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Tuesday, February 17, 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

Impoverished Canadians accessing MAiD victims of ‘systemic coercion,’ say disability advocates

  • Members of the special joint committee examining Canada’s assisted dying legislation were urged to halt the 2023 expansion of access to those suffering solely
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 18, 2022
Conservative MPs Michael Barrett, right, and Michael Cooper at a May 10, 2022, press conference with families who have been affected by the medical assistance in dying program. Cooper and Barrett are calling for an update to the legislation surrounding C-7. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Impoverished Canadians accessing MAiD victims of ‘systemic coercion,’ say disability advocates

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 18, 2022
  • Members of the special joint committee examining Canada’s assisted dying legislation were urged to halt the 2023 expansion of access to those suffering solely

Impoverished Canadians accessing MAiD victims of ‘systemic coercion,’ say disability advocates

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 18, 2022
  • Members of the special joint committee examining Canada’s assisted dying legislation were urged to halt the 2023 expansion of access to those suffering solely
Conservative MPs Michael Barrett, right, and Michael Cooper at a May 10, 2022, press conference with families who have been affected by the medical assistance in dying program. Cooper and Barrett are calling for an update to the legislation surrounding C-7. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A ‘Parliamentary Precinct family reunion’: Politics and the Pen in person for first time in two years

  • Fifty of Ottawa’s finest political writers are dusting off their tuxedos and ball gowns, readying their sharpies, and practising their autographs as the city’s
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 16, 2022
The Politics and the Pen gala held inside the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel ballroom in May, 2017. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

A ‘Parliamentary Precinct family reunion’: Politics and the Pen in person for first time in two years

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 16, 2022
  • Fifty of Ottawa’s finest political writers are dusting off their tuxedos and ball gowns, readying their sharpies, and practising their autographs as the city’s

A ‘Parliamentary Precinct family reunion’: Politics and the Pen in person for first time in two years

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 16, 2022
  • Fifty of Ottawa’s finest political writers are dusting off their tuxedos and ball gowns, readying their sharpies, and practising their autographs as the city’s
The Politics and the Pen gala held inside the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel ballroom in May, 2017. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

New blood donation policy still targets queer men and trans women, advocates argue

  • Many members of Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ community celebrated when Health Canada announced that it would finally be ending the nation’s discriminatory ban on donations from
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 13, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference in West Block on April 28, 2022, where Trudeau announced Health Canada's approval of a Canadian Blood Services’ policy change to eliminate the three-month donor deferral period for gay and bisexual men and other LGBTQ2S+ community members. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

New blood donation policy still targets queer men and trans women, advocates argue

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 13, 2022
  • Many members of Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ community celebrated when Health Canada announced that it would finally be ending the nation’s discriminatory ban on donations from

New blood donation policy still targets queer men and trans women, advocates argue

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 13, 2022
  • Many members of Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ community celebrated when Health Canada announced that it would finally be ending the nation’s discriminatory ban on donations from
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference in West Block on April 28, 2022, where Trudeau announced Health Canada's approval of a Canadian Blood Services’ policy change to eliminate the three-month donor deferral period for gay and bisexual men and other LGBTQ2S+ community members. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

RCMP neither requested nor planned for Emergencies Act powers, commissioner tells MPs, Senators

  • The Emergencies Act helped reduce the size of the so-called Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa before the police action that finally cleared the blockade,
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 11, 2022
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki appeared May 10 before the joint committee reviewing the government's invocation of the Emergencies Act, where she told MPs and Senators that while her agency was consulted, it never requested or recommended the act's use to break up the winter convoy protests. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

RCMP neither requested nor planned for Emergencies Act powers, commissioner tells MPs, Senators

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 11, 2022
  • The Emergencies Act helped reduce the size of the so-called Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa before the police action that finally cleared the blockade,

RCMP neither requested nor planned for Emergencies Act powers, commissioner tells MPs, Senators

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 11, 2022
  • The Emergencies Act helped reduce the size of the so-called Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa before the police action that finally cleared the blockade,
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki appeared May 10 before the joint committee reviewing the government's invocation of the Emergencies Act, where she told MPs and Senators that while her agency was consulted, it never requested or recommended the act's use to break up the winter convoy protests. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

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