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Sheila Copps

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era Cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister.

Johnston has his work cut out for him

  • Foreign interference allegations are not limited to China. Recent reports of Russian interference have also surfaced. Politics is always a messy business. With identity
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 20, 2023
David Johnston, pictured in the Centre Block on the Hill in 2018. The PM appointed Johnston the last week special rapporteur to look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada's last two federal elections. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Johnston has his work cut out for him

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 20, 2023
  • Foreign interference allegations are not limited to China. Recent reports of Russian interference have also surfaced. Politics is always a messy business. With identity

Johnston has his work cut out for him

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 20, 2023
  • Foreign interference allegations are not limited to China. Recent reports of Russian interference have also surfaced. Politics is always a messy business. With identity
David Johnston, pictured in the Centre Block on the Hill in 2018. The PM appointed Johnston the last week special rapporteur to look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada's last two federal elections. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Trudeau faces a daunting task

  • The government would like nothing more than a channel-changer on foreign interference investigations. Even if the Liberals succeed, with the appointment of a special
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 13, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 9, 2023, being confronted by This Hour Has 22 Minutes' comedian Marg Delahunty in her Princess Warrior character. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau faces a daunting task

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 13, 2023
  • The government would like nothing more than a channel-changer on foreign interference investigations. Even if the Liberals succeed, with the appointment of a special

Trudeau faces a daunting task

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 13, 2023
  • The government would like nothing more than a channel-changer on foreign interference investigations. Even if the Liberals succeed, with the appointment of a special
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 9, 2023, being confronted by This Hour Has 22 Minutes' comedian Marg Delahunty in her Princess Warrior character. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals are going to have to tread very carefully on their handling of leaked CSIS allegations

  • To suggest a Chinese-Canadian politician is a mouthpiece for Beijing displays a gross misunderstanding of our political system. Every politician in the country has to
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 6, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a Hill scrum on Feb. 15, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals are going to have to tread very carefully on their handling of leaked CSIS allegations

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 6, 2023
  • To suggest a Chinese-Canadian politician is a mouthpiece for Beijing displays a gross misunderstanding of our political system. Every politician in the country has to

Liberals are going to have to tread very carefully on their handling of leaked CSIS allegations

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 6, 2023
  • To suggest a Chinese-Canadian politician is a mouthpiece for Beijing displays a gross misunderstanding of our political system. Every politician in the country has to
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a Hill scrum on Feb. 15, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to pay the piper

  • Google leadership told a parliamentary committee that the government’s attempt to monetize internet news content for local support would not work. They said the
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 27, 2023
Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez, left, on stage with CTV’s Vassy Kapelos at the Canadian Media Producers Association Prime Time conference in Ottawa on Feb. 2, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to pay the piper

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 27, 2023
  • Google leadership told a parliamentary committee that the government’s attempt to monetize internet news content for local support would not work. They said the

Time to pay the piper

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 27, 2023
  • Google leadership told a parliamentary committee that the government’s attempt to monetize internet news content for local support would not work. They said the
Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez, left, on stage with CTV’s Vassy Kapelos at the Canadian Media Producers Association Prime Time conference in Ottawa on Feb. 2, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Defund the CBC’ needs a salvo

  • Poilievre can bash Tait and gain support for his cause. But he would be hard-pressed to attack Rick Mercer or Catherine O’Hara. The other
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 20, 2023
CBC President Catherine Tait, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Tait has not expressed any regret for her comments, saying it's her job to communicate to Canadians –including politicians– the value of the public broadcaster, regardless of their politics. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

‘Defund the CBC’ needs a salvo

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 20, 2023
  • Poilievre can bash Tait and gain support for his cause. But he would be hard-pressed to attack Rick Mercer or Catherine O’Hara. The other

‘Defund the CBC’ needs a salvo

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 20, 2023
  • Poilievre can bash Tait and gain support for his cause. But he would be hard-pressed to attack Rick Mercer or Catherine O’Hara. The other
CBC President Catherine Tait, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Tait has not expressed any regret for her comments, saying it's her job to communicate to Canadians –including politicians– the value of the public broadcaster, regardless of their politics. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Copps: Flag Day brings back memories of the ‘Shawinigan Handshake’

  • When Jean Chrétien had a physical kerfuffle with a protester, the first official Flag Day certainly made history. 
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 13, 2023
Feb. 15 is Flag Day, first created by then-Canadian heritage minister Sheila Copps in 1996, under former prime minister Jean Chrétien, in an effort to foster national unity after the Quebec referendum. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Phil Nolan/Global News

Copps: Flag Day brings back memories of the ‘Shawinigan Handshake’

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 13, 2023
  • When Jean Chrétien had a physical kerfuffle with a protester, the first official Flag Day certainly made history. 

Copps: Flag Day brings back memories of the ‘Shawinigan Handshake’

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 13, 2023
  • When Jean Chrétien had a physical kerfuffle with a protester, the first official Flag Day certainly made history. 
Feb. 15 is Flag Day, first created by then-Canadian heritage minister Sheila Copps in 1996, under former prime minister Jean Chrétien, in an effort to foster national unity after the Quebec referendum. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Phil Nolan/Global News

The last thing Ontario Liberal Party needs is walkover Liberal

  • There are four putative candidates considering a run at the Liberal leadership. Shockingly, they are all current Liberals and each has something unique to offer. So
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 6, 2023
Mitzie Hunter would be the party’s first Black leader. Yasir Naqvi would be the first Muslim, Ted Hsu would be the first leader of Asian heritage. Nate Erskine-Smith would be the youngest leader ever elected. Those demographics should be of interest to the 'insiders.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Jake Wright and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The last thing Ontario Liberal Party needs is walkover Liberal

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 6, 2023
  • There are four putative candidates considering a run at the Liberal leadership. Shockingly, they are all current Liberals and each has something unique to offer. So

The last thing Ontario Liberal Party needs is walkover Liberal

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 6, 2023
  • There are four putative candidates considering a run at the Liberal leadership. Shockingly, they are all current Liberals and each has something unique to offer. So
Mitzie Hunter would be the party’s first Black leader. Yasir Naqvi would be the first Muslim, Ted Hsu would be the first leader of Asian heritage. Nate Erskine-Smith would be the youngest leader ever elected. Those demographics should be of interest to the 'insiders.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Jake Wright and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

First ministers’ meeting trumpeted as solution to Canada’s broken health-care system, but benefits may not be felt for years

  • The provinces want an increase from 22 per cent to 35 per cent of health-care costs. The feds are not likely to match the
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 30, 2023
This agreement could become one of the great legacies of Justin Trudeau’s time in office. But the results will likely take a decade to determine, writes Sheila Copps.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

First ministers’ meeting trumpeted as solution to Canada’s broken health-care system, but benefits may not be felt for years

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 30, 2023
  • The provinces want an increase from 22 per cent to 35 per cent of health-care costs. The feds are not likely to match the

First ministers’ meeting trumpeted as solution to Canada’s broken health-care system, but benefits may not be felt for years

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 30, 2023
  • The provinces want an increase from 22 per cent to 35 per cent of health-care costs. The feds are not likely to match the
This agreement could become one of the great legacies of Justin Trudeau’s time in office. But the results will likely take a decade to determine, writes Sheila Copps.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s Hamilton cabinet meeting sounds like a campaign rollout

  • The Liberal cabinet’s decision to meet in Hamilton is not about tourism. It is about politics. If the party is to retain its position in
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 23, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on the Hill. The Liberals intend to underscore their work in reducing child-care costs, hiking the minimum wage and introducing national dental benefits. It sounds like a campaign rollout, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s Hamilton cabinet meeting sounds like a campaign rollout

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 23, 2023
  • The Liberal cabinet’s decision to meet in Hamilton is not about tourism. It is about politics. If the party is to retain its position in

Trudeau’s Hamilton cabinet meeting sounds like a campaign rollout

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 23, 2023
  • The Liberal cabinet’s decision to meet in Hamilton is not about tourism. It is about politics. If the party is to retain its position in
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on the Hill. The Liberals intend to underscore their work in reducing child-care costs, hiking the minimum wage and introducing national dental benefits. It sounds like a campaign rollout, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy 89th Birthday, Jean Chrétien, from Sheila Copps

  • Jean Chrétien needs to write another book. This time he should focus on political lessons for the future. It could be a great road
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 16, 2023
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured March 3, 2020, after delivering a speech at the Canada School of the Public Service Prime Ministers Series event at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy 89th Birthday, Jean Chrétien, from Sheila Copps

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 16, 2023
  • Jean Chrétien needs to write another book. This time he should focus on political lessons for the future. It could be a great road

Happy 89th Birthday, Jean Chrétien, from Sheila Copps

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 16, 2023
  • Jean Chrétien needs to write another book. This time he should focus on political lessons for the future. It could be a great road
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured March 3, 2020, after delivering a speech at the Canada School of the Public Service Prime Ministers Series event at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Don’t count all your chickens before they hatch

  • By weakening the authority of the U.S. House Speaker, the 'Never Kevin' caucus has been trying to legislate changes that run parallel to the
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 9, 2023
Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, pictured. McCarthy was finally elected U.S. House Speaker early on Jan. 7, on the 15th ballot. He credited former U.S. president Donald Trump for making calls and helping him get those final votes. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Don’t count all your chickens before they hatch

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 9, 2023
  • By weakening the authority of the U.S. House Speaker, the 'Never Kevin' caucus has been trying to legislate changes that run parallel to the

Don’t count all your chickens before they hatch

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 9, 2023
  • By weakening the authority of the U.S. House Speaker, the 'Never Kevin' caucus has been trying to legislate changes that run parallel to the
Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, pictured. McCarthy was finally elected U.S. House Speaker early on Jan. 7, on the 15th ballot. He credited former U.S. president Donald Trump for making calls and helping him get those final votes. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Mississauga mashup turned out to be a one-sided affair

  • In reality, the Tories did not lose vote share during the byelection. Their candidate, police officer Ron Chhinzer, matched his predecessor by garnering more than
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 19, 2022
Charles Sousa, newly elected Liberal MP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, Ont., pictured Dec. 14, 2022, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Mississauga mashup turned out to be a one-sided affair

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 19, 2022
  • In reality, the Tories did not lose vote share during the byelection. Their candidate, police officer Ron Chhinzer, matched his predecessor by garnering more than

Mississauga mashup turned out to be a one-sided affair

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 19, 2022
  • In reality, the Tories did not lose vote share during the byelection. Their candidate, police officer Ron Chhinzer, matched his predecessor by garnering more than
Charles Sousa, newly elected Liberal MP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, Ont., pictured Dec. 14, 2022, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hockey players should stay out of politics

  • Carey Price learned that lesson last week when he weighed in on the current anti-gun debate roiling in the House of Commons.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 12, 2022
Montreal Canadiens NHL goalie Carey Price apologized last week for the timing of his social media post criticizing the government's gun control bill. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Hockey players should stay out of politics

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 12, 2022
  • Carey Price learned that lesson last week when he weighed in on the current anti-gun debate roiling in the House of Commons.

Hockey players should stay out of politics

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 12, 2022
  • Carey Price learned that lesson last week when he weighed in on the current anti-gun debate roiling in the House of Commons.
Montreal Canadiens NHL goalie Carey Price apologized last week for the timing of his social media post criticizing the government's gun control bill. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Smith wants Alberta’s sovereignty

  • If Danielle Smith doesn’t like a federal law, she and her cabinet will simply toss it out. Sovereignty in a united Canada—sounds just like
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 5, 2022
Outgoing Alberta premier Jason Kenney, left, took an indirect hit at Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s first piece of legislation by way of his retirement statement: 'I am concerned that our democratic life is veering away from ordinary prudential debate towards a polarization that undermines our bedrock institutions and principles.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Flickr

Smith wants Alberta’s sovereignty

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 5, 2022
  • If Danielle Smith doesn’t like a federal law, she and her cabinet will simply toss it out. Sovereignty in a united Canada—sounds just like

Smith wants Alberta’s sovereignty

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 5, 2022
  • If Danielle Smith doesn’t like a federal law, she and her cabinet will simply toss it out. Sovereignty in a united Canada—sounds just like
Outgoing Alberta premier Jason Kenney, left, took an indirect hit at Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s first piece of legislation by way of his retirement statement: 'I am concerned that our democratic life is veering away from ordinary prudential debate towards a polarization that undermines our bedrock institutions and principles.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Flickr

Rouleau Commission testimony provided a closer look at what we already knew

  • The Public Order Emergency Commission may have been the biggest political yawn in commission history, writes Sheila Copps.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 28, 2022
Justice Paul Rouleau looks on as Brendan Miller, counsel representing Freedom Corp., questions a witness at the Public Emergency Order Commission on Nov. 22, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Rouleau Commission testimony provided a closer look at what we already knew

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 28, 2022
  • The Public Order Emergency Commission may have been the biggest political yawn in commission history, writes Sheila Copps.

Rouleau Commission testimony provided a closer look at what we already knew

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 28, 2022
  • The Public Order Emergency Commission may have been the biggest political yawn in commission history, writes Sheila Copps.
Justice Paul Rouleau looks on as Brendan Miller, counsel representing Freedom Corp., questions a witness at the Public Emergency Order Commission on Nov. 22, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s international travel seems to be beset with problems

  • Foreign trips usually build a politician up. When they don’t, the Prime Minister’s Office needs to know why. Justin Trudeau’s international planners should hit
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 21, 2022
Frosty exchange: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was confronted by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Nov. 15 in Bali, Indonesia, at the G20 Summit. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN

Trudeau’s international travel seems to be beset with problems

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 21, 2022
  • Foreign trips usually build a politician up. When they don’t, the Prime Minister’s Office needs to know why. Justin Trudeau’s international planners should hit

Trudeau’s international travel seems to be beset with problems

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 21, 2022
  • Foreign trips usually build a politician up. When they don’t, the Prime Minister’s Office needs to know why. Justin Trudeau’s international planners should hit
Frosty exchange: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was confronted by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Nov. 15 in Bali, Indonesia, at the G20 Summit. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN

Poilievre paints a grim picture

  • For the moment, Pierre Poilievre does not need to offer any solutions. But simply playing the role of the grumpy old man will not
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 14, 2022
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured in the Commons foyer on Sept. 13, 2022, the last time he talked to the Hill media. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre paints a grim picture

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 14, 2022
  • For the moment, Pierre Poilievre does not need to offer any solutions. But simply playing the role of the grumpy old man will not

Poilievre paints a grim picture

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 14, 2022
  • For the moment, Pierre Poilievre does not need to offer any solutions. But simply playing the role of the grumpy old man will not
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured in the Commons foyer on Sept. 13, 2022, the last time he talked to the Hill media. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada bucks global trend on increasing immigration targets

  • Announcing new ambitious immigration targets is a good thing. But being able to process the 2.7 million people who have been waiting in the
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 7, 2022
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser, pictured recently on the Hill, said last week, 'Look, folks, it’s simple to me. Canada needs more people.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada bucks global trend on increasing immigration targets

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 7, 2022
  • Announcing new ambitious immigration targets is a good thing. But being able to process the 2.7 million people who have been waiting in the

Canada bucks global trend on increasing immigration targets

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 7, 2022
  • Announcing new ambitious immigration targets is a good thing. But being able to process the 2.7 million people who have been waiting in the
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser, pictured recently on the Hill, said last week, 'Look, folks, it’s simple to me. Canada needs more people.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Post-mortem on the Emergencies Act continues apace

  • OTTAWA—Not too many people seem to care about the current inquiry into the government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to end the trucker
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 31, 2022

Post-mortem on the Emergencies Act continues apace

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 31, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Not too many people seem to care about the current inquiry into the government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to end the trucker

Post-mortem on the Emergencies Act continues apace

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 31, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Not too many people seem to care about the current inquiry into the government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to end the trucker

Coups and coronations at the hands of caucus

  • OTTAWA—What do British Tories and British Columbian New Democrats have in common? They both moved with dispatch last week to get rid of leaders
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 24, 2022
British Prime Minister Liz Truss, pictured, tendered her resignation after pressure from her Conservative caucus, and now the Brits are facing a fifth Conservative leadership in six years. In British Columbia’s case, current Premier John Horgan has enjoyed longevity of leadership, but the B.C. NDP caucus have all but coronated the next leader. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

Coups and coronations at the hands of caucus

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 24, 2022
  • OTTAWA—What do British Tories and British Columbian New Democrats have in common? They both moved with dispatch last week to get rid of leaders

Coups and coronations at the hands of caucus

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 24, 2022
  • OTTAWA—What do British Tories and British Columbian New Democrats have in common? They both moved with dispatch last week to get rid of leaders
British Prime Minister Liz Truss, pictured, tendered her resignation after pressure from her Conservative caucus, and now the Brits are facing a fifth Conservative leadership in six years. In British Columbia’s case, current Premier John Horgan has enjoyed longevity of leadership, but the B.C. NDP caucus have all but coronated the next leader. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

Smith gets off to a rocky start as Alberta premier

  • OTTAWA—#ableg has taken on a whole new meeting in the Twitter world. It used to be a hashtag for the Alberta legislature. Now it
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 17, 2022
New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith may be able to harness the power of conservatism in Alberta to win, but given the missteps of her first few days in office, that seems unlikely, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright

Smith gets off to a rocky start as Alberta premier

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 17, 2022
  • OTTAWA—#ableg has taken on a whole new meeting in the Twitter world. It used to be a hashtag for the Alberta legislature. Now it

Smith gets off to a rocky start as Alberta premier

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 17, 2022
  • OTTAWA—#ableg has taken on a whole new meeting in the Twitter world. It used to be a hashtag for the Alberta legislature. Now it
New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith may be able to harness the power of conservatism in Alberta to win, but given the missteps of her first few days in office, that seems unlikely, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright

Smith needs to quit

  • OTTAWA—A fish stinks from the head. In order to fix the Hockey Canada mess, the organization’s president needs to go. Scott Smith has been
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 10, 2022
Scott Smith, president of Hockey Canada, pictured on July 27, 2022, speaking with reporters after appearing before the House Canadian Heritage Committee to answer questions about the investigation of sexual misconduct scandal plaguing Hockey Canada. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade

Smith needs to quit

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 10, 2022
  • OTTAWA—A fish stinks from the head. In order to fix the Hockey Canada mess, the organization’s president needs to go. Scott Smith has been

Smith needs to quit

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 10, 2022
  • OTTAWA—A fish stinks from the head. In order to fix the Hockey Canada mess, the organization’s president needs to go. Scott Smith has been
Scott Smith, president of Hockey Canada, pictured on July 27, 2022, speaking with reporters after appearing before the House Canadian Heritage Committee to answer questions about the investigation of sexual misconduct scandal plaguing Hockey Canada. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade

Give Charles a chance

  • OTTAWA—The Queen is dead. Long live the King. With the ultimate interment of the Queen beside her beloved partner Prince Philip, all eyes are
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 26, 2022
Charles and Camilla, pictured in Ottawa on May 18, 2022, touring the ByWard Market on their royal visit. King Charles III will no longer be involved in the kind of public policy pronouncements that characterized his work as a prince. But his foresight, vision, and capacity to care for those least able to care for themselves is a good sign of the kind of reign he might have, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Give Charles a chance

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—The Queen is dead. Long live the King. With the ultimate interment of the Queen beside her beloved partner Prince Philip, all eyes are

Give Charles a chance

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—The Queen is dead. Long live the King. With the ultimate interment of the Queen beside her beloved partner Prince Philip, all eyes are
Charles and Camilla, pictured in Ottawa on May 18, 2022, touring the ByWard Market on their royal visit. King Charles III will no longer be involved in the kind of public policy pronouncements that characterized his work as a prince. But his foresight, vision, and capacity to care for those least able to care for themselves is a good sign of the kind of reign he might have, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Poilievre only managed to include two women and one racialized Canadian in his leadership team

  • OTTAWA—Will Rogers said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Pierre Poilievre must not have been listening. If so, his
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 19, 2022
Eric Duncan, Luc Berthold, Pierre Paul-Hus, Andrew Scheer, Melissa Landsman, Pierre Poilievre, Tim Uppal, Kerri-Lynne Findlay, Chris Warkentin, and Jake Stewart, pictured outside the West Block on the Hill. Image courtesy of Pierre Poilievre's Twitter

Poilievre only managed to include two women and one racialized Canadian in his leadership team

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 19, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Will Rogers said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Pierre Poilievre must not have been listening. If so, his

Poilievre only managed to include two women and one racialized Canadian in his leadership team

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 19, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Will Rogers said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Pierre Poilievre must not have been listening. If so, his
Eric Duncan, Luc Berthold, Pierre Paul-Hus, Andrew Scheer, Melissa Landsman, Pierre Poilievre, Tim Uppal, Kerri-Lynne Findlay, Chris Warkentin, and Jake Stewart, pictured outside the West Block on the Hill. Image courtesy of Pierre Poilievre's Twitter

End of summer brings winds of political change

  • OTTAWA—The end of summer brings winds of political change. The Conservative Party of Canada has a new leader. There is no doubt the new
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in Ottawa on Aug. 31, 2022, has carved out a tremendous personal legacy in the areas of Indigenous reconciliation and the battle to lift kids out of poverty. Unfortunately, people don’t vote for what happened yesterday. They vote on what will happen tomorrow. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

End of summer brings winds of political change

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 12, 2022
  • OTTAWA—The end of summer brings winds of political change. The Conservative Party of Canada has a new leader. There is no doubt the new

End of summer brings winds of political change

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 12, 2022
  • OTTAWA—The end of summer brings winds of political change. The Conservative Party of Canada has a new leader. There is no doubt the new
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in Ottawa on Aug. 31, 2022, has carved out a tremendous personal legacy in the areas of Indigenous reconciliation and the battle to lift kids out of poverty. Unfortunately, people don’t vote for what happened yesterday. They vote on what will happen tomorrow. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hate sells, but it doesn’t sell democracy

  • OTTAWA—Former energy minister Marc Lalonde used to be accompanied by armed guards when he visited Alberta back in 1980. As the minister responsible for
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 5, 2022
It may be a little rich for politicians who specialize in division to disavow the traitorous and misogynistic claims of an Albertan couple attacking Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hate sells, but it doesn’t sell democracy

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 5, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Former energy minister Marc Lalonde used to be accompanied by armed guards when he visited Alberta back in 1980. As the minister responsible for

Hate sells, but it doesn’t sell democracy

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 5, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Former energy minister Marc Lalonde used to be accompanied by armed guards when he visited Alberta back in 1980. As the minister responsible for
It may be a little rich for politicians who specialize in division to disavow the traitorous and misogynistic claims of an Albertan couple attacking Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Michael Chong should reconsider his crusade for reform: Copps

  • OTTAWA—Member of Parliament Michael Chong is back on the reform bandwagon. The veteran Conservative MP from Wellington-Halton Hills is touting a trio of reforms
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

Michael Chong should reconsider his crusade for reform: Copps

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 29, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Member of Parliament Michael Chong is back on the reform bandwagon. The veteran Conservative MP from Wellington-Halton Hills is touting a trio of reforms

Michael Chong should reconsider his crusade for reform: Copps

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 29, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Member of Parliament Michael Chong is back on the reform bandwagon. The veteran Conservative MP from Wellington-Halton Hills is touting a trio of reforms
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
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Women in journalism need an Equal Voice

  • Rosemary Speirs passed away last week just as Lisa LaFlamme was being unceremoniously dumped as CTV’s award-winning anchor. Both were luminaries in the field
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 22, 2022
Members of the parliamentary press gallery. In light of the treatment of women journalists, perhaps media needs an Equal Voice, suggests columnist Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Women in journalism need an Equal Voice

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 22, 2022
  • Rosemary Speirs passed away last week just as Lisa LaFlamme was being unceremoniously dumped as CTV’s award-winning anchor. Both were luminaries in the field

Women in journalism need an Equal Voice

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 22, 2022
  • Rosemary Speirs passed away last week just as Lisa LaFlamme was being unceremoniously dumped as CTV’s award-winning anchor. Both were luminaries in the field
Members of the parliamentary press gallery. In light of the treatment of women journalists, perhaps media needs an Equal Voice, suggests columnist Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Is health care burning in Canada?

  • OTTAWA—Is health care burning in Canada? Professionals leaving in droves think so, and so do provincial premiers seeking a major cash infusion from the
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 15, 2022
Doug Ford, pictured, has promised to review all options in tackling health-care problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is health care burning in Canada?

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 15, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Is health care burning in Canada? Professionals leaving in droves think so, and so do provincial premiers seeking a major cash infusion from the

Is health care burning in Canada?

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 15, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Is health care burning in Canada? Professionals leaving in droves think so, and so do provincial premiers seeking a major cash infusion from the
Doug Ford, pictured, has promised to review all options in tackling health-care problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Charest stands best chance of defeating Liberals, but a Poilievre win is feasible

  • OTTAWA—Jean Charest was at his most eloquent during the recent Conservative debate last week. The only problem, the lights were on, but there was
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 8, 2022
Jean Charest, pictured on May 5, 2022, at the Conservative party of Canada’s first leadership debate, held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa. Charest stands the best chance of all Tory candidates of defeating the current government. He is seen as capable, moderate, and appeals to those in the centre who have kept the Tories out of power for years, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Charest stands best chance of defeating Liberals, but a Poilievre win is feasible

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 8, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Jean Charest was at his most eloquent during the recent Conservative debate last week. The only problem, the lights were on, but there was

Charest stands best chance of defeating Liberals, but a Poilievre win is feasible

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 8, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Jean Charest was at his most eloquent during the recent Conservative debate last week. The only problem, the lights were on, but there was
Jean Charest, pictured on May 5, 2022, at the Conservative party of Canada’s first leadership debate, held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa. Charest stands the best chance of all Tory candidates of defeating the current government. He is seen as capable, moderate, and appeals to those in the centre who have kept the Tories out of power for years, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pope Francis’ apology was a long time coming

  • OTTAWA—Mission accomplished. Pope Francis’ apology tour was a long time coming. Former Assembly of First Nations’ national chief Phil Fontaine first broached the subject
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 1, 2022
First Nations people, pictured July 25, 2022, reacting to Pope Francis' official apology at the former site of the Ermineskin Residential School in Maskwacîs, Alta. The Pope visited Canada and officially apologized to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit for the Catholic Church's role in running the residential schools in Canada for more than 100 years. Photograph courtesy of Prime Minister's Office/Adam Scotti

Pope Francis’ apology was a long time coming

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 1, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Mission accomplished. Pope Francis’ apology tour was a long time coming. Former Assembly of First Nations’ national chief Phil Fontaine first broached the subject

Pope Francis’ apology was a long time coming

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 1, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Mission accomplished. Pope Francis’ apology tour was a long time coming. Former Assembly of First Nations’ national chief Phil Fontaine first broached the subject
First Nations people, pictured July 25, 2022, reacting to Pope Francis' official apology at the former site of the Ermineskin Residential School in Maskwacîs, Alta. The Pope visited Canada and officially apologized to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit for the Catholic Church's role in running the residential schools in Canada for more than 100 years. Photograph courtesy of Prime Minister's Office/Adam Scotti

Sovereignty is back on the political landscape, in Alberta

  • OTTAWA—Sovereignty is back on the political landscape. But this time, the s-word is not coming from Quebec, but Alberta. The race to replace Jason
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 25, 2022
Former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith, left, is making the sovereignty issue a centrepiece of her campaign. According to a Léger poll published last week, Smith is running a few points behind Brian Jean, centre, former Wildrose Party leader who was behind the ousting of Kenney. Rob Anderson is leading the Free Alberta Strategy. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Jake Wright and photograph courtesy of Rob Anderson

Sovereignty is back on the political landscape, in Alberta

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 25, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Sovereignty is back on the political landscape. But this time, the s-word is not coming from Quebec, but Alberta. The race to replace Jason

Sovereignty is back on the political landscape, in Alberta

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 25, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Sovereignty is back on the political landscape. But this time, the s-word is not coming from Quebec, but Alberta. The race to replace Jason
Former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith, left, is making the sovereignty issue a centrepiece of her campaign. According to a Léger poll published last week, Smith is running a few points behind Brian Jean, centre, former Wildrose Party leader who was behind the ousting of Kenney. Rob Anderson is leading the Free Alberta Strategy. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Jake Wright and photograph courtesy of Rob Anderson

Why does hockey still get top billing when it comes to government financial support?

  • OTTAWA—Hockey is us. When Canada’s minister of sport announces plans to get tough with hockey harassment, follow the money. Federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 18, 2022
Federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge, pictured May 11, 2022, ordered a forensic audit into Hockey Canada last month after it was revealed the organization settled a lawsuit with a woman claiming sexual assault by eight members of the 2018 world junior hockey team. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why does hockey still get top billing when it comes to government financial support?

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 18, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Hockey is us. When Canada’s minister of sport announces plans to get tough with hockey harassment, follow the money. Federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge

Why does hockey still get top billing when it comes to government financial support?

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 18, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Hockey is us. When Canada’s minister of sport announces plans to get tough with hockey harassment, follow the money. Federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge
Federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge, pictured May 11, 2022, ordered a forensic audit into Hockey Canada last month after it was revealed the organization settled a lawsuit with a woman claiming sexual assault by eight members of the 2018 world junior hockey team. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It looks like the fix is in for the Conservative Party

  • OTTAWA—Patrick Brown has just suffered his second political assassination. The first was at the hands of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario, when
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 11, 2022
One can only assume that the cleavage between the former Progressive Conservatives and Reformers will only grow as a result of last week’s bizarre firing of Conservative Party leadership candidate Patrick Brown, writes Sheila Copps. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

It looks like the fix is in for the Conservative Party

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 11, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Patrick Brown has just suffered his second political assassination. The first was at the hands of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario, when

It looks like the fix is in for the Conservative Party

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 11, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Patrick Brown has just suffered his second political assassination. The first was at the hands of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario, when
One can only assume that the cleavage between the former Progressive Conservatives and Reformers will only grow as a result of last week’s bizarre firing of Conservative Party leadership candidate Patrick Brown, writes Sheila Copps. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Time to start calling out the fakers who claim they’re fighting for freedom in our country

  • OTTAWA—Freedom obviously means different things to different people. In some parts of the world, freedom is survival. If you don’t have access to food
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 4, 2022
Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich, pictured Jan. 30, 2022, on Wellington Street. Lich was released from prison in March after she agreed to bail conditions which prevented her from inciting another illegal occupation. But her lawyer confirmed she was arrested two weeks ago in Medicine Hat, Alta., for allegedly violating bail conditions. Meanwhile, political parties battle to share the spotlight with Lich, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to start calling out the fakers who claim they’re fighting for freedom in our country

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 4, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Freedom obviously means different things to different people. In some parts of the world, freedom is survival. If you don’t have access to food

Time to start calling out the fakers who claim they’re fighting for freedom in our country

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 4, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Freedom obviously means different things to different people. In some parts of the world, freedom is survival. If you don’t have access to food
Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich, pictured Jan. 30, 2022, on Wellington Street. Lich was released from prison in March after she agreed to bail conditions which prevented her from inciting another illegal occupation. But her lawyer confirmed she was arrested two weeks ago in Medicine Hat, Alta., for allegedly violating bail conditions. Meanwhile, political parties battle to share the spotlight with Lich, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s Canada Day celebrations could blow up in his face

  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre’s Canada Day celebrations may blow up in his face. If he doesn’t connect with the truckers who are promising weeks of disruption,
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 27, 2022
Conservative MP and leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Conservative Party leaders' debate held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s Canada Day celebrations could blow up in his face

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 27, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre’s Canada Day celebrations may blow up in his face. If he doesn’t connect with the truckers who are promising weeks of disruption,