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Monday, February 16, 2026

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Stuart Benson

Stuart Benson began covering Parliament Hill in early 2022, reporting on political party apparatuses and fundraising, policing and public safety, women and youth, marijuana, heritage, the Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party. He is also The Hill Times’ regular Party Central columnist. Benson previously covered local news and municipal politics at The Low Down to Hull and Back News in Wakefield, Que., where he began his professional journalism career in February 2020. He also won a Quebec Community Newspaper Award in 2021 for Best News Story and Best Agricultural Story, as well as winning a Canadian Community Newspaper award for Best Campus News story in 2020.

‘All the fundamentals are there’: Conservatives bank unity and cash, but need to buy time and ‘hope’ for a renewed NDP, say politicos

  • Strategists say the Tories' massive war chest and support for its leader will keep the party in a strong position ahead of any potential
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2026
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured with his wife Anaida in Calgary on Jan. 30, has 'all of the fundamentals' he needs to win, but is equally dependent on how well the Liberal coalition holds together. The Hill Times photograph by Amir Said

‘All the fundamentals are there’: Conservatives bank unity and cash, but need to buy time and ‘hope’ for a renewed NDP, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2026
  • Strategists say the Tories' massive war chest and support for its leader will keep the party in a strong position ahead of any potential

‘All the fundamentals are there’: Conservatives bank unity and cash, but need to buy time and ‘hope’ for a renewed NDP, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2026
  • Strategists say the Tories' massive war chest and support for its leader will keep the party in a strong position ahead of any potential
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured with his wife Anaida in Calgary on Jan. 30, has 'all of the fundamentals' he needs to win, but is equally dependent on how well the Liberal coalition holds together. The Hill Times photograph by Amir Said

Liberal byelection candidates could either burst ‘boys’ club’ bubble or become ‘two more of many’ women on outside of PMO circle: strategists

  • Recruiting former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum and doctor Danielle Martin may be 'phenomenal politics,' but more will ride on whether they would
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney's, centre, recruitment of former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum, left, and health-care advocate Dr. Danielle Martin represent big 'strategic gets' to shore up the Liberals' left flank, says former Grit staffer Dan Arnold. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia and courtesy of LinkedIn

Liberal byelection candidates could either burst ‘boys’ club’ bubble or become ‘two more of many’ women on outside of PMO circle: strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2026
  • Recruiting former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum and doctor Danielle Martin may be 'phenomenal politics,' but more will ride on whether they would

Liberal byelection candidates could either burst ‘boys’ club’ bubble or become ‘two more of many’ women on outside of PMO circle: strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2026
  • Recruiting former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum and doctor Danielle Martin may be 'phenomenal politics,' but more will ride on whether they would
Prime Minister Mark Carney's, centre, recruitment of former Ontario NDP deputy leader Doly Begum, left, and health-care advocate Dr. Danielle Martin represent big 'strategic gets' to shore up the Liberals' left flank, says former Grit staffer Dan Arnold. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia and courtesy of LinkedIn

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

  • Parliament is back in full swing. It's a jam-packed dance card in February with an upcoming birthday bash for the Japanese Emperor and more.
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | February 9, 2026
The birthday bash for the Emperor of Japan was a blast in 2025, and is coming up this month. The Party Central newsletter wraps up the past month's receptions and social gatherings, and offers an insider's look into all the upcoming festivities. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | February 9, 2026
  • Parliament is back in full swing. It's a jam-packed dance card in February with an upcoming birthday bash for the Japanese Emperor and more.

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | February 9, 2026
  • Parliament is back in full swing. It's a jam-packed dance card in February with an upcoming birthday bash for the Japanese Emperor and more.
The birthday bash for the Emperor of Japan was a blast in 2025, and is coming up this month. The Party Central newsletter wraps up the past month's receptions and social gatherings, and offers an insider's look into all the upcoming festivities. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The ‘Harper Era Tour’ wraps at Rogers Centre in Ottawa

  • Over 1,500 Conservatives from across Canada and around the world painted the Rogers Centre blue with a glitzy black-tie gala on Feb. 4 to
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2026
Former prime minister Stephen Harper speaks at a gala at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa on Feb. 4, 2026. The event celebrated the 20 years since he first took up residency in the PMO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The ‘Harper Era Tour’ wraps at Rogers Centre in Ottawa

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2026
  • Over 1,500 Conservatives from across Canada and around the world painted the Rogers Centre blue with a glitzy black-tie gala on Feb. 4 to

The ‘Harper Era Tour’ wraps at Rogers Centre in Ottawa

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2026
  • Over 1,500 Conservatives from across Canada and around the world painted the Rogers Centre blue with a glitzy black-tie gala on Feb. 4 to
Former prime minister Stephen Harper speaks at a gala at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa on Feb. 4, 2026. The event celebrated the 20 years since he first took up residency in the PMO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Culture Minister Miller says Canada can’t cross CanCon ‘red lines’ in U.S. trade negotiations

  • Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney says he is 'strangely confident' the prime minister 'knows what he's doing' in U.S. trade negotiations as the Online
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2026
Bell Media president Sean Cohan, left, and Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller at the Canadian Media Producers Association's annual Prime Time conference on Jan. 28. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Culture Minister Miller says Canada can’t cross CanCon ‘red lines’ in U.S. trade negotiations

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2026
  • Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney says he is 'strangely confident' the prime minister 'knows what he's doing' in U.S. trade negotiations as the Online

Culture Minister Miller says Canada can’t cross CanCon ‘red lines’ in U.S. trade negotiations

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2026
  • Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney says he is 'strangely confident' the prime minister 'knows what he's doing' in U.S. trade negotiations as the Online
Bell Media president Sean Cohan, left, and Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller at the Canadian Media Producers Association's annual Prime Time conference on Jan. 28. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Despite early ‘spirit of co-operation’ on some bills, Liberal agenda still failing to launch in Parliament, say politicos

  • The Conservatives have offered avenues for progress on government justice bills and a proposed GST credit, but far too much of the prime minister's
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2026
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon says the official opposition needs to 'get out of the way' to make legislative progress, but Conservatives say the Liberals are being 'contradicted by reality.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Despite early ‘spirit of co-operation’ on some bills, Liberal agenda still failing to launch in Parliament, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2026
  • The Conservatives have offered avenues for progress on government justice bills and a proposed GST credit, but far too much of the prime minister's

Despite early ‘spirit of co-operation’ on some bills, Liberal agenda still failing to launch in Parliament, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2026
  • The Conservatives have offered avenues for progress on government justice bills and a proposed GST credit, but far too much of the prime minister's
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon says the official opposition needs to 'get out of the way' to make legislative progress, but Conservatives say the Liberals are being 'contradicted by reality.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Return of the Parliamentarians, Part 2: PM Carney and the Hollander Fleece

  • Heated Rivalry-mania hit Ottawa on Jan. 29 to close out Day 2 of CMPA's Prime Time conference and Week 1 of 2026 parliamentary parties.
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 30, 2026
Heated Rivalry's Hudson 'Shane Hollander' Williams, right, presents Prime Minister Mark Carney with the iconic episode 2 fleece jacket during an interview with Lainey Lui at the Canadian Media Producers Association's Prime Time conference at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa on Jan. 29. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Return of the Parliamentarians, Part 2: PM Carney and the Hollander Fleece

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 30, 2026
  • Heated Rivalry-mania hit Ottawa on Jan. 29 to close out Day 2 of CMPA's Prime Time conference and Week 1 of 2026 parliamentary parties.

Return of the Parliamentarians, Part 2: PM Carney and the Hollander Fleece

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 30, 2026
  • Heated Rivalry-mania hit Ottawa on Jan. 29 to close out Day 2 of CMPA's Prime Time conference and Week 1 of 2026 parliamentary parties.
Heated Rivalry's Hudson 'Shane Hollander' Williams, right, presents Prime Minister Mark Carney with the iconic episode 2 fleece jacket during an interview with Lainey Lui at the Canadian Media Producers Association's Prime Time conference at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa on Jan. 29. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Party Wars: return of the parliamentarians, part one

  • Week 1 of the 2026 parliamentary party season featured the final of the heated Politico Ottawa Trivia Championships, Compass Rose Group New Year's Levee,
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2026
Comedian Howie Mandel plugs his new Canadian-produced project, The Price is Right Tonight!, and welcomes attendees to the Day 1 reception at the the Canadian Media Producers Association's 2026 Prime Time conference on Jan. 28, inside the Westin Hotel's Confederation Room. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Party Wars: return of the parliamentarians, part one

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2026
  • Week 1 of the 2026 parliamentary party season featured the final of the heated Politico Ottawa Trivia Championships, Compass Rose Group New Year's Levee,

Party Wars: return of the parliamentarians, part one

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2026
  • Week 1 of the 2026 parliamentary party season featured the final of the heated Politico Ottawa Trivia Championships, Compass Rose Group New Year's Levee,
Comedian Howie Mandel plugs his new Canadian-produced project, The Price is Right Tonight!, and welcomes attendees to the Day 1 reception at the the Canadian Media Producers Association's 2026 Prime Time conference on Jan. 28, inside the Westin Hotel's Confederation Room. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Emergencies Act architect says courts checked government overreach, advises against further appeal

  • The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says it’s willing to fight at the Supreme Court if the Liberals choose keep appealing the decision that the
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 28, 2026
Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa Police arrest protesters on Metcalfe Street near Parliament Hill following the invocation of the Emergencies Act on Jan. 14, 2022, to clear out the Freedom Convoy occupation of downtown Ottawa. On Jan. 16, 2026, a Federal Court of Appeal upheld the ruling that its use was unjustified and unreasonable. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Emergencies Act architect says courts checked government overreach, advises against further appeal

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 28, 2026
  • The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says it’s willing to fight at the Supreme Court if the Liberals choose keep appealing the decision that the

Emergencies Act architect says courts checked government overreach, advises against further appeal

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 28, 2026
  • The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says it’s willing to fight at the Supreme Court if the Liberals choose keep appealing the decision that the
Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa Police arrest protesters on Metcalfe Street near Parliament Hill following the invocation of the Emergencies Act on Jan. 14, 2022, to clear out the Freedom Convoy occupation of downtown Ottawa. On Jan. 16, 2026, a Federal Court of Appeal upheld the ruling that its use was unjustified and unreasonable. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Not a chance’: Green Leader May says she can’t support budget omnibus bill without major changes, but NDP skeptical

  • Green Leader Elizabeth May says the prime minister's 'word means nothing,' but isn't closing the door on co-operating with the progressive opposition to advance
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 27, 2026
Green Leader Elizabeth May says her party has already cleared its $1-million election debt, and is looking forward to an 'engaging and exciting' leadership race before the end of the year. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Not a chance’: Green Leader May says she can’t support budget omnibus bill without major changes, but NDP skeptical

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 27, 2026
  • Green Leader Elizabeth May says the prime minister's 'word means nothing,' but isn't closing the door on co-operating with the progressive opposition to advance

‘Not a chance’: Green Leader May says she can’t support budget omnibus bill without major changes, but NDP skeptical

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 27, 2026
  • Green Leader Elizabeth May says the prime minister's 'word means nothing,' but isn't closing the door on co-operating with the progressive opposition to advance
Green Leader Elizabeth May says her party has already cleared its $1-million election debt, and is looking forward to an 'engaging and exciting' leadership race before the end of the year. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Dance For Her heats up The Met, raises over $35K for ‘revolutionary’ fight against ovarian cancer

  • Politicos packed the Métropolitain Brasserie on Jan. 22 to bust a move and bust open their wallets in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada.
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 26, 2026
Gilead Sciences' Bobby Sutherland, left, Bluesky Strategy Group's Janice Nicholson, KAN Strategies' Greg MacEachern, Hill & Knowlton's Scott Simms, and RBC's George Wamala at the 2026 Dance for Her fundraiser for ovarian cancer at the Métropolitain Brasserie in Ottawa on Jan. 22. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Dance For Her heats up The Met, raises over $35K for ‘revolutionary’ fight against ovarian cancer

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 26, 2026
  • Politicos packed the Métropolitain Brasserie on Jan. 22 to bust a move and bust open their wallets in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada.

Dance For Her heats up The Met, raises over $35K for ‘revolutionary’ fight against ovarian cancer

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 26, 2026
  • Politicos packed the Métropolitain Brasserie on Jan. 22 to bust a move and bust open their wallets in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada.
Gilead Sciences' Bobby Sutherland, left, Bluesky Strategy Group's Janice Nicholson, KAN Strategies' Greg MacEachern, Hill & Knowlton's Scott Simms, and RBC's George Wamala at the 2026 Dance for Her fundraiser for ovarian cancer at the Métropolitain Brasserie in Ottawa on Jan. 22. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Leaked PMO travel advisory tests fragile trust with press gallery as ‘universal respect’ still found lacking, say journos

  • Part of an embargoed advisory for Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent foreign travel was published online by Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar two days after
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 21, 2026
After a recent leak of an advisory for Prime Minister Mark Carney's international travel plans, the Parliamentary Press Gallery executive discussed whether there were any options to reinforce members' obligations to respect embargoes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Leaked PMO travel advisory tests fragile trust with press gallery as ‘universal respect’ still found lacking, say journos

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 21, 2026
  • Part of an embargoed advisory for Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent foreign travel was published online by Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar two days after

Leaked PMO travel advisory tests fragile trust with press gallery as ‘universal respect’ still found lacking, say journos

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 21, 2026
  • Part of an embargoed advisory for Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent foreign travel was published online by Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar two days after
After a recent leak of an advisory for Prime Minister Mark Carney's international travel plans, the Parliamentary Press Gallery executive discussed whether there were any options to reinforce members' obligations to respect embargoes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Big-name staffers steal candidate spotlight as B.C. Conservative leadership race takes shape

  • Pollster Shachi Kurl warns Ottawa against over-reading staffing tea leaves as 'outsider' Caroline Elliott's star-studded campaign team competed with her official B.C. Conservative leadership
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 21, 2026
Caroline Elliott officially announced her entry into the B.C. Conservative leadership race on Jan. 16, promising to 'restore hope and the promise of British Columbia.' Screenshot courtesy of X

Big-name staffers steal candidate spotlight as B.C. Conservative leadership race takes shape

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 21, 2026
  • Pollster Shachi Kurl warns Ottawa against over-reading staffing tea leaves as 'outsider' Caroline Elliott's star-studded campaign team competed with her official B.C. Conservative leadership

Big-name staffers steal candidate spotlight as B.C. Conservative leadership race takes shape

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 21, 2026
  • Pollster Shachi Kurl warns Ottawa against over-reading staffing tea leaves as 'outsider' Caroline Elliott's star-studded campaign team competed with her official B.C. Conservative leadership
Caroline Elliott officially announced her entry into the B.C. Conservative leadership race on Jan. 16, promising to 'restore hope and the promise of British Columbia.' Screenshot courtesy of X

Copperbelt breaks ground at National Arts Centre

  • Zambian-Canadian actor Natasha Mumba’s debut play mines geopolitics and familial Succession-like drama until Jan. 24 before heading to Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre in February.
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 19, 2026
Chiluba Katongo Nsofu, Bemba translator and dialect coach, left; and actors Kondwani Elliott Zulu, Natasha Mumba, and Rick Roberts at the post-performance reception following the world premiere of Mumba's new play Copperbelt at the National Arts Centre on Jan. 15. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Copperbelt breaks ground at National Arts Centre

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 19, 2026
  • Zambian-Canadian actor Natasha Mumba’s debut play mines geopolitics and familial Succession-like drama until Jan. 24 before heading to Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre in February.

Copperbelt breaks ground at National Arts Centre

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | January 19, 2026
  • Zambian-Canadian actor Natasha Mumba’s debut play mines geopolitics and familial Succession-like drama until Jan. 24 before heading to Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre in February.
Chiluba Katongo Nsofu, Bemba translator and dialect coach, left; and actors Kondwani Elliott Zulu, Natasha Mumba, and Rick Roberts at the post-performance reception following the world premiere of Mumba's new play Copperbelt at the National Arts Centre on Jan. 15. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

‘Nothing revolutionary’: $3M government ad leans on campaign comms after loosening partisan prohibitions

  • Trudeau-era limits for government ads were scrapped last year alongside the launch of a multimillion-dollar campaign drawing on the Grits' 2025 ‘Build Strong’ election
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 14, 2026
The government's Nation of Builders ad campaign could have diminishing returns if key deals with the U.S. aren't struck in short order, says Conservative Cole Hogan. Screenshot courtesy of X

‘Nothing revolutionary’: $3M government ad leans on campaign comms after loosening partisan prohibitions

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 14, 2026
  • Trudeau-era limits for government ads were scrapped last year alongside the launch of a multimillion-dollar campaign drawing on the Grits' 2025 ‘Build Strong’ election

‘Nothing revolutionary’: $3M government ad leans on campaign comms after loosening partisan prohibitions

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 14, 2026
  • Trudeau-era limits for government ads were scrapped last year alongside the launch of a multimillion-dollar campaign drawing on the Grits' 2025 ‘Build Strong’ election
The government's Nation of Builders ad campaign could have diminishing returns if key deals with the U.S. aren't struck in short order, says Conservative Cole Hogan. Screenshot courtesy of X

‘Nothing revolutionary’: $3M government ad leans on campaign comms after loosening partisan prohibitions

  • Trudeau-era limits for government ads were scrapped last year alongside the launch of a multimillion-dollar campaign drawing on the Grits' 2025 ‘Build Strong’ election
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 14, 2026
The government's Nation of Builders ad campaign could have diminishing returns if key deals with the U.S. aren't struck in short order, says Conservative Cole Hogan. Screenshot courtesy of X

‘Nothing revolutionary’: $3M government ad leans on campaign comms after loosening partisan prohibitions

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 14, 2026
  • Trudeau-era limits for government ads were scrapped last year alongside the launch of a multimillion-dollar campaign drawing on the Grits' 2025 ‘Build Strong’ election

‘Nothing revolutionary’: $3M government ad leans on campaign comms after loosening partisan prohibitions

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 14, 2026
  • Trudeau-era limits for government ads were scrapped last year alongside the launch of a multimillion-dollar campaign drawing on the Grits' 2025 ‘Build Strong’ election
The government's Nation of Builders ad campaign could have diminishing returns if key deals with the U.S. aren't struck in short order, says Conservative Cole Hogan. Screenshot courtesy of X

Conservatives outspent Liberals by $1.2-million during the 2025 election

  • Advertising made up two-thirds of the $96-million in combined campaign expenses by the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, with television and digital drawing
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 6, 2026
The leader's tour for Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, during last year's election cost $1.2-million less than that of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, but the Liberals spent nearly twice as much on salaries and benefits during the 37-day campaign. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Conservatives outspent Liberals by $1.2-million during the 2025 election

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 6, 2026
  • Advertising made up two-thirds of the $96-million in combined campaign expenses by the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, with television and digital drawing

Conservatives outspent Liberals by $1.2-million during the 2025 election

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 6, 2026
  • Advertising made up two-thirds of the $96-million in combined campaign expenses by the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, with television and digital drawing
The leader's tour for Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, during last year's election cost $1.2-million less than that of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, but the Liberals spent nearly twice as much on salaries and benefits during the 37-day campaign. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

‘Year of sport’: SecState van Koeverden pitches Canada as ‘best host nation in the world’ ahead of 2026 World Cup

  • Athletics 'are a great way to open doors,' says Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden. But although the World Cup excitement is
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 31, 2025
Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden is betting on Canadians seizing the economic, diplomatic, and social dividends offered by the 13 World Cup matches scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver next summer, and hopes the tournament's legacy will inspire Canadian kids to choose 'teammates over TikTok.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Year of sport’: SecState van Koeverden pitches Canada as ‘best host nation in the world’ ahead of 2026 World Cup

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 31, 2025
  • Athletics 'are a great way to open doors,' says Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden. But although the World Cup excitement is

‘Year of sport’: SecState van Koeverden pitches Canada as ‘best host nation in the world’ ahead of 2026 World Cup

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 31, 2025
  • Athletics 'are a great way to open doors,' says Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden. But although the World Cup excitement is
Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden is betting on Canadians seizing the economic, diplomatic, and social dividends offered by the 13 World Cup matches scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver next summer, and hopes the tournament's legacy will inspire Canadian kids to choose 'teammates over TikTok.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives’ $189K Alberta byelection spend ‘left nothing to chance’ on leader’s return to Parliament, say strategists

  • The ‘all-in’ bet on Pierre Poilievre’s August byelection campaign paid off, but the 24-to-1 fundraising deficit to his right-flank reveals an 'undercurrent’ that could
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 22, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre celebrates winning the byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on Aug. 18. His campaign posted nearly $190,000 in expenses, relying on party and riding association transfers to cover the difference between his $2,800 in fundraising from four contributors. Photograph courtesy of X

Conservatives’ $189K Alberta byelection spend ‘left nothing to chance’ on leader’s return to Parliament, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 22, 2025
  • The ‘all-in’ bet on Pierre Poilievre’s August byelection campaign paid off, but the 24-to-1 fundraising deficit to his right-flank reveals an 'undercurrent’ that could

Conservatives’ $189K Alberta byelection spend ‘left nothing to chance’ on leader’s return to Parliament, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 22, 2025
  • The ‘all-in’ bet on Pierre Poilievre’s August byelection campaign paid off, but the 24-to-1 fundraising deficit to his right-flank reveals an 'undercurrent’ that could
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre celebrates winning the byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on Aug. 18. His campaign posted nearly $190,000 in expenses, relying on party and riding association transfers to cover the difference between his $2,800 in fundraising from four contributors. Photograph courtesy of X

‘Something’s gotta give’: Liberal agenda needs a majority to make progress in 2026, says Grit strategist Joe Jordan

  • With only two substantive bills receiving royal assent since the spring, Conservative strategist Ashton Arsenault says the Liberals' legislative performance this fall would be
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 17, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Even though Prime Minister Mark Carney is inching closer to a majority government via floor crossings, the Liberals' pace this fall isn't matching the 'transformative agenda' he campaigned on, say strategists.

‘Something’s gotta give’: Liberal agenda needs a majority to make progress in 2026, says Grit strategist Joe Jordan

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 17, 2025
  • With only two substantive bills receiving royal assent since the spring, Conservative strategist Ashton Arsenault says the Liberals' legislative performance this fall would be

‘Something’s gotta give’: Liberal agenda needs a majority to make progress in 2026, says Grit strategist Joe Jordan

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 17, 2025
  • With only two substantive bills receiving royal assent since the spring, Conservative strategist Ashton Arsenault says the Liberals' legislative performance this fall would be
Mark Carney
Even though Prime Minister Mark Carney is inching closer to a majority government via floor crossings, the Liberals' pace this fall isn't matching the 'transformative agenda' he campaigned on, say strategists.

‘A disturbing sign for allies’: Trump’s national security strategy raises red flags as Ottawa works on Canada’s response

  • The question of how Canada will adapt should be top of mind as Washington makes clear it's no longer interested in being a reliable
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 17, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy vision divides the globe between America, Russia, and China while ignoring much of the world, and 'sells out NATO,' says a former American diplomat. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

‘A disturbing sign for allies’: Trump’s national security strategy raises red flags as Ottawa works on Canada’s response

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 17, 2025
  • The question of how Canada will adapt should be top of mind as Washington makes clear it's no longer interested in being a reliable

‘A disturbing sign for allies’: Trump’s national security strategy raises red flags as Ottawa works on Canada’s response

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 17, 2025
  • The question of how Canada will adapt should be top of mind as Washington makes clear it's no longer interested in being a reliable
U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy vision divides the globe between America, Russia, and China while ignoring much of the world, and 'sells out NATO,' says a former American diplomat. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

The Grinch steals Conservatives’ Christmas, delivers the Liberals a miracle 171st seat

  • Nearly 2,500 Liberals packed the Rogers Centre Ottawa for their annual holiday party as Santa Carney delivered one more colleague under the caucus tree.
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | December 13, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, delivered one last gift to the Liberal caucus at their annual holiday party, welcoming the latest Conservative floor crosser, now-Liberal MP Michael Ma, onto the stage to deafening applause on Dec. 11. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

The Grinch steals Conservatives’ Christmas, delivers the Liberals a miracle 171st seat

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | December 13, 2025
  • Nearly 2,500 Liberals packed the Rogers Centre Ottawa for their annual holiday party as Santa Carney delivered one more colleague under the caucus tree.

The Grinch steals Conservatives’ Christmas, delivers the Liberals a miracle 171st seat

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | December 13, 2025
  • Nearly 2,500 Liberals packed the Rogers Centre Ottawa for their annual holiday party as Santa Carney delivered one more colleague under the caucus tree.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, delivered one last gift to the Liberal caucus at their annual holiday party, welcoming the latest Conservative floor crosser, now-Liberal MP Michael Ma, onto the stage to deafening applause on Dec. 11. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

‘A strange situation’: Conservative MPs sharply rebuke floor-crosser Ma as Liberals inch toward majority

  • Toronto-area MP Michael Ma is the latest disgruntled Conservative to join the ‘big tent’ Liberals. While several Liberal MPs tell The Hill Times more
News | BY STUART BENSON, MARLO GLASS, ELEANOR WAND | December 12, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, welcomes new Liberal MP Michael Ma to the stage at the Liberals' holiday party, just a few hours after Ma announced he was crossing the floor from the Conservatives. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

‘A strange situation’: Conservative MPs sharply rebuke floor-crosser Ma as Liberals inch toward majority

News | BY STUART BENSON, MARLO GLASS, ELEANOR WAND | December 12, 2025
  • Toronto-area MP Michael Ma is the latest disgruntled Conservative to join the ‘big tent’ Liberals. While several Liberal MPs tell The Hill Times more

‘A strange situation’: Conservative MPs sharply rebuke floor-crosser Ma as Liberals inch toward majority

News | BY STUART BENSON, MARLO GLASS, ELEANOR WAND | December 12, 2025
  • Toronto-area MP Michael Ma is the latest disgruntled Conservative to join the ‘big tent’ Liberals. While several Liberal MPs tell The Hill Times more
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, welcomes new Liberal MP Michael Ma to the stage at the Liberals' holiday party, just a few hours after Ma announced he was crossing the floor from the Conservatives. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Two ‘Conservative leaders,’ one bank vault, and zero leaks: Poilievre’s gallery dinner surprise

  • This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Poilievre impersonator Chris Wilson shares how the Opposition Leader’s Office landed its double punchline.
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 10, 2025
The first appearance of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, second right, at this year's press gallery dinner had been in the works since June when his new director of communications, Katy Merrifield, centre, suggested he team up with his This Hour Has 22 Minutes 'clone,' Chris Wilson, third left. Photograph courtesy of Katy Merrifield

Two ‘Conservative leaders,’ one bank vault, and zero leaks: Poilievre’s gallery dinner surprise

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 10, 2025
  • This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Poilievre impersonator Chris Wilson shares how the Opposition Leader’s Office landed its double punchline.

Two ‘Conservative leaders,’ one bank vault, and zero leaks: Poilievre’s gallery dinner surprise

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 10, 2025
  • This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Poilievre impersonator Chris Wilson shares how the Opposition Leader’s Office landed its double punchline.
The first appearance of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, second right, at this year's press gallery dinner had been in the works since June when his new director of communications, Katy Merrifield, centre, suggested he team up with his This Hour Has 22 Minutes 'clone,' Chris Wilson, third left. Photograph courtesy of Katy Merrifield

Minister called to de-haze budget math on cuts to veterans’ medical cannabis reimbursement

  • The proposed $2.50-per-gram reduction in reimbursements could 'fundamentally change' veterans' access to high-quality and affordable products, says Dr. Nick Withers.
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 9, 2025
Opposition critics and veterans are calling on Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight to explain how only millions of dollars in reimbursement reductions for medical cannabis will amount to the projected $4-billion over four years in savings for her department. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Minister called to de-haze budget math on cuts to veterans’ medical cannabis reimbursement

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 9, 2025
  • The proposed $2.50-per-gram reduction in reimbursements could 'fundamentally change' veterans' access to high-quality and affordable products, says Dr. Nick Withers.

Minister called to de-haze budget math on cuts to veterans’ medical cannabis reimbursement

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 9, 2025
  • The proposed $2.50-per-gram reduction in reimbursements could 'fundamentally change' veterans' access to high-quality and affordable products, says Dr. Nick Withers.
Opposition critics and veterans are calling on Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight to explain how only millions of dollars in reimbursement reductions for medical cannabis will amount to the projected $4-billion over four years in savings for her department. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals hold steady post budget, but pipeline talks may test progressive coalition, pollsters say

  • With the ‘slight uptick’ in the favourability numbers for both the Liberals and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s after the budget and the Ottawa-Alberta MOU,
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 3, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
The 'slight' boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney's polling numbers may be due to the 'hope' the budget offered to Canadians that he 'might have a plan,' says Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals hold steady post budget, but pipeline talks may test progressive coalition, pollsters say

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 3, 2025
  • With the ‘slight uptick’ in the favourability numbers for both the Liberals and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s after the budget and the Ottawa-Alberta MOU,

Liberals hold steady post budget, but pipeline talks may test progressive coalition, pollsters say

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 3, 2025
  • With the ‘slight uptick’ in the favourability numbers for both the Liberals and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s after the budget and the Ottawa-Alberta MOU,
Mark Carney
The 'slight' boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney's polling numbers may be due to the 'hope' the budget offered to Canadians that he 'might have a plan,' says Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberal border bill returns to the House after Conservative, Bloc enhancements at committee

  • NDP MP Jenny Kwan says it was 'astounding and horrific' to see the Liberals work with the Conservatives to lead Canada toward a more
News | BY STUART BENSON | December 3, 2025
After successfully proposing nearly 30 amendments to strengthen and enhance Bill C-12, Conservative Immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner says the Liberals still need to go further to meaningfully reform Canada's immigration system. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberal border bill returns to the House after Conservative, Bloc enhancements at committee

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 3, 2025
  • NDP MP Jenny Kwan says it was 'astounding and horrific' to see the Liberals work with the Conservatives to lead Canada toward a more

Liberal border bill returns to the House after Conservative, Bloc enhancements at committee

News | BY STUART BENSON | December 3, 2025
  • NDP MP Jenny Kwan says it was 'astounding and horrific' to see the Liberals work with the Conservatives to lead Canada toward a more
After successfully proposing nearly 30 amendments to strengthen and enhance Bill C-12, Conservative Immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner says the Liberals still need to go further to meaningfully reform Canada's immigration system. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
More Stories

‘Waiting is deadly for Palestinians’: Canada can’t put off state recognition, says NDP’s McPherson

  • Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but holding off until that time endangers
News | BY STUART BENSON | September 3, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced Canada's intention to recognize a state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September on July 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Waiting is deadly for Palestinians’: Canada can’t put off state recognition, says NDP’s McPherson

News | BY STUART BENSON | September 3, 2025
  • Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but holding off until that time endangers

‘Waiting is deadly for Palestinians’: Canada can’t put off state recognition, says NDP’s McPherson

News | BY STUART BENSON | September 3, 2025
  • Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but holding off until that time endangers
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced Canada's intention to recognize a state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September on July 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Foreign influence watchdog needs experience and compassion, not eminence: national security experts

  • Beyond the requisite knowledge and experience, ensuring the incoming Foreign Influence Registry Commissioner is clear of any appearance of partisanship will be critical, says
News | BY STUART BENSON | September 3, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree will not be consulting the NDP and Green Party leaders before presenting a candidate for commissioner of the Foreign Influence Transparency registry to Parliament later this fall. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Foreign influence watchdog needs experience and compassion, not eminence: national security experts

News | BY STUART BENSON | September 3, 2025
  • Beyond the requisite knowledge and experience, ensuring the incoming Foreign Influence Registry Commissioner is clear of any appearance of partisanship will be critical, says

Foreign influence watchdog needs experience and compassion, not eminence: national security experts

News | BY STUART BENSON | September 3, 2025
  • Beyond the requisite knowledge and experience, ensuring the incoming Foreign Influence Registry Commissioner is clear of any appearance of partisanship will be critical, says
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree will not be consulting the NDP and Green Party leaders before presenting a candidate for commissioner of the Foreign Influence Transparency registry to Parliament later this fall. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bound to Alberta? Poilievre has yet to commit to reclaiming Carleton next election

  • Strategist Laura Kurkimaki says running in an Alberta riding is a 'natural fit' for the Calgary-born Conservative leader.
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 27, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, with his wife, Anaida. Conservative strategists say time is on Poilievre’s side to determine what’s next and where he’ll stand in the next election. Photograph courtesy of X

Bound to Alberta? Poilievre has yet to commit to reclaiming Carleton next election

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 27, 2025
  • Strategist Laura Kurkimaki says running in an Alberta riding is a 'natural fit' for the Calgary-born Conservative leader.

Bound to Alberta? Poilievre has yet to commit to reclaiming Carleton next election

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 27, 2025
  • Strategist Laura Kurkimaki says running in an Alberta riding is a 'natural fit' for the Calgary-born Conservative leader.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, with his wife, Anaida. Conservative strategists say time is on Poilievre’s side to determine what’s next and where he’ll stand in the next election. Photograph courtesy of X

Air Canada strike intervention shortens Carney’s domestic runway to land ‘Trump and trade’ deals, say strategists

  • 'Carney is going to have to deliver something big,' says Liberal strategist Joe Jordan.
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 27, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney's intervention in the Air Canada strike and recent concessions in negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump are the latest of several unforced errors since taking office that could build into major liabilities and vectors of attack for the opposition when Parliament returns in the fall, say strategists. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Air Canada strike intervention shortens Carney’s domestic runway to land ‘Trump and trade’ deals, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 27, 2025
  • 'Carney is going to have to deliver something big,' says Liberal strategist Joe Jordan.

Air Canada strike intervention shortens Carney’s domestic runway to land ‘Trump and trade’ deals, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 27, 2025
  • 'Carney is going to have to deliver something big,' says Liberal strategist Joe Jordan.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney's intervention in the Air Canada strike and recent concessions in negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump are the latest of several unforced errors since taking office that could build into major liabilities and vectors of attack for the opposition when Parliament returns in the fall, say strategists. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Forest fire travel ban backlash demonstrates lack of investment in trust post-COVID, says public health expert

  • The type of outrage seen against the actions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will reappear against any collective public health and safety measure
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 20, 2025
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources firefighters watch as a water bomber from Quebec makes a pass over the wildfire in Susie's Lake, N.S., last week, which was assessed as 'under control' on Aug. 15. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Nova Scotia

Forest fire travel ban backlash demonstrates lack of investment in trust post-COVID, says public health expert

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 20, 2025
  • The type of outrage seen against the actions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will reappear against any collective public health and safety measure

Forest fire travel ban backlash demonstrates lack of investment in trust post-COVID, says public health expert

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 20, 2025
  • The type of outrage seen against the actions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will reappear against any collective public health and safety measure
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources firefighters watch as a water bomber from Quebec makes a pass over the wildfire in Susie's Lake, N.S., last week, which was assessed as 'under control' on Aug. 15. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Nova Scotia

‘Easier to advertise cookies than spinach’: Conservatives outspent the Liberals seven-to-one in 2024 advertising

  • The Liberals’ $2.3-million in digital-focused ads in 2024 demonstrates the lack of confidence the party had in its previous leader and message, says EOK
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 19, 2025
Under leader Pierre Poilievre, right, the Conservatives spent more than $16-million on ads attacking the former prime minister and the carbon tax in 2024. The Liberals' 'lean, digital first' focus left enough gas in the tank for Prime Minister Mark Carney's success in 2025, say strategists. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

‘Easier to advertise cookies than spinach’: Conservatives outspent the Liberals seven-to-one in 2024 advertising

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 19, 2025
  • The Liberals’ $2.3-million in digital-focused ads in 2024 demonstrates the lack of confidence the party had in its previous leader and message, says EOK

‘Easier to advertise cookies than spinach’: Conservatives outspent the Liberals seven-to-one in 2024 advertising

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 19, 2025
  • The Liberals’ $2.3-million in digital-focused ads in 2024 demonstrates the lack of confidence the party had in its previous leader and message, says EOK
Under leader Pierre Poilievre, right, the Conservatives spent more than $16-million on ads attacking the former prime minister and the carbon tax in 2024. The Liberals' 'lean, digital first' focus left enough gas in the tank for Prime Minister Mark Carney's success in 2025, say strategists. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

‘Everybody loves a comeback’: Pollsters say Conservative Leader Poilievre needs to keep his focus forward, show what he’s learned

  • As Poilievre cruises to a likely uneventful victory in the upcoming Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., byelection, Abacus Data’s David Coletto says his party faces an
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 13, 2025
Now-former Conservative MP Damien Kurek, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigning in Battle River-Crowfoot, Alta., on June 22, 2025.
Now-former Conservative MP Damien Kurek, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigning in Battle River-Crowfoot, Alta., on June 22, 2025.
Now-former Conservative MP Damien Kurek, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigning in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on June 22. Photograph courtesy of X

‘Everybody loves a comeback’: Pollsters say Conservative Leader Poilievre needs to keep his focus forward, show what he’s learned

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 13, 2025
  • As Poilievre cruises to a likely uneventful victory in the upcoming Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., byelection, Abacus Data’s David Coletto says his party faces an

‘Everybody loves a comeback’: Pollsters say Conservative Leader Poilievre needs to keep his focus forward, show what he’s learned

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 13, 2025
  • As Poilievre cruises to a likely uneventful victory in the upcoming Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., byelection, Abacus Data’s David Coletto says his party faces an
Now-former Conservative MP Damien Kurek, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigning in Battle River-Crowfoot, Alta., on June 22, 2025.
Now-former Conservative MP Damien Kurek, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigning in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on June 22. Photograph courtesy of X

Pride attendance may no longer be a litmus test for LGBTQ support, but absence still sends a message, say politicos

  • 'Pride is not necessarily welcoming to everyone anymore, and that’s the opposite of what it should be,' says conservative commentator and transgender advocate Blaine
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 13, 2025
Capital Pride and Liberal Party organizers are attempting to ‘lower the temperature’ ahead of Ottawa’s annual parade on Aug. 24 to avoid last year's turbulence. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Pride attendance may no longer be a litmus test for LGBTQ support, but absence still sends a message, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 13, 2025
  • 'Pride is not necessarily welcoming to everyone anymore, and that’s the opposite of what it should be,' says conservative commentator and transgender advocate Blaine

Pride attendance may no longer be a litmus test for LGBTQ support, but absence still sends a message, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 13, 2025
  • 'Pride is not necessarily welcoming to everyone anymore, and that’s the opposite of what it should be,' says conservative commentator and transgender advocate Blaine
Capital Pride and Liberal Party organizers are attempting to ‘lower the temperature’ ahead of Ottawa’s annual parade on Aug. 24 to avoid last year's turbulence. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Tories and Grits close in second-quarter fundraising as donations drop off post election

  • Federal party second-quarter fundraising dipped from a historic pre-election peak but both the Conservatives' $37.4-million and Liberals' $21.2-million six-month totals have nearly or already
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 6, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP interim leader Don Davies. The Liberals' and Conservatives' second-quarter fundraising totals are a 'vote of confidence' from their base, while the NDP remains afloat. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Tories and Grits close in second-quarter fundraising as donations drop off post election

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 6, 2025
  • Federal party second-quarter fundraising dipped from a historic pre-election peak but both the Conservatives' $37.4-million and Liberals' $21.2-million six-month totals have nearly or already

Tories and Grits close in second-quarter fundraising as donations drop off post election

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 6, 2025
  • Federal party second-quarter fundraising dipped from a historic pre-election peak but both the Conservatives' $37.4-million and Liberals' $21.2-million six-month totals have nearly or already
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP interim leader Don Davies. The Liberals' and Conservatives' second-quarter fundraising totals are a 'vote of confidence' from their base, while the NDP remains afloat. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Calls to cancel concerts risk elevating U.S. Christian singer into MAGA martyr, say advocates

  • Several Conservative MPs have taken to social media to offer solidarity and condemn what they view as 'government censorship' and violations of Charter rights.
News | BY STUART BENSON | August 6, 2025
Sean Feucht, centre, poses with members of his security detail, including members of the Proud Boys, ahead of a 2021 'Let Us Worship' concert in Portland, Ore., on the first anniversary of a series of concerts he organized across the United States to defy public health restrictions and protest COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Photograph courtesy of X

Calls to cancel concerts risk elevating U.S. Christian singer into MAGA martyr, say advocates

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 6, 2025
  • Several Conservative MPs have taken to social media to offer solidarity and condemn what they view as 'government censorship' and violations of Charter rights.

Calls to cancel concerts risk elevating U.S. Christian singer into MAGA martyr, say advocates

News | BY STUART BENSON | August 6, 2025
  • Several Conservative MPs have taken to social media to offer solidarity and condemn what they view as 'government censorship' and violations of Charter rights.
Sean Feucht, centre, poses with members of his security detail, including members of the Proud Boys, ahead of a 2021 'Let Us Worship' concert in Portland, Ore., on the first anniversary of a series of concerts he organized across the United States to defy public health restrictions and protest COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Photograph courtesy of X

Late report on 2024 finances ‘so outdated it’s useless,’ says Democracy Watch as most major parties ask for more time

  • The federal Conservative Party was one of only five registered parties to report its 2024 financial statement by the June 30 deadline, while the
News | BY STUART BENSON | July 30, 2025
As the Liberals boast of historic grassroots fundraising totals in the first half of 2025 and rumours swirl over the NDP's potential debt post-election, both parties have requested a 60-day extension to the June 30 deadline to file their 2024 financial disclosures. Photo illustration by Joey Sabourin

Late report on 2024 finances ‘so outdated it’s useless,’ says Democracy Watch as most major parties ask for more time

News | BY STUART BENSON | July 30, 2025
  • The federal Conservative Party was one of only five registered parties to report its 2024 financial statement by the June 30 deadline, while the

Late report on 2024 finances ‘so outdated it’s useless,’ says Democracy Watch as most major parties ask for more time

News | BY STUART BENSON | July 30, 2025
  • The federal Conservative Party was one of only five registered parties to report its 2024 financial statement by the June 30 deadline, while the
As the Liberals boast of historic grassroots fundraising totals in the first half of 2025 and rumours swirl over the NDP's potential debt post-election, both parties have requested a 60-day extension to the June 30 deadline to file their 2024 financial disclosures. Photo illustration by Joey Sabourin

New Leaf Liberals want to root out Ontario Liberal shortcomings, not back a particular leader, says co-founder

  • The push to oust Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie in September is heating up as her supporters go on the offensive, accusing the still-budding
News | BY STUART BENSON | July 30, 2025
Provincial and federal Liberal sources say Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie's problems in Ottawa could expand well beyond any potential challenger's leadership aspirations. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New Leaf Liberals want to root out Ontario Liberal shortcomings, not back a particular leader, says co-founder

News | BY STUART BENSON | July 30, 2025
  • The push to oust Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie in September is heating up as her supporters go on the offensive, accusing the still-budding

New Leaf Liberals want to root out Ontario Liberal shortcomings, not back a particular leader, says co-founder

News | BY STUART BENSON | July 30, 2025
  • The push to oust Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie in September is heating up as her supporters go on the offensive, accusing the still-budding
Provincial and federal Liberal sources say Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie's problems in Ottawa could expand well beyond any potential challenger's leadership aspirations. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

As Ontario Liberal Leader Crombie faces review, Liberal MP Erskine-Smith opens door for ‘renewal’ in provincial leadership: email

  • Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader, but would leave it up to party delegates to vote
News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | July 10, 2025
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

As Ontario Liberal Leader Crombie faces review, Liberal MP Erskine-Smith opens door for ‘renewal’ in provincial leadership: email

News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | July 10, 2025
  • Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader, but would leave it up to party delegates to vote

As Ontario Liberal Leader Crombie faces review, Liberal MP Erskine-Smith opens door for ‘renewal’ in provincial leadership: email

News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | July 10, 2025
  • Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader, but would leave it up to party delegates to vote
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal fish science analyses continue to muddy the waters in salmon farm fight

  • Competing analyses are providing new ammunition in the debate over the link between sea lice, B.C.’s coastal salmon farms, and the feds' upcoming 2029
News | BY STUART BENSON | July 2, 2025
Last June, the federal government announced that existing open-net salmon farms in British Columbia would have five years to transition to land-based, closed-containment systems, with the farms banned outright in the Discovery Islands and the Broughton Archipelago since 2023 due to concerns over their connection to sea lice infestations. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Federal fish science analyses continue to muddy the waters in salmon farm fight

News | BY STUART BENSON | July 2, 2025
  • Competing analyses are providing new ammunition in the debate over the link between sea lice, B.C.’s coastal salmon farms, and the feds' upcoming 2029

Federal fish science analyses continue to muddy the waters in salmon farm fight

News | BY STUART BENSON | July 2, 2025
  • Competing analyses are providing new ammunition in the debate over the link between sea lice, B.C.’s coastal salmon farms, and the feds' upcoming 2029
Last June, the federal government announced that existing open-net salmon farms in British Columbia would have five years to transition to land-based, closed-containment systems, with the farms banned outright in the Discovery Islands and the Broughton Archipelago since 2023 due to concerns over their connection to sea lice infestations. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

From Balls Creek ‘boom girl’ to the Decision Desk: CBC ‘legend’ Sharon Musgrave says farewell 

  • Five generations of the CBC family, politicos, and senators packed the Métropolitain Brasserie on June 26 to raise a toast to Musgrave’s three decades
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | June 27, 2025
CBC News: Politics legend Don Newman, right, reunites with the former Cape Breton-ese voice in his head, Sharon Musgrave, at the Métropolitain Brasserie on June 26, to celebrate her retirement after more than three decades with the public broadcaster. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

From Balls Creek ‘boom girl’ to the Decision Desk: CBC ‘legend’ Sharon Musgrave says farewell 

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | June 27, 2025
  • Five generations of the CBC family, politicos, and senators packed the Métropolitain Brasserie on June 26 to raise a toast to Musgrave’s three decades

From Balls Creek ‘boom girl’ to the Decision Desk: CBC ‘legend’ Sharon Musgrave says farewell 

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | June 27, 2025
  • Five generations of the CBC family, politicos, and senators packed the Métropolitain Brasserie on June 26 to raise a toast to Musgrave’s three decades
CBC News: Politics legend Don Newman, right, reunites with the former Cape Breton-ese voice in his head, Sharon Musgrave, at the Métropolitain Brasserie on June 26, to celebrate her retirement after more than three decades with the public broadcaster. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Beating the heat at Birkett Castle with the Royal Conservatory and Tamás Török

  • Hungarian Ambassador Mária Vass-Salazar hosted an intimate reception and recital performance at her official residence on June 20 in support of the Budapest Symphony
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | June 25, 2025
Pianist Tamás Török performs at an intimate fundraising dinner and recital at Hungarian Ambassador Mária Vass-Salazar's official residence on June 20. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Beating the heat at Birkett Castle with the Royal Conservatory and Tamás Török

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | June 25, 2025
  • Hungarian Ambassador Mária Vass-Salazar hosted an intimate reception and recital performance at her official residence on June 20 in support of the Budapest Symphony

Beating the heat at Birkett Castle with the Royal Conservatory and Tamás Török

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | June 25, 2025
  • Hungarian Ambassador Mária Vass-Salazar hosted an intimate reception and recital performance at her official residence on June 20 in support of the Budapest Symphony
Pianist Tamás Török performs at an intimate fundraising dinner and recital at Hungarian Ambassador Mária Vass-Salazar's official residence on June 20. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Dong settlement gives closure, but little clarity on foreign interference, say national security and intelligence experts

  • The lawsuit’s settlement affirms that‘ intelligence isn’t evidence,’ but former CSIS analyst Stephanie Carvin says politicians and the media must be better equipped to
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 25, 2025
Former Liberal MP Han Dong has settled his lawsuit with Global News over two years after he left the party's caucus and vowed to defend himself from 'absolutely untrue' allegations he advised a Chinese diplomat to delay the release of Micheal Spavor and Michael Kovrig. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

Dong settlement gives closure, but little clarity on foreign interference, say national security and intelligence experts

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 25, 2025
  • The lawsuit’s settlement affirms that‘ intelligence isn’t evidence,’ but former CSIS analyst Stephanie Carvin says politicians and the media must be better equipped to

Dong settlement gives closure, but little clarity on foreign interference, say national security and intelligence experts

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 25, 2025
  • The lawsuit’s settlement affirms that‘ intelligence isn’t evidence,’ but former CSIS analyst Stephanie Carvin says politicians and the media must be better equipped to
Former Liberal MP Han Dong has settled his lawsuit with Global News over two years after he left the party's caucus and vowed to defend himself from 'absolutely untrue' allegations he advised a Chinese diplomat to delay the release of Micheal Spavor and Michael Kovrig. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

‘Action, not words’ needed to cool potential long, hot One Canadian protest summer, says Liberal strategist

  • Despite an adjustment to the Liberals’ ‘public-facing’ message on Bill C-5, Nishnawbe Aski First Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says their approach has been
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 24, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Amid growing threats of a renewed Idle No More summer, Prime Minister Mark Carney held a press conference following Bill C-5's passage through the House of Commons on June 20 to clarify and emphasize that 'free, prior, and informed consent' is 'embedded in the plan.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Action, not words’ needed to cool potential long, hot One Canadian protest summer, says Liberal strategist

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 24, 2025
  • Despite an adjustment to the Liberals’ ‘public-facing’ message on Bill C-5, Nishnawbe Aski First Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says their approach has been

‘Action, not words’ needed to cool potential long, hot One Canadian protest summer, says Liberal strategist

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 24, 2025
  • Despite an adjustment to the Liberals’ ‘public-facing’ message on Bill C-5, Nishnawbe Aski First Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says their approach has been
Mark Carney
Amid growing threats of a renewed Idle No More summer, Prime Minister Mark Carney held a press conference following Bill C-5's passage through the House of Commons on June 20 to clarify and emphasize that 'free, prior, and informed consent' is 'embedded in the plan.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Piggybacking changes to privacy laws ‘has nothing to do with affordability,’ say critics of Bill C-4

  • Just because the prime minister is in a hurry doesn't excuse rushing controversial Elections Act changes on the back of needed affordability measures, says
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 18, 2025
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne was in no hurry to explain how Bill C-4's proposed changes to the Elections Act and how political parties handle Canadians' private information will help make their lives more affordable. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Piggybacking changes to privacy laws ‘has nothing to do with affordability,’ say critics of Bill C-4

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 18, 2025
  • Just because the prime minister is in a hurry doesn't excuse rushing controversial Elections Act changes on the back of needed affordability measures, says

Piggybacking changes to privacy laws ‘has nothing to do with affordability,’ say critics of Bill C-4

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 18, 2025
  • Just because the prime minister is in a hurry doesn't excuse rushing controversial Elections Act changes on the back of needed affordability measures, says
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne was in no hurry to explain how Bill C-4's proposed changes to the Elections Act and how political parties handle Canadians' private information will help make their lives more affordable. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Electoral success a temporary substitute for Israel-Gaza consensus as caucus quiet on sanctions, say Liberal sources

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney can't keep everyone happy, but he will have more success than his predecessor by focusing on managing international relations rather
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 18, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney is far less interested in 'keeping both sides happy,' and given his strong polling numbers and the hopes of potential caucus shuffles, it's no longer 'open season' to second guess his foreign policy decisions, say Liberal sources. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Electoral success a temporary substitute for Israel-Gaza consensus as caucus quiet on sanctions, say Liberal sources

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 18, 2025
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney can't keep everyone happy, but he will have more success than his predecessor by focusing on managing international relations rather

Electoral success a temporary substitute for Israel-Gaza consensus as caucus quiet on sanctions, say Liberal sources

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 18, 2025
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney can't keep everyone happy, but he will have more success than his predecessor by focusing on managing international relations rather
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney is far less interested in 'keeping both sides happy,' and given his strong polling numbers and the hopes of potential caucus shuffles, it's no longer 'open season' to second guess his foreign policy decisions, say Liberal sources. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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