Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | Latest Paper

Linda McQuaig

 Linda McQuaig is a journalist and author. In 2016, her book Shooting the Hippo was selected by the Literary Review of Canada as one of the 25 most influential Canadian books of the past 25 years.

Opinion | BY KEVIN FERNANDES | July 9, 2025
As thousands of people evacuate due to raging wildfires, our communications infrastructure is breaking down exactly when emergency responders and evacuees need it, writes Kevin Fernandes. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Manitoba
Opinion | BY KEVIN FERNANDES | July 9, 2025
Opinion | BY KEVIN FERNANDES | July 9, 2025
As thousands of people evacuate due to raging wildfires, our communications infrastructure is breaking down exactly when emergency responders and evacuees need it, writes Kevin Fernandes. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Manitoba
Opinion | BY DOROTHY DOBBIE | July 9, 2025
Part of the Hudson Bay shoreline in Churchill, Man. Port Nelson is more accessible in the winter, and several port facilities could be built to handle all sorts of commodities, writes Dorothy Dobbie. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY DOROTHY DOBBIE | July 9, 2025
Opinion | BY DOROTHY DOBBIE | July 9, 2025
Part of the Hudson Bay shoreline in Churchill, Man. Port Nelson is more accessible in the winter, and several port facilities could be built to handle all sorts of commodities, writes Dorothy Dobbie. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
News | BY NEIL MOSS | July 9, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty indicated in June that the pay raise for military members would be immediate. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY NEIL MOSS | July 9, 2025
News | BY NEIL MOSS | July 9, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty indicated in June that the pay raise for military members would be immediate. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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
Opinion | BY LES WHITTINGTON | July 9, 2025
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
Not everyone who sits in the Senate agrees with each other, but they share a belief that this country is worth the hard work, writes ISG Senator Farah Mohamed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Not everyone who sits in the Senate agrees with each other, but they share a belief that this country is worth the hard work, writes ISG Senator Farah Mohamed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 9, 2025
The Canadian government has been saddled with getting the best possible deal for the country with U.S. President Donald Trump. White House photograph by Daniel Torok
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 9, 2025
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 9, 2025
The Canadian government has been saddled with getting the best possible deal for the country with U.S. President Donald Trump. White House photograph by Daniel Torok
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 9, 2025
Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif is among the first 30 MPs who will get a chance to bring forward private members' business. He says he plans to table a bill tackling organ and tissue donation—a subject close to his heart. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 9, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 9, 2025
Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif is among the first 30 MPs who will get a chance to bring forward private members' business. He says he plans to table a bill tackling organ and tissue donation—a subject close to his heart. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY KETTY NIVYABANDI | July 9, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney. It’s too early to tell whether the Canadian government’s May statement signals a meaningful shift toward a 'human rights first' approach to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, writes Ketty Nivyabandi. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KETTY NIVYABANDI | July 9, 2025
Opinion | BY KETTY NIVYABANDI | July 9, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney. It’s too early to tell whether the Canadian government’s May statement signals a meaningful shift toward a 'human rights first' approach to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, writes Ketty Nivyabandi. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Image courtesy of Pexels
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Image courtesy of Pexels
News | BY IREM KOCA | July 8, 2025
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic tells reporters that there needs to be a major overhaul of Canada's $37-billion procurement system to fix persistent issues on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IREM KOCA | July 8, 2025
News | BY IREM KOCA | July 8, 2025
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic tells reporters that there needs to be a major overhaul of Canada's $37-billion procurement system to fix persistent issues on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Minister Chrystia Freeland is taking part in a high-profile meeting on internal trade in Quebec City today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Minister Chrystia Freeland is taking part in a high-profile meeting on internal trade in Quebec City today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | July 7, 2025
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, left, and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson have been called to testify before the House Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities Committee. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia
News | BY MARLO GLASS | July 7, 2025
News | BY MARLO GLASS | July 7, 2025
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, left, and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson have been called to testify before the House Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities Committee. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia
FeatureBY NEIL MOSS | July 7, 2025
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps present the colours at the Fourth of July celebration. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY NEIL MOSS | July 7, 2025
FeatureBY NEIL MOSS | July 7, 2025
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps present the colours at the Fourth of July celebration. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY KYRA WILSON | July 7, 2025
Rebecca Alty, Mark Carney
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. First Nations cannot be the only group held back by outdated legislation, and an unaccountable bureaucracy, writes Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KYRA WILSON | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY KYRA WILSON | July 7, 2025
Rebecca Alty, Mark Carney
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. First Nations cannot be the only group held back by outdated legislation, and an unaccountable bureaucracy, writes Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY AMANDA THERRIEN | July 7, 2025
Patty Hajdu
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu. The messaging from the federal government regarding the Canada Disability Benefit’s intended purpose has been inconsistent, writes Amanda Therrien. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY AMANDA THERRIEN | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY AMANDA THERRIEN | July 7, 2025
Patty Hajdu
