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Friday, August 22, 2025

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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.

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

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

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

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
FeatureBY 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 

FeatureBY 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 

FeatureBY 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
FeatureBY 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

FeatureBY 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

FeatureBY 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

Serena Ryder, Logan Staats, and Crown Lands rock the GG’s Performing Arts Awards

  • Governor General Mary Simon rolled out the red carpet on June 14 to celebrate the legends, rising stars, and dedicated volunteers of Canada's performing
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 16, 2025
Jess Milton, GGPAA foundation executive director, left; 2025 laureate Bob Ezrin; and singer-songwriter Serena Ryder at the 2025 Governor General Performing Arts Awards at the National Arts Centre on June 14. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Serena Ryder, Logan Staats, and Crown Lands rock the GG’s Performing Arts Awards

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 16, 2025
  • Governor General Mary Simon rolled out the red carpet on June 14 to celebrate the legends, rising stars, and dedicated volunteers of Canada's performing

Serena Ryder, Logan Staats, and Crown Lands rock the GG’s Performing Arts Awards

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 16, 2025
  • Governor General Mary Simon rolled out the red carpet on June 14 to celebrate the legends, rising stars, and dedicated volunteers of Canada's performing
Jess Milton, GGPAA foundation executive director, left; 2025 laureate Bob Ezrin; and singer-songwriter Serena Ryder at the 2025 Governor General Performing Arts Awards at the National Arts Centre on June 14. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Hill media flock to Carney’s first Rideau Cottage garden party

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted his debut garden party for Hill media on June 11 and more than 100 journalists, Liberals, and their staff
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 12, 2025
CPAC's Michael Serapio, right, chats with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the annual Media Garden Party on June 11 outside Rideau Cottage. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Hill media flock to Carney’s first Rideau Cottage garden party

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 12, 2025
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted his debut garden party for Hill media on June 11 and more than 100 journalists, Liberals, and their staff

Hill media flock to Carney’s first Rideau Cottage garden party

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 12, 2025
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted his debut garden party for Hill media on June 11 and more than 100 journalists, Liberals, and their staff
CPAC's Michael Serapio, right, chats with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the annual Media Garden Party on June 11 outside Rideau Cottage. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Enlisting Coast Guard to buoy defence spending expected to hit choppy waters, say analysts

  • Military policy expert James Boutilier says it doesn't matter who's in charge of the Coast Guard, as long as the feds move 'with urgency'
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 11, 2025
The wide-ranging border security Bill C-2 proposes amendments to the Oceans Act to expand the Coast Guard's mandate to include security and intelligence-gathering activities. U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams

Enlisting Coast Guard to buoy defence spending expected to hit choppy waters, say analysts

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 11, 2025
  • Military policy expert James Boutilier says it doesn't matter who's in charge of the Coast Guard, as long as the feds move 'with urgency'

Enlisting Coast Guard to buoy defence spending expected to hit choppy waters, say analysts

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 11, 2025
  • Military policy expert James Boutilier says it doesn't matter who's in charge of the Coast Guard, as long as the feds move 'with urgency'
The wide-ranging border security Bill C-2 proposes amendments to the Oceans Act to expand the Coast Guard's mandate to include security and intelligence-gathering activities. U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams

Bitumen skepticism not a blanket ‘no’ to pipelines, says B.C. Liberal MP Greaves

  • Jurisdictional respect is a 'core principle' of any consideration of future national projects, says a spokesperson for Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 11, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney announces his government's bill to create 'one Canadian economy out of 13' by eliminating federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and to identify and expedite 'nation-building projects' in West Block on June 6. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bitumen skepticism not a blanket ‘no’ to pipelines, says B.C. Liberal MP Greaves

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 11, 2025
  • Jurisdictional respect is a 'core principle' of any consideration of future national projects, says a spokesperson for Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.

Bitumen skepticism not a blanket ‘no’ to pipelines, says B.C. Liberal MP Greaves

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 11, 2025
  • Jurisdictional respect is a 'core principle' of any consideration of future national projects, says a spokesperson for Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney announces his government's bill to create 'one Canadian economy out of 13' by eliminating federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and to identify and expedite 'nation-building projects' in West Block on June 6. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All eyes on Trump: meet the top 50 foreign policy influencers navigating Canada’s role in a rocky world

  • The Hill Times spoke with nearly 20 insiders, including current and former senior government officials, past diplomats, business leaders, analysts, and academics to compile
News | BY NEIL MOSS, STUART BENSON, IREM KOCA | June 11, 2025
Observers say Prime Minister Mark Carney's foreign policy legacy could be a major one as he navigates the country's response to moves made by U.S. President Donald Trump. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

All eyes on Trump: meet the top 50 foreign policy influencers navigating Canada’s role in a rocky world

News | BY NEIL MOSS, STUART BENSON, IREM KOCA | June 11, 2025
  • The Hill Times spoke with nearly 20 insiders, including current and former senior government officials, past diplomats, business leaders, analysts, and academics to compile

All eyes on Trump: meet the top 50 foreign policy influencers navigating Canada’s role in a rocky world

News | BY NEIL MOSS, STUART BENSON, IREM KOCA | June 11, 2025
  • The Hill Times spoke with nearly 20 insiders, including current and former senior government officials, past diplomats, business leaders, analysts, and academics to compile
Observers say Prime Minister Mark Carney's foreign policy legacy could be a major one as he navigates the country's response to moves made by U.S. President Donald Trump. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Liberal Louis, the comeback-cat Göçebe, and The Hill Times’ Hiccup the hamster fetch first place at CAHI’s 2025 ‘Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill’ Awards

  • The Métropolitain Brasserie went to the dogs, cats, and to one hamster named Hiccup, posthumously, on June 4 as politicos and their pets shared
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 5, 2025
CAHI Communications Manager Eleanor Hawthorn, left, and Ottawa's Town Crier Liam Cregg, right, present Liberal MP Kody Blois with the CAHI's 2025 Cutest Dog award on behalf of his pooch Louis on June 4 at the Métropolitain Brasserie. Photograph by Cynthia Munster

Liberal Louis, the comeback-cat Göçebe, and The Hill Times’ Hiccup the hamster fetch first place at CAHI’s 2025 ‘Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill’ Awards

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 5, 2025
  • The Métropolitain Brasserie went to the dogs, cats, and to one hamster named Hiccup, posthumously, on June 4 as politicos and their pets shared

Liberal Louis, the comeback-cat Göçebe, and The Hill Times’ Hiccup the hamster fetch first place at CAHI’s 2025 ‘Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill’ Awards

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | June 5, 2025
  • The Métropolitain Brasserie went to the dogs, cats, and to one hamster named Hiccup, posthumously, on June 4 as politicos and their pets shared
CAHI Communications Manager Eleanor Hawthorn, left, and Ottawa's Town Crier Liam Cregg, right, present Liberal MP Kody Blois with the CAHI's 2025 Cutest Dog award on behalf of his pooch Louis on June 4 at the Métropolitain Brasserie. Photograph by Cynthia Munster

Prime Minister Carney can’t govern Canada as CEO, say strategists

  • The prime minister can’t forget ‘fundamentals’ while focused on executive-level priorities, even when it feels like a nuisance, says Bluesky Strategy Group’s Jordan Paquet.
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 4, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses the Liberal caucus in West Block on May 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Prime Minister Carney can’t govern Canada as CEO, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 4, 2025
  • The prime minister can’t forget ‘fundamentals’ while focused on executive-level priorities, even when it feels like a nuisance, says Bluesky Strategy Group’s Jordan Paquet.

Prime Minister Carney can’t govern Canada as CEO, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 4, 2025
  • The prime minister can’t forget ‘fundamentals’ while focused on executive-level priorities, even when it feels like a nuisance, says Bluesky Strategy Group’s Jordan Paquet.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses the Liberal caucus in West Block on May 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No home on the Hill for half of MPs who may be waiting weeks for office move-in day

  • 'Office moves are typically completed within two months following the federal election,' and only 50 per cent of MPs have a 'functional office' a
News | BY STUART BENSON | June 3, 2025
As of June 2, 341 of 343 MPs had been assigned permanent office space, but nearly half of those may still be waiting weeks to get the keys to their new home on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No home on the Hill for half of MPs who may be waiting weeks for office move-in day

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 3, 2025
  • 'Office moves are typically completed within two months following the federal election,' and only 50 per cent of MPs have a 'functional office' a

No home on the Hill for half of MPs who may be waiting weeks for office move-in day

News | BY STUART BENSON | June 3, 2025
  • 'Office moves are typically completed within two months following the federal election,' and only 50 per cent of MPs have a 'functional office' a
As of June 2, 341 of 343 MPs had been assigned permanent office space, but nearly half of those may still be waiting weeks to get the keys to their new home on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It was a Hill housewarming fit for a King 

  • With the Royals away, politicos, politicians, and journalists partied the night away on May 27 at Earnscliffe Strategies’ and Politico’s spring housewarming at
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
World Press Freedom Canada's Heather Bakken, left, Janet Silver, and Greg Weston raise a toast to the carboard King Charles III inside The Métropolitain Brasserie on May 27 at a special royal edition of Earnscliffe Strategies and Politico's annual House-(of Commons)-warming party. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

It was a Hill housewarming fit for a King 

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
  • With the Royals away, politicos, politicians, and journalists partied the night away on May 27 at Earnscliffe Strategies’ and Politico’s spring housewarming at

It was a Hill housewarming fit for a King 

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
  • With the Royals away, politicos, politicians, and journalists partied the night away on May 27 at Earnscliffe Strategies’ and Politico’s spring housewarming at
World Press Freedom Canada's Heather Bakken, left, Janet Silver, and Greg Weston raise a toast to the carboard King Charles III inside The Métropolitain Brasserie on May 27 at a special royal edition of Earnscliffe Strategies and Politico's annual House-(of Commons)-warming party. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Feds can’t continue to delay ‘heavy lifting’ on foreign interference response, says NDP MP Jenny Kwan

  • The promised foreign agents' registry failed to materialize before the election, and the continued wait is frustrating, says Jenny Kwan.
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
Security Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force members Bridget Walshe, left, Alan Sutherland, Laurie-Anne Kempton, Vanessa Lloyd, and Larisa Galadza provide a briefing on April 14. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds can’t continue to delay ‘heavy lifting’ on foreign interference response, says NDP MP Jenny Kwan

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
  • The promised foreign agents' registry failed to materialize before the election, and the continued wait is frustrating, says Jenny Kwan.

Feds can’t continue to delay ‘heavy lifting’ on foreign interference response, says NDP MP Jenny Kwan

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
  • The promised foreign agents' registry failed to materialize before the election, and the continued wait is frustrating, says Jenny Kwan.
Security Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force members Bridget Walshe, left, Alan Sutherland, Laurie-Anne Kempton, Vanessa Lloyd, and Larisa Galadza provide a briefing on April 14. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Advocates to push accountability for diversity, inclusion after lack of focus in Carney’s cabinet, mandate letter

  • If the Liberals want to uphold their election promise to protect vulnerable communities, it requires ‘speaking up for us’ and not ceding the public
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney's focus on the economy is raising concerns that his pitch for 'one Canada' may leave the individual needs of vulnerable communities in the dust. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Advocates to push accountability for diversity, inclusion after lack of focus in Carney’s cabinet, mandate letter

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
  • If the Liberals want to uphold their election promise to protect vulnerable communities, it requires ‘speaking up for us’ and not ceding the public

Advocates to push accountability for diversity, inclusion after lack of focus in Carney’s cabinet, mandