflects Canada’s innate regional divisions and the resentment of centralized power in a very decentralized, regionally oriented federal system, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Kevin Philipupillai

Searching for consensus in a divided country

  • The reaction to the budget is all the more pertinent for the Liberals at a time when culture war issues are eclipsing already meagre
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 5, 2023
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
The response to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's latest attempt to balance the country’s priorities is a reminder of how divided Canadians have become along conservative versus progressive lines, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Searching for consensus in a divided country

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 5, 2023
  • The reaction to the budget is all the more pertinent for the Liberals at a time when culture war issues are eclipsing already meagre

Searching for consensus in a divided country

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 5, 2023
  • The reaction to the budget is all the more pertinent for the Liberals at a time when culture war issues are eclipsing already meagre
Chrystia Freeland
The response to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's latest attempt to balance the country’s priorities is a reminder of how divided Canadians have become along conservative versus progressive lines, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

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

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