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu. The messaging from the federal government regarding the Canada Disability Benefit’s intended purpose has been inconsistent, writes Amanda Therrien. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 7, 2025
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said in an Intergovernmental Affairs press release on June 26 that the One Canadian Economy Act 'marks a historic milestone in creating a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where Indigenous partnership is not only valued, but is fundamental to every step of development.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 7, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 7, 2025
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said in an Intergovernmental Affairs press release on June 26 that the One Canadian Economy Act 'marks a historic milestone in creating a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where Indigenous partnership is not only valued, but is fundamental to every step of development.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 7, 2025
Canada-United States Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in a June 26 press release that the One Canadian Economy Act 'will help attract investment in big nation-building projects that create good-paying jobs, connect our country, and ultimately reduce our reliance on the United States.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 7, 2025
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT | July 7, 2025
Canada-United States Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in a June 26 press release that the One Canadian Economy Act 'will help attract investment in big nation-building projects that create good-paying jobs, connect our country, and ultimately reduce our reliance on the United States.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, cannot afford to give into American demands on supply management, writes Sheila Copps. The long-standing Canadian policy already has the support of the Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, centre, and the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, cannot afford to give into American demands on supply management, writes Sheila Copps. The long-standing Canadian policy already has the support of the Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, centre, and the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2025
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 7, 2025
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | July 7, 2025
typewriter
Image courtesy of Pexels.com
Opinion | July 7, 2025
Opinion | July 7, 2025
typewriter
Image courtesy of Pexels.com
Opinion | July 7, 2025
typewriter
Image courtesy of Pexels.com
Opinion | July 7, 2025
Opinion | July 7, 2025
typewriter
Image courtesy of Pexels.com
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference in the West Block on June 19, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | July 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference in the West Block on June 19, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | July 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney , pictured on May 25, 2025, on the Hill, is promising dramatic productivity growth and to build the fastest growing economy in the G7. These are high bars, writes Nelson Wiseman. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | July 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney , pictured on May 25, 2025, on the Hill, is promising dramatic productivity growth and to build the fastest growing economy in the G7. These are high bars, writes Nelson Wiseman. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Painted woman
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is hosting a webinar: 'AI Policy in Canada: A Unique Path Between the EU and U.S.,' exploring key legislative developments, evolving regulatory frameworks, and their implications for innovation, privacy, equity, and global competitiveness. Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m. ET happening online. Register via Eventbrite. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Painted woman
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is hosting a webinar: 'AI Policy in Canada: A Unique Path Between the EU and U.S.,' exploring key legislative developments, evolving regulatory frameworks, and their implications for innovation, privacy, equity, and global competitiveness. Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m. ET happening online. Register via Eventbrite. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Prime Minister Mark Carney will appear at the Laurier Club Stampede reception in Calgary on July 5. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney will appear at the Laurier Club Stampede reception in Calgary on July 5. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | July 3, 2025
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne at a press conference in the West Block on June 19, 2025. Carney has defended eliminating the DST, saying negotiations had restarted with the U.S. as of June 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | July 3, 2025
News | BY MARLO GLASS | July 3, 2025
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne at a press conference in the West Block on June 19, 2025. Carney has defended eliminating the DST, saying negotiations had restarted with the U.S. as of June 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JAYSON MYERS | July 3, 2025
Gregor Robertson, a first-time MP and a former mayor of Vancouver, B.C., is now tasked with working on solutions to Canada's housing crisis as minister in charge of the file. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JAYSON MYERS | July 3, 2025
Opinion | BY JAYSON MYERS | July 3, 2025
Gregor Robertson, a first-time MP and a former mayor of Vancouver, B.C., is now tasked with working on solutions to Canada's housing crisis as minister in charge of the file. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Women and Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien, and Treasury Board President Mona Fortier attend the launch of the government's 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan during an event at SAW Gallery in Ottawa on Aug. 28, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Women and Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien, and Treasury Board President Mona Fortier attend the launch of the government's 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan during an event at SAW Gallery in Ottawa on Aug. 28, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 29, 2022
Michael Chong's last effort to give Parliamentarians more power resulted in the ouster of his former leader, Erin O'Toole. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 29, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 29, 2022
Michael Chong's last effort to give Parliamentarians more power resulted in the ouster of his former leader, Erin O'Toole. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 29, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the chancellor's visit to Montreal, Que., on Aug. 21. Photograph courtesy of PMO/Adam Scotti
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 29, 2022
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 29, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the chancellor's visit to Montreal, Que., on Aug. 21. Photograph courtesy of PMO/Adam Scotti
Opinion | August 29, 2022
Opinion | August 29, 2022
Opinion | August 29, 2022
News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 29, 2022
All leadership candidates, including Pierre Poilievre, left, Leslyn Lewis, Jean Charest, Roman Baber and Scott Aitchison, are doing everything they can, including using online tools and travelling across the country to urge their supporters to vote in the leadership election. The Hill Times file photographs by Andrew Meade and handouts
News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 29, 2022
News | BY ABBAS RANA | August 29, 2022
All leadership candidates, including Pierre Poilievre, left, Leslyn Lewis, Jean Charest, Roman Baber and Scott Aitchison, are doing everything they can, including using online tools and travelling across the country to urge their supporters to vote in the leadership election. The Hill Times file photographs by Andrew Meade and handouts
Canada's Ambassador to the UN Bob Rae, left, and Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, right, are participants at the 2022 Victoria Forum on the theme "Bridging Divides: Turf, Truth, and Trust," hosted at the University of Victoria from Aug. 28-30. The Hill Times file photograph and courtesy of Tŝilhqot’in National Government
Canada's Ambassador to the UN Bob Rae, left, and Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, right, are participants at the 2022 Victoria Forum on the theme "Bridging Divides: Turf, Truth, and Trust," hosted at the University of Victoria from Aug. 28-30. The Hill Times file photograph and courtesy of Tŝilhqot’in National Government
Opinion | August 29, 2022
Opinion | August 29, 2022
Opinion | August 29, 2022
Opinion | BY KIMAHLI POWELL | August 29, 2022
LGBTQI+ people and their allies across Canada have spent the past summer celebrating a reunion of their community at the first in-person Pride celebrations in two years. In Ottawa, Pride month is celebrated in August. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY KIMAHLI POWELL | August 29, 2022
Opinion | BY KIMAHLI POWELL | August 29, 2022
LGBTQI+ people and their allies across Canada have spent the past summer celebrating a reunion of their community at the first in-person Pride celebrations in two years. In Ottawa, Pride month is celebrated in August. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will announce the creation of a new greenhouse gas emissions reduction program at a cement plant in Quebec today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will announce the creation of a new greenhouse gas emissions reduction program at a cement plant in Quebec today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 26, 2022
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, pictured during an Aug. 23 press conference in Ottawa to announce Dr. Leigh Chapman's appointment as Canada's Chief Nursing Officer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 26, 2022
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 26, 2022
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, pictured during an Aug. 23 press conference in Ottawa to announce Dr. Leigh Chapman's appointment as Canada's Chief Nursing Officer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JAKE ENWRIGHT | August 25, 2022
Right now, Candice Bergen’s Opposition Leader's Office is urgently preparing a transition binder for the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who will kick off the fall sitting of the House of Commons on Sept. 19. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JAKE ENWRIGHT | August 25, 2022
Opinion | BY JAKE ENWRIGHT | August 25, 2022
Right now, Candice Bergen’s Opposition Leader's Office is urgently preparing a transition binder for the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who will kick off the fall sitting of the House of Commons on Sept. 19. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, N.B., says she's proud to stand with the LGBTQ2 community in her riding and across the country. Photograph courtesy of Ginette Petitpas Taylor's office
Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, N.B., says she's proud to stand with the LGBTQ2 community in her riding and across the country. Photograph courtesy of Ginette Petitpas Taylor's office
Opinion | BY ALEX VRONCES, NICK CATINO | August 25, 2022
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presents the 2022 federal budget earlier this year. The federal government is taking steps to manage risk within the financial sector. The Hill Times Photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY ALEX VRONCES, NICK CATINO | August 25, 2022
Opinion | BY ALEX VRONCES, NICK CATINO | August 25, 2022
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presents the 2022 federal budget earlier this year. The federal government is taking steps to manage risk within the financial sector. The Hill Times Photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | August 25, 2022
In recent weeks, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, right, and other New Democrats have increased public pressure on the Liberal government to meet the first set of targets their agreement requires by the end of the year. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | August 25, 2022
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | August 25, 2022
In recent weeks, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, right, and other New Democrats have increased public pressure on the Liberal government to meet the first set of targets their agreement requires by the end of the year. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | August 25, 2022
An estimated 5,000 people protested in Ottawa on Sept. 27, 2019, calling for more aggressive measures to mitigate climate change. The UN estimates that 1.5 billion people may be forced to move in the next 30 years due to climate change, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | August 25, 2022
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | August 25, 2022
An estimated 5,000 people protested in Ottawa on Sept. 27, 2019, calling for more aggressive measures to mitigate climate change. The UN estimates that 1.5 billion people may be forced to move in the next 30 years due to climate change, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Michelle O’ Bonsawin attends a question-and-answer session with Parliamentarians on Aug. 24, following her nomination to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Michelle O’ Bonsawin attends a question-and-answer session with Parliamentarians on Aug. 24, following her nomination to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is hosting a summit on her file in Ottawa today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is hosting a summit on her file in Ottawa today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 24, 2022
Other parties have been cutting away at the NDP base, and leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured, better find a way to stop the leak, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 24, 2022
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 24, 2022
Other parties have been cutting away at the NDP base, and leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured, better find a way to stop the leak, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | August 24, 2022
Supreme Court nominee Michelle O’ Bonsawin hugs Senator Kim Pate before a question-and-answer session with Parliamentarians on Aug. 24. ‘There’s a lot of weight on those shoulders,’ Senator Kim Pate remarked during the special hearing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | August 24, 2022
News | BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN | August 24, 2022
Supreme Court nominee Michelle O’ Bonsawin hugs Senator Kim Pate before a question-and-answer session with Parliamentarians on Aug. 24. ‘There’s a lot of weight on those shoulders,’ Senator Kim Pate remarked during the special hearing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade