Thursday, July 10, 2025

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Thursday, July 10, 2025 | Latest Paper

Nicholls more like ‘hyper-partisan pundit,’ says Chelsea reader

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has called a forum for First Nations leaders today on the government's Building Canada Act. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has called a forum for First Nations leaders today on the government's Building Canada Act. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | July 9, 2025
On July 9 Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali launched a ‘red tape review’ of regulations across federal departments and agencies. It’s one of several ways the government can make operations more efficient as the Liberals launch a broad spending review, writes Ram Mathilakath. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | July 9, 2025
Opinion | BY RAM MATHILAKATH | July 9, 2025
On July 9 Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali launched a ‘red tape review’ of regulations across federal departments and agencies. It’s one of several ways the government can make operations more efficient as the Liberals launch a broad spending review, writes Ram Mathilakath. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Mark Carney
A new Clean Energy Canada polls suggests 85 per cent of Canadians want stronger federal climate action. But Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appears to be moving in the opposite direction, write Richard van der Jagt, Maria Medeleanu, and Geoff Strong. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Mark Carney
A new Clean Energy Canada polls suggests 85 per cent of Canadians want stronger federal climate action. But Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appears to be moving in the opposite direction, write Richard van der Jagt, Maria Medeleanu, and Geoff Strong. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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
News | BY NEIL MOSS | July 9, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney campaigned on an 'elbows up' response to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY NEIL MOSS | July 9, 2025
News | BY NEIL MOSS | July 9, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney campaigned on an 'elbows up' response to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ANDREW CADDELL | July 9, 2025
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
Based on his recent podcast appearances, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon comes across as a diehard who has no clue about Canada or its people, writes Andrew Caddell. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY ANDREW CADDELL | July 9, 2025
Opinion | BY ANDREW CADDELL | July 9, 2025
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
Based on his recent podcast appearances, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon comes across as a diehard who has no clue about Canada or its people, writes Andrew Caddell. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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
First Nations chiefs, proxies, council members, regional chiefs, and technicians are invited to a virtual dialogue on the federal government’s amended Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act on Thursday, July 10. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
First Nations chiefs, proxies, council members, regional chiefs, and technicians are invited to a virtual dialogue on the federal government’s amended Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act on Thursday, July 10. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 9, 2025
Kent Vachon, left, is heading up Canada's new full embassy in Laos, which opened in March. His was one of 24 heads-of-mission appointments announced on July 3, including Anderson Blanc to Mozambique, Alison Grant to Austria, and Tarik Khan to Pakistan. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, screenshots courtesy of X and the Government of Canada
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 9, 2025
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 9, 2025
Kent Vachon, left, is heading up Canada's new full embassy in Laos, which opened in March. His was one of 24 heads-of-mission appointments announced on July 3, including Anderson Blanc to Mozambique, Alison Grant to Austria, and Tarik Khan to Pakistan. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, screenshots courtesy of X and the Government of Canada
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Image courtesy of Pexels
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Image courtesy of Pexels
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Image courtesy of Pexels
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Opinion | July 9, 2025
Image courtesy of Pexels
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | July 8, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, pictured with Conservative MP Dalwinder Gill, said that, if elected in a Aug. 18 byelection, he would fight for Alberta, adding that ‘the era of Ottawa telling Alberta to shut up and pay up must come to an end once and for all.’ Photograph courtesy of X
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | July 8, 2025
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | July 8, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, pictured with Conservative MP Dalwinder Gill, said that, if elected in a Aug. 18 byelection, he would fight for Alberta, adding that ‘the era of Ottawa telling Alberta to shut up and pay up must come to an end once and for all.’ Photograph courtesy of X
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 LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 7, 2025
Canada-U.S Trade, One Canadian Economy, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister and Privy Council President Dominic LeBlanc, centre, has 15 staffers confirmed in his office so far. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 7, 2025
FeatureBY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 7, 2025
Canada-U.S Trade, One Canadian Economy, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister and Privy Council President Dominic LeBlanc, centre, has 15 staffers confirmed in his office so far. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY PETER MAZEREEUW | July 7, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. White House photograph courtesy of Gabriel B. Kotico
News | BY PETER MAZEREEUW | July 7, 2025
News | BY PETER MAZEREEUW | July 7, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. White House photograph courtesy of Gabriel B. Kotico
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
The Fourth of July celebrations were held at the ambassador's official residence. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY SAM GARCIA | July 7, 2025
The Fourth of July celebrations were held at the ambassador's official residence. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | July 7, 2025
The Dalai Lama, pictured in April 2012 during a visit to Ottawa, turned 90 on July 6. China views his death as a golden opportunity to ‘nationalize’ Tibetan Buddhism by giving the state the power to choose his successor, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | July 7, 2025
The Dalai Lama, pictured in April 2012 during a visit to Ottawa, turned 90 on July 6. China views his death as a golden opportunity to ‘nationalize’ Tibetan Buddhism by giving the state the power to choose his successor, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
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 DAVID CRANE | July 7, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House's Oval Office on May 6, 2025. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 7, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House's Oval Office on May 6, 2025. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/The White House (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
Opinion | BY MICHAEL HARRIS | July 7, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House's Oval Office, on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
Opinion | BY MICHAEL HARRIS | July 7, 2025
Opinion | BY MICHAEL HARRIS | July 7, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House's Oval Office, on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
Opinion | July 7, 2025
typewriter
Image courtesy of Pexels.com
Opinion | July 7, 2025
Opinion | July 7, 2025
typewriter
Image courtesy of Pexels.com
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 7, 2025
Anaida Poilievre, wife of the leader of the Conservative Party, says Mark Manson's book has inspired her not to waste her time on letting social media comments bring her down. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 7, 2025
FeatureBY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 7, 2025
Anaida Poilievre, wife of the leader of the Conservative Party, says Mark Manson's book has inspired her not to waste her time on letting social media comments bring her down. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
Just 60 more votes in three ridings—out of the 19.5 million cast in the last election—could have delivered a majority for Mark Carney's Liberals, says pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
News | BY ABBAS RANA | July 7, 2025
Just 60 more votes in three ridings—out of the 19.5 million cast in the last election—could have delivered a majority for Mark Carney's Liberals, says pollster Nik Nanos. 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
Opinion | BY BRUCE CAMPBELL | July 6, 2025
Twelve years after the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster, the lessons have not been learned in terms of preventing future disasters, writes Bruce Campbell. Photograph courtesy of the Transportation Safety of Board Canada/Flickr
Opinion | BY BRUCE CAMPBELL | July 6, 2025
Opinion | BY BRUCE CAMPBELL | July 6, 2025
Twelve years after the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster, the lessons have not been learned in terms of preventing future disasters, writes Bruce Campbell. Photograph courtesy of the Transportation Safety of Board Canada/Flickr
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | July 5, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has a record of being outspoken on climate change, but since being elected, he has been quiet on the subject, which is cause for concern among some environment groups and leaders, but not others. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | July 5, 2025
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | July 5, 2025
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has a record of being outspoken on climate change, but since being elected, he has been quiet on the subject, which is cause for concern among some environment groups and leaders, but not others. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Ontario Premier Doug Ford. In Ontario, where a looming democratic mayoral election in Toronto is threatened by comments from our Progressive Conservative premier, there's not a sound, writes Tom McElroy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Ontario Premier Doug Ford. In Ontario, where a looming democratic mayoral election in Toronto is threatened by comments from our Progressive Conservative premier, there's not a sound, writes Tom McElroy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Opinion | May 29, 2023
Opinion | May 29, 2023
House is back: Liberal MPs Pam Damoff, left, Francesco Sorbara and Salma Zahid arrive for Question Period in the West Block on May 18, 2023. The House is scheduled to sit from May 29-June 23. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
House is back: Liberal MPs Pam Damoff, left, Francesco Sorbara and Salma Zahid arrive for Question Period in the West Block on May 18, 2023. The House is scheduled to sit from May 29-June 23. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SEAN JONES | May 29, 2023
Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray must take the House Fisheries and Oceans Committee's recommendations for changes to her department seriously, writes Sean Jones. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SEAN JONES | May 29, 2023
Opinion | BY SEAN JONES | May 29, 2023
Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray must take the House Fisheries and Oceans Committee's recommendations for changes to her department seriously, writes Sean Jones. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2023
Incumbent Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party are likely to win the May 29 provincial election, according to a recent poll. But political insiders warn that the outcome is too close to call and that Rachel Notley's NDP still have a shot. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2023
News | BY ABBAS RANA | May 26, 2023
Incumbent Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party are likely to win the May 29 provincial election, according to a recent poll. But political insiders warn that the outcome is too close to call and that Rachel Notley's NDP still have a shot. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | May 26, 2023
A spokesperson for Canadian Heritage, led by Minister Pablo Rodriguez, said the department is monitoring advancements in AI as it relates to its work regulating online platforms. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | May 26, 2023
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | May 26, 2023
A spokesperson for Canadian Heritage, led by Minister Pablo Rodriguez, said the department is monitoring advancements in AI as it relates to its work regulating online platforms. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will wrap up a meeting with Canadian provincial and territorial ministers on conservation and biodiversity with a press conference today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will wrap up a meeting with Canadian provincial and territorial ministers on conservation and biodiversity with a press conference today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | May 25, 2023
Not only did Russian President Vladimir Putin launch his invasion of Ukraine ignorant of the victim’s ability and willingness to resist—he expected three days to crush the Ukrainian resistance and then a victory parade in Kyiv—but from the start he saw them in purely stereotypical terms, writes Gwynne Dyer. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | May 25, 2023
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | May 25, 2023
Not only did Russian President Vladimir Putin launch his invasion of Ukraine ignorant of the victim’s ability and willingness to resist—he expected three days to crush the Ukrainian resistance and then a victory parade in Kyiv—but from the start he saw them in purely stereotypical terms, writes Gwynne Dyer. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
An anti-nuclear sign on a farm in South Bruce, Ont., next to the proposed site of a deep geological repository for high-level nuclear waste. Photograph courtesy of Michelle Stein
An anti-nuclear sign on a farm in South Bruce, Ont., next to the proposed site of a deep geological repository for high-level nuclear waste. Photograph courtesy of Michelle Stein
News | BY KEVIN PHILIPUPILLAI | May 25, 2023
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office says the federal government is negotiating 'in good faith' with Ontario and Stellantis 'to secure the future of Canada's auto industry.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY KEVIN PHILIPUPILLAI | May 25, 2023
News | BY KEVIN PHILIPUPILLAI | May 25, 2023
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office says the federal government is negotiating 'in good faith' with Ontario and Stellantis 'to secure the future of Canada's auto industry.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | May 25, 2023
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, pictured May 9, 2023. Even though the prime minister has said publicly that Canada would remain engaged in nuclear disarmament discussions 'in all multilateral fora,' it appears that Joly did not get the message, writes Doug Roche. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | May 25, 2023
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | May 25, 2023
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, pictured May 9, 2023. Even though the prime minister has said publicly that Canada would remain engaged in nuclear disarmament discussions 'in all multilateral fora,' it appears that Joly did not get the message, writes Doug Roche. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A man cycles along Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 3, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A man cycles along Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 3, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Trade Minister Mary Ng, right, hosted Albert Muchanga, the African Union's commissioner for economic development, trade, tourism, industry, and minerals, to sign the Global Affairs Canada-African Union Commission Co-operation Framework on May 17, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Trade Minister Mary Ng, right, hosted Albert Muchanga, the African Union's commissioner for economic development, trade, tourism, industry, and minerals, to sign the Global Affairs Canada-African Union Commission Co-operation Framework on May 17, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MPs on the Procedure and House Affairs Committee will debate a motion today to summon David Johnston to testify about his report on foreign election interference. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MPs on the Procedure and House Affairs Committee will debate a motion today to summon David Johnston to testify about his report on foreign election interference. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY MICHELLE WEINROTH | May 24, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent remarks regarding the case of Hassan Diab, saying that Canada will always stand up for its citizens, yields hope. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY MICHELLE WEINROTH | May 24, 2023
Opinion | BY MICHELLE WEINROTH | May 24, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent remarks regarding the case of Hassan Diab, saying that Canada will always stand up for its citizens, yields hope. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | May 24, 2023
While U.S. President Joe Biden, seen here, supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, he will do nothing that startles Russian President Vladimir Putin into a nuclear over-reaction, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | May 24, 2023
Opinion | BY GWYNNE DYER | May 24, 2023
While U.S. President Joe Biden, seen here, supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, he will do nothing that startles Russian President Vladimir Putin into a nuclear over-reaction, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 24, 2023
Special Rapporteur David Johnston could have succumbed to political pressures and recommended a public inquiry. Instead, he gave his neutral, independent advice, despite the possibility this his good name would be dragged through the political mud, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 24, 2023
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 24, 2023
Special Rapporteur David Johnston could have succumbed to political pressures and recommended a public inquiry. Instead, he gave his neutral, independent advice, despite the possibility this his good name would be dragged through the political mud, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | May 24, 2023
Former governor-general David Johnston held a press conference on May 23, 2023, to present the findings of his first report as special rapporteur on foreign interference. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | May 24, 2023
News | BY IAN CAMPBELL | May 24, 2023
Former governor-general David Johnston held a press conference on May 23, 2023, to present the findings of his first report as special rapporteur on foreign interference. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DOREEN BARRIE | May 24, 2023
Albertans will walk into polling booths on May 29 uncertain what their future holds if they vote UCP. Danielle Smith’s most ardent supporters will wonder if she has evolved beyond their comfort zone, and her lukewarm voters will wonder if they should risk a re-emergence of the firebrand that lurks beneath the surface, writes Doreen Barrie.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DOREEN BARRIE | May 24, 2023
Opinion | BY DOREEN BARRIE | May 24, 2023
Albertans will walk into polling booths on May 29 uncertain what their future holds if they vote UCP. Danielle Smith’s most ardent supporters will wonder if she has evolved beyond their comfort zone, and her lukewarm voters will wonder if they should risk a re-emergence of the firebrand that lurks beneath the surface, writes Doreen Barrie.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade