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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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Les Whittington

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

Two-nation partnership that was a beacon of trust in a fractious world goes down Trump’s drain

  • Trump’s expansionist approach may turn out to be highly counterproductive.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 15, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s expressed willingness to use force to erase the borders of sovereign countries signals an end to the fundamental principle of international order, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Two-nation partnership that was a beacon of trust in a fractious world goes down Trump’s drain

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 15, 2025
  • Trump’s expansionist approach may turn out to be highly counterproductive.

Two-nation partnership that was a beacon of trust in a fractious world goes down Trump’s drain

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 15, 2025
  • Trump’s expansionist approach may turn out to be highly counterproductive.
Donald Trump
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s expressed willingness to use force to erase the borders of sovereign countries signals an end to the fundamental principle of international order, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Staring down the barrel of 2025

  • The current uncertainty and lack of a well-anchored, unifying voice will put Canada at a severe disadvantage in the onrushing showdown with Donald Trump.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 6, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Like any bully, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump needs someone to pick on for the sake of his audience, and for that role he seems to have chosen Canada. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks

Staring down the barrel of 2025

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 6, 2025
  • The current uncertainty and lack of a well-anchored, unifying voice will put Canada at a severe disadvantage in the onrushing showdown with Donald Trump.

Staring down the barrel of 2025

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | January 6, 2025
  • The current uncertainty and lack of a well-anchored, unifying voice will put Canada at a severe disadvantage in the onrushing showdown with Donald Trump.
Donald Trump
Like any bully, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump needs someone to pick on for the sake of his audience, and for that role he seems to have chosen Canada. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks

Freeland’s chaos-inducing resignation brings ever more uncertainty in the face of Canada’s trade emergency

  • Chrystia Freeland’s dramatic move has thrown the ruling Liberals into disarray, and raised new questions about the stability of Trudeau’s minority government.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 18, 2024
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from cabinet will make stability and a unified front against Donald Trump that much harder to achieve. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s chaos-inducing resignation brings ever more uncertainty in the face of Canada’s trade emergency

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 18, 2024
  • Chrystia Freeland’s dramatic move has thrown the ruling Liberals into disarray, and raised new questions about the stability of Trudeau’s minority government.

Freeland’s chaos-inducing resignation brings ever more uncertainty in the face of Canada’s trade emergency

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 18, 2024
  • Chrystia Freeland’s dramatic move has thrown the ruling Liberals into disarray, and raised new questions about the stability of Trudeau’s minority government.
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from cabinet will make stability and a unified front against Donald Trump that much harder to achieve. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

With one post, Trump has scrambled Canada’s political agenda

  • If nothing else, it has given Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a national mission that resonates with most Canadians.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 11, 2024
Donald Trump.
Donald Trump.
A recent interview confirmed U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is serious about putting a tariffs-for-income-tax-cuts trade-off at the centre of his economic agenda, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of NBC News

With one post, Trump has scrambled Canada’s political agenda

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 11, 2024
  • If nothing else, it has given Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a national mission that resonates with most Canadians.

With one post, Trump has scrambled Canada’s political agenda

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 11, 2024
  • If nothing else, it has given Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a national mission that resonates with most Canadians.
Donald Trump.
A recent interview confirmed U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is serious about putting a tariffs-for-income-tax-cuts trade-off at the centre of his economic agenda, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of NBC News

Don’t expect any breaks from Tariff Man

  • Whatever Donald Trump says about his reasons for slapping tariffs on Canadian imports, it’s safe to assume it's only part of the story.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 4, 2024
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Canada is just another villain in what U.S. president-elect Donald Trump imagines is a worldwide plot to take advantage of American open trade policies, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks

Don’t expect any breaks from Tariff Man

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 4, 2024
  • Whatever Donald Trump says about his reasons for slapping tariffs on Canadian imports, it’s safe to assume it's only part of the story.

Don’t expect any breaks from Tariff Man

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | December 4, 2024
  • Whatever Donald Trump says about his reasons for slapping tariffs on Canadian imports, it’s safe to assume it's only part of the story.
Donald Trump
Canada is just another villain in what U.S. president-elect Donald Trump imagines is a worldwide plot to take advantage of American open trade policies, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks

Playing the Mexico card

  • Any radical demands will have to take a back seat now that Trump has lumped Canada and Mexico together in his vow to impose
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 27, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, needs Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, centre, as a partner in any trade discussions involving U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his well-known divide-and-conquer tactics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, and photographs by Eneas De Troya, and Gage Skidmore

Playing the Mexico card

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 27, 2024
  • Any radical demands will have to take a back seat now that Trump has lumped Canada and Mexico together in his vow to impose

Playing the Mexico card

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 27, 2024
  • Any radical demands will have to take a back seat now that Trump has lumped Canada and Mexico together in his vow to impose
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, needs Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, centre, as a partner in any trade discussions involving U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his well-known divide-and-conquer tactics, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, and photographs by Eneas De Troya, and Gage Skidmore

A lesson for Canadians in Americans’ economic disconnect

  • As voters look for relief from the high cost of living, misguided nostalgia can play a major role in a campaign.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 20, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump won because people in the U.S. believe he will be better than the Democrats at improving the country’s economic conditions, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CSPAN

A lesson for Canadians in Americans’ economic disconnect

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 20, 2024
  • As voters look for relief from the high cost of living, misguided nostalgia can play a major role in a campaign.

A lesson for Canadians in Americans’ economic disconnect

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 20, 2024
  • As voters look for relief from the high cost of living, misguided nostalgia can play a major role in a campaign.
President-elect Donald Trump won because people in the U.S. believe he will be better than the Democrats at improving the country’s economic conditions, writes Les Whittington. Screenshot courtesy of CSPAN

The world changed on Nov. 5

  • For Canadians, the potential impact of another Trump administration could be nothing less than a turning point in the country’s modern history.
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 13, 2024
Donald J. Trump
Donald J. Trump
We shouldn’t make the same mistake a lot of American voters apparently made of thinking that president-elect Donald Trump doesn’t mean what he says, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Tia Dufour

The world changed on Nov. 5

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 13, 2024
  • For Canadians, the potential impact of another Trump administration could be nothing less than a turning point in the country’s modern history.

The world changed on Nov. 5

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 13, 2024
  • For Canadians, the potential impact of another Trump administration could be nothing less than a turning point in the country’s modern history.
Donald J. Trump
We shouldn’t make the same mistake a lot of American voters apparently made of thinking that president-elect Donald Trump doesn’t mean what he says, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Tia Dufour

Information blackout still shrouds investigation of shocking murder of Ontario resto owner

  • Fourteen months later, Owen Sound citizens continue to deal with a troubling lack of information about a murder that cast a cloud of anxiety
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 6, 2024
The handling of the information in the Sharif Rahman case by the police has raised questions about secrecy and the need to maintain an open justice system. Pexels photograph by Nikita Sh 

Information blackout still shrouds investigation of shocking murder of Ontario resto owner

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 6, 2024
  • Fourteen months later, Owen Sound citizens continue to deal with a troubling lack of information about a murder that cast a cloud of anxiety

Information blackout still shrouds investigation of shocking murder of Ontario resto owner

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | November 6, 2024
  • Fourteen months later, Owen Sound citizens continue to deal with a troubling lack of information about a murder that cast a cloud of anxiety
The handling of the information in the Sharif Rahman case by the police has raised questions about secrecy and the need to maintain an open justice system. Pexels photograph by Nikita Sh 

Sanewashing, denial, and hate-mongering: the new normal in the U.S.

  • About half the voting populace seems ready to cast a presidential ballot for a criminal who has trod on every notion of decency in
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 30, 2024
Donald J. Trump
Donald J. Trump
No modern mainstream politician has been so explicit in their bigoted rhetoric as former and prospective U.S. president Donald Trump, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Sanewashing, denial, and hate-mongering: the new normal in the U.S.

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 30, 2024
  • About half the voting populace seems ready to cast a presidential ballot for a criminal who has trod on every notion of decency in

Sanewashing, denial, and hate-mongering: the new normal in the U.S.

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 30, 2024
  • About half the voting populace seems ready to cast a presidential ballot for a criminal who has trod on every notion of decency in
Donald J. Trump
No modern mainstream politician has been so explicit in their bigoted rhetoric as former and prospective U.S. president Donald Trump, writes Les Whittington. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

The authenticity game

  • It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that talking a good populist game is more politically advantageous than any agenda devoted to actually improving peoples’
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 23, 2024
Politicians like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have an advantage when voters care more about the perception of a official as honest rather than likable, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The authenticity game

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 23, 2024
  • It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that talking a good populist game is more politically advantageous than any agenda devoted to actually improving peoples’

The authenticity game

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 23, 2024
  • It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that talking a good populist game is more politically advantageous than any agenda devoted to actually improving peoples’
Politicians like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have an advantage when voters care more about the perception of a official as honest rather than likable, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Real estate nation: Canada’s biggest business sector scores low in the all-important area of economic productivity

  • Investment in housing takes away from money in other sectors, undercutting the country’s ability to devote funds to the kinds of spending crucial to
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 16, 2024
The overemphasis on housing is an important factor in what is perhaps Canada’s most pressing economic problem: declining economic productivity, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Real estate nation: Canada’s biggest business sector scores low in the all-important area of economic productivity

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 16, 2024
  • Investment in housing takes away from money in other sectors, undercutting the country’s ability to devote funds to the kinds of spending crucial to

Real estate nation: Canada’s biggest business sector scores low in the all-important area of economic productivity

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | October 16, 2024
  • Investment in housing takes away from money in other sectors, undercutting the country’s ability to devote funds to the kinds of spending crucial to
The overemphasis on housing is an important factor in what is perhaps Canada’s most pressing economic problem: declining economic productivity, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
More Stories

It’s a guy thing: will male voters’ hostility sink Trudeau?

  • OTTAWA—Canadians liked what they saw of Justin Trudeau in 2015, particularly in contrast to Stephen Harper. Nearly six years later, women voters still approve
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 26, 2021
What is it about Justin Trudeau that bothers men? There’s no question that some men are put off by the Liberals’ progressive agenda and the Trudeau government’s willingness to use debt financing to pay for more generous funding programs, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

It’s a guy thing: will male voters’ hostility sink Trudeau?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 26, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Canadians liked what they saw of Justin Trudeau in 2015, particularly in contrast to Stephen Harper. Nearly six years later, women voters still approve

It’s a guy thing: will male voters’ hostility sink Trudeau?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 26, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Canadians liked what they saw of Justin Trudeau in 2015, particularly in contrast to Stephen Harper. Nearly six years later, women voters still approve
What is it about Justin Trudeau that bothers men? There’s no question that some men are put off by the Liberals’ progressive agenda and the Trudeau government’s willingness to use debt financing to pay for more generous funding programs, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

A true-blue Tory in the Conservatives’ big tent? In search of Erin O’Toole

  • OTTAWA—Erin O’Toole has learned that it doesn’t matter what your convictions are as long as you say things people want to hear and deny
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 23, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole played both ends against the middle successfully during his victorious Conservative leadership race. But within hours after winning the contest last year, he committed to a centrist approach with the overarching goal of broadening the party’s appeal beyond its western-dominated base, something hard-core right-wingers are still wondering about, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

A true-blue Tory in the Conservatives’ big tent? In search of Erin O’Toole

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 23, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Erin O’Toole has learned that it doesn’t matter what your convictions are as long as you say things people want to hear and deny

A true-blue Tory in the Conservatives’ big tent? In search of Erin O’Toole

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 23, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Erin O’Toole has learned that it doesn’t matter what your convictions are as long as you say things people want to hear and deny
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole played both ends against the middle successfully during his victorious Conservative leadership race. But within hours after winning the contest last year, he committed to a centrist approach with the overarching goal of broadening the party’s appeal beyond its western-dominated base, something hard-core right-wingers are still wondering about, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Liberals start with a fairly strong lead, but achieving a majority looking like an uphill climb

  • OTTAWA—Six weeks ago, an election at summer’s end looked like a pretty good bet to produce a majority victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 19, 2021
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pictured above at an Aug. 18 announcement in Vancouver. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pictured below at an Aug. 16 announcement in Toronto. With three dominant parties, there’s always the possibility that a strong showing by the NDP could cut into the Liberal vote, possibly being the deciding factor in what could be a volatile outcome, writes Les Whittington. Photographs courtesy of Twitter/JoyceMurray and Twitter/theJagmeetSingh

Liberals start with a fairly strong lead, but achieving a majority looking like an uphill climb

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 19, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Six weeks ago, an election at summer’s end looked like a pretty good bet to produce a majority victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Liberals start with a fairly strong lead, but achieving a majority looking like an uphill climb

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 19, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Six weeks ago, an election at summer’s end looked like a pretty good bet to produce a majority victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pictured above at an Aug. 18 announcement in Vancouver. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pictured below at an Aug. 16 announcement in Toronto. With three dominant parties, there’s always the possibility that a strong showing by the NDP could cut into the Liberal vote, possibly being the deciding factor in what could be a volatile outcome, writes Les Whittington. Photographs courtesy of Twitter/JoyceMurray and Twitter/theJagmeetSingh

The post-COVID agenda: will voters affirm a more progressive, activist approach to government?

  • OTTAWA—As elections go, there’s no doubt 2015 was a watershed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began moving his party further left in his first campaign
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 16, 2021
Since early 2020, no government in the western world has embraced the role of national guardian at a time of crisis more than the federal Liberals, writes Les Whittington, who says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet have been absorbed with helping Canadians survive, planning the recovery, and setting the stage for an epochal fight against global warming. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The post-COVID agenda: will voters affirm a more progressive, activist approach to government?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 16, 2021
  • OTTAWA—As elections go, there’s no doubt 2015 was a watershed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began moving his party further left in his first campaign

The post-COVID agenda: will voters affirm a more progressive, activist approach to government?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 16, 2021
  • OTTAWA—As elections go, there’s no doubt 2015 was a watershed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began moving his party further left in his first campaign
Since early 2020, no government in the western world has embraced the role of national guardian at a time of crisis more than the federal Liberals, writes Les Whittington, who says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet have been absorbed with helping Canadians survive, planning the recovery, and setting the stage for an epochal fight against global warming. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The life-and-death stakes of politicizing COVID

  • OTTAWA—Some of the more harrowing stories coming out of the COVID calamity in the United States concern nurses and doctors who, having struggled fruitlessly
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 11, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, both pictured pre-COVID in 2019. In Alberta, where 22 per cent of adults are still uncertain or unwilling to be vaccinated, Kenney is determined, like conservatives in the U.S., to throw off COVID public health restrictions despite rising infections, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The life-and-death stakes of politicizing COVID

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 11, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Some of the more harrowing stories coming out of the COVID calamity in the United States concern nurses and doctors who, having struggled fruitlessly

The life-and-death stakes of politicizing COVID

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 11, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Some of the more harrowing stories coming out of the COVID calamity in the United States concern nurses and doctors who, having struggled fruitlessly
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, both pictured pre-COVID in 2019. In Alberta, where 22 per cent of adults are still uncertain or unwilling to be vaccinated, Kenney is determined, like conservatives in the U.S., to throw off COVID public health restrictions despite rising infections, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A walk in the park or a minefield? COVID election may break the mould

  • OTTAWA—All indications are that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will call an election after the week or two of holidays he is currently taking. And
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 4, 2021
It also remains to be seen if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and the Liberals can make inroads against Yves-François Blanchet’s Bloc Québécois in Quebec. And B.C. looks like a tough three-way contest pitting the Liberals against Erin O’Toole’s Conservatives and Jagmeet Singh’s NDP, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

A walk in the park or a minefield? COVID election may break the mould

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 4, 2021
  • OTTAWA—All indications are that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will call an election after the week or two of holidays he is currently taking. And

A walk in the park or a minefield? COVID election may break the mould

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | August 4, 2021
  • OTTAWA—All indications are that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will call an election after the week or two of holidays he is currently taking. And
It also remains to be seen if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and the Liberals can make inroads against Yves-François Blanchet’s Bloc Québécois in Quebec. And B.C. looks like a tough three-way contest pitting the Liberals against Erin O’Toole’s Conservatives and Jagmeet Singh’s NDP, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

What’s worse for the U.S. than having Trump as president? Having Trump as ex-president

  • OTTAWA—Musing about the effect of being impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump recently told a cheering crowd of Republicans in
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 28, 2021
Aided by right-wing television personalities, feckless Republican legislators, and the rampant craziness flooding the internet, the former president has bulked up his cult status with the establishment of a huge lie at the heart of U.S. politics, writes Les Whittington. Flickr photograph by Gage Skidmore

What’s worse for the U.S. than having Trump as president? Having Trump as ex-president

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 28, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Musing about the effect of being impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump recently told a cheering crowd of Republicans in

What’s worse for the U.S. than having Trump as president? Having Trump as ex-president

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 28, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Musing about the effect of being impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump recently told a cheering crowd of Republicans in
Aided by right-wing television personalities, feckless Republican legislators, and the rampant craziness flooding the internet, the former president has bulked up his cult status with the establishment of a huge lie at the heart of U.S. politics, writes Les Whittington. Flickr photograph by Gage Skidmore

Still behind the curve on COVID all these months later

  • OTTAWA—What does the fact that Canada’s prime minister lives in a nondescript old house that was once the accommodation provided to the governor general’s
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 21, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, said it might be up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but the prime minister handed the responsibility for vaccine proof back to the provinces. As we contend with the potential fourth wave, the picture here is once again a hodgepodge characterized by official fence-sitting, hesitancy, and lack of national co-ordination, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Still behind the curve on COVID all these months later

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 21, 2021
  • OTTAWA—What does the fact that Canada’s prime minister lives in a nondescript old house that was once the accommodation provided to the governor general’s

Still behind the curve on COVID all these months later

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 21, 2021
  • OTTAWA—What does the fact that Canada’s prime minister lives in a nondescript old house that was once the accommodation provided to the governor general’s
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, said it might be up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but the prime minister handed the responsibility for vaccine proof back to the provinces. As we contend with the potential fourth wave, the picture here is once again a hodgepodge characterized by official fence-sitting, hesitancy, and lack of national co-ordination, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

Learning urban forestry the hard way in the nation’s capital

  • OTTAWA—This year is decidedly the low point in a new experience for people in the nation’s capital in the midst of the worst outbreak
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 14, 2021
One tends to look to government for solutions in this kind of situation. But governments have, of course, been understandably overloaded because of COVID-19. Still, the blasé attitude of officialdom can be annoying to anyone who has collected and killed thousands of caterpillars in hopes of saving trees, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay

Learning urban forestry the hard way in the nation’s capital

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 14, 2021
  • OTTAWA—This year is decidedly the low point in a new experience for people in the nation’s capital in the midst of the worst outbreak

Learning urban forestry the hard way in the nation’s capital

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 14, 2021
  • OTTAWA—This year is decidedly the low point in a new experience for people in the nation’s capital in the midst of the worst outbreak
One tends to look to government for solutions in this kind of situation. But governments have, of course, been understandably overloaded because of COVID-19. Still, the blasé attitude of officialdom can be annoying to anyone who has collected and killed thousands of caterpillars in hopes of saving trees, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Pixabay

Politics in the age of conspiracy

  • OTTAWA—Yielding to conspiracy theories has been a human habit worth recording going back at least to the late 1800s, and has contributed to all
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 7, 2021
Pro-Trump protestors are pictured in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14, 2020. Six months after the Nov. 3 vote, polls show two-thirds of Republicans still believe Joe Biden’s victory was illegitimate, with nearly one-third of independents voicing the same opinion, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Geoff Livingston

Politics in the age of conspiracy

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 7, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Yielding to conspiracy theories has been a human habit worth recording going back at least to the late 1800s, and has contributed to all

Politics in the age of conspiracy

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 7, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Yielding to conspiracy theories has been a human habit worth recording going back at least to the late 1800s, and has contributed to all
Pro-Trump protestors are pictured in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14, 2020. Six months after the Nov. 3 vote, polls show two-thirds of Republicans still believe Joe Biden’s victory was illegitimate, with nearly one-third of independents voicing the same opinion, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Geoff Livingston

Real estate nation: putting the economy at risk and disadvantaging a generation

  • OTTAWA—It’s been a decade since the commercial bank borrowing rates influenced by the Bank of Canada shifted permanently downward as the central bank adopted
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 30, 2021
Millennials are facing the outcome of decades of neo-liberal government policies that have left the country with stagnant wages way below what’s needed to comfortably buy a home today, writes Les Whittington. Unsplash photograph by Mika Baumeister

Real estate nation: putting the economy at risk and disadvantaging a generation

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 30, 2021
  • OTTAWA—It’s been a decade since the commercial bank borrowing rates influenced by the Bank of Canada shifted permanently downward as the central bank adopted

Real estate nation: putting the economy at risk and disadvantaging a generation

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 30, 2021
  • OTTAWA—It’s been a decade since the commercial bank borrowing rates influenced by the Bank of Canada shifted permanently downward as the central bank adopted
Millennials are facing the outcome of decades of neo-liberal government policies that have left the country with stagnant wages way below what’s needed to comfortably buy a home today, writes Les Whittington. Unsplash photograph by Mika Baumeister

As political variants of concern rise, Trudeau may yet pay the price for long-time vaccine production failures

  • OTTAWA—Despite an up-and-down performance combatting COVID-19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has generally been given okay marks by the public and weathered 16 months of
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 23, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may be about to belatedly pay the price for his and other Canadian leaders’ failure over several decades to recognize the danger of large-scale influenza outbreaks and the need to establish domestic pandemic defences, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

As political variants of concern rise, Trudeau may yet pay the price for long-time vaccine production failures

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 23, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Despite an up-and-down performance combatting COVID-19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has generally been given okay marks by the public and weathered 16 months of

As political variants of concern rise, Trudeau may yet pay the price for long-time vaccine production failures

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 23, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Despite an up-and-down performance combatting COVID-19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has generally been given okay marks by the public and weathered 16 months of
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may be about to belatedly pay the price for his and other Canadian leaders’ failure over several decades to recognize the danger of large-scale influenza outbreaks and the need to establish domestic pandemic defences, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

With Trump left behind and COVID easing, Trudeau can soon test his standing and vision with voters

  • OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau evaded the Trump menace and is now on the verge of politically surviving the worst public health crisis in a
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 16, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, was present in Britain on the weekend as G7 leaders and others—European Council President Charles Michel, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel—turned the lights on again after wandering around for years in the confused darkness cast by Donald Trump, writes Les Whittington. No. 10 Downing Street photograph by Simon Dawson

With Trump left behind and COVID easing, Trudeau can soon test his standing and vision with voters

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 16, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau evaded the Trump menace and is now on the verge of politically surviving the worst public health crisis in a

With Trump left behind and COVID easing, Trudeau can soon test his standing and vision with voters

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 16, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau evaded the Trump menace and is now on the verge of politically surviving the worst public health crisis in a
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, was present in Britain on the weekend as G7 leaders and others—European Council President Charles Michel, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel—turned the lights on again after wandering around for years in the confused darkness cast by Donald Trump, writes Les Whittington. No. 10 Downing Street photograph by Simon Dawson

Boris Johnson’s conjurer’s act finally hits the big time

  • OTTAWA—Most of us are all too aware of the unreal, destructive story of Donald Trump. But relatively little attention has been paid to the
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 9, 2021
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the foremost modern disruptor of European co-ordination by closing the deal on Brexit, the climax of the Euroskeptic theme the prime minister had been using to successfully promote his personal ambitions for decades, writes Les Whittington. No. 10 Downing Street photograph by Andrew Parsons

Boris Johnson’s conjurer’s act finally hits the big time

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 9, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Most of us are all too aware of the unreal, destructive story of Donald Trump. But relatively little attention has been paid to the

Boris Johnson’s conjurer’s act finally hits the big time

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 9, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Most of us are all too aware of the unreal, destructive story of Donald Trump. But relatively little attention has been paid to the
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the foremost modern disruptor of European co-ordination by closing the deal on Brexit, the climax of the Euroskeptic theme the prime minister had been using to successfully promote his personal ambitions for decades, writes Les Whittington. No. 10 Downing Street photograph by Andrew Parsons

Milking scapegoats: Biden administration bows to demands to reopen hyped up attacks on Canadian dairy, lumber

  • OTTAWA—One of the reasons Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency in 2016 was his promise to “drain the swamp”—that is, reduce the immense power
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 2, 2021
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is former president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the lobby group whose demands for action in retaliation for Canada’s allegedly unfair dairy practices put the tariff-rate quotas issue on the government agenda in Washington, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Milking scapegoats: Biden administration bows to demands to reopen hyped up attacks on Canadian dairy, lumber

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 2, 2021
  • OTTAWA—One of the reasons Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency in 2016 was his promise to “drain the swamp”—that is, reduce the immense power

Milking scapegoats: Biden administration bows to demands to reopen hyped up attacks on Canadian dairy, lumber

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | June 2, 2021
  • OTTAWA—One of the reasons Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency in 2016 was his promise to “drain the swamp”—that is, reduce the immense power
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is former president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the lobby group whose demands for action in retaliation for Canada’s allegedly unfair dairy practices put the tariff-rate quotas issue on the government agenda in Washington, writes Les Whittington. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The populist riddle: who can you recruit to support their own race to the bottom?

  • OTTAWA—The fact that millions of Americans vote against their own interests—long a subject of political science curiosity—is becoming increasingly beside the point. In the
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 26, 2021
As reported by the Toronto Star, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, right, intrigued by the shift of blue-collar voters to the right in Britain led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and in the U.S. under Donald Trump, left, is paying for social media tactics from British-based consultants who worked for Johnson during the 2019 U.K. election, writes Les Whittington. Official White House photograph by Shealah Craighead, Flickr photograph by Arno Mikkor, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The populist riddle: who can you recruit to support their own race to the bottom?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 26, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The fact that millions of Americans vote against their own interests—long a subject of political science curiosity—is becoming increasingly beside the point. In the

The populist riddle: who can you recruit to support their own race to the bottom?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 26, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The fact that millions of Americans vote against their own interests—long a subject of political science curiosity—is becoming increasingly beside the point. In the
As reported by the Toronto Star, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, right, intrigued by the shift of blue-collar voters to the right in Britain led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and in the U.S. under Donald Trump, left, is paying for social media tactics from British-based consultants who worked for Johnson during the 2019 U.K. election, writes Les Whittington. Official White House photograph by Shealah Craighead, Flickr photograph by Arno Mikkor, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Unfinished political business piles up as pandemic drags on

  • OTTAWA—People with broken teeth are putting off visits to the dentist. In Ontario, you haven’t been able to get a replacement for a disintegrating
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 19, 2021
In an unexpected move, Quebec Premier François Legault has resurfaced the volatile sovereignty issue in a manner freighted with unknown consequences as part of the newly released Bill 96, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Unfinished political business piles up as pandemic drags on

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 19, 2021
  • OTTAWA—People with broken teeth are putting off visits to the dentist. In Ontario, you haven’t been able to get a replacement for a disintegrating

Unfinished political business piles up as pandemic drags on

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 19, 2021
  • OTTAWA—People with broken teeth are putting off visits to the dentist. In Ontario, you haven’t been able to get a replacement for a disintegrating
In an unexpected move, Quebec Premier François Legault has resurfaced the volatile sovereignty issue in a manner freighted with unknown consequences as part of the newly released Bill 96, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

While no longer a daily spectacle, Trump still has U.S. democracy on the ropes

  • OTTAWA—Not having to read about or hear about Donald Trump every day has been like a six-month vacation. But those who thought the former
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 12, 2021
Despite Donald Trump being disgraced by impeachment in the House of Representatives, despite his leaving office with the lowest approval rating in 40 years, despite his effort to literally overthrow the results of the election, and despite him being the first incumbent president to be ousted by voters in nearly three decades, his grip on Republicans appears for now immutable, writes Les Whittington. Pixabay image by Gerd Altmann

While no longer a daily spectacle, Trump still has U.S. democracy on the ropes

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 12, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Not having to read about or hear about Donald Trump every day has been like a six-month vacation. But those who thought the former

While no longer a daily spectacle, Trump still has U.S. democracy on the ropes

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 12, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Not having to read about or hear about Donald Trump every day has been like a six-month vacation. But those who thought the former
Despite Donald Trump being disgraced by impeachment in the House of Representatives, despite his leaving office with the lowest approval rating in 40 years, despite his effort to literally overthrow the results of the election, and despite him being the first incumbent president to be ousted by voters in nearly three decades, his grip on Republicans appears for now immutable, writes Les Whittington. Pixabay image by Gerd Altmann

So, Ontario, how’s electing unqualified, anti-government populists working out for you?

  • OTTAWA—Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s handling of COVID-19 and the public response are reminiscent of the way things went with former U.S. president Donald Trump’s
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 5, 2021
Doug Ford
Doug Ford
With Premier Doug Ford’s failures as Ontario’s pandemic leader peaking in recent weeks, the Progressive Conservatives have taken Trump-like to outright lying in an attempt to silt up the political waters and deflect attention from the out-of-control provincial health catastrophe, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

So, Ontario, how’s electing unqualified, anti-government populists working out for you?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 5, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s handling of COVID-19 and the public response are reminiscent of the way things went with former U.S. president Donald Trump’s

So, Ontario, how’s electing unqualified, anti-government populists working out for you?

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | May 5, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s handling of COVID-19 and the public response are reminiscent of the way things went with former U.S. president Donald Trump’s
Doug Ford
With Premier Doug Ford’s failures as Ontario’s pandemic leader peaking in recent weeks, the Progressive Conservatives have taken Trump-like to outright lying in an attempt to silt up the political waters and deflect attention from the out-of-control provincial health catastrophe, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Memo to Singh: the NDP enabled the demise of Canada’s only national childcare program

  • OTTAWA—Accuracy is not a prominent feature in today’s public affairs and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh probably doesn’t expect people to remember 2005 events—certainly, he
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 28, 2021
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured during a press conference on Feb. 23. Singh should have a chat with Ken Dryden, who as Liberal social development minister spent 2004 and 2005 negotiating federal-provincial childcare agreements, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Memo to Singh: the NDP enabled the demise of Canada’s only national childcare program

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 28, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Accuracy is not a prominent feature in today’s public affairs and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh probably doesn’t expect people to remember 2005 events—certainly, he

Memo to Singh: the NDP enabled the demise of Canada’s only national childcare program

Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | April 28, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Accuracy is not a prominent feature in today’s public affairs and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh probably doesn’t expect people to remember 2005 events—certainly, he
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured during a press conference on Feb. 23. Singh should have a chat with Ken Dryden, who as Liberal social development minister spent 2004 and 2005 negotiating federal-provincial childcare agreements, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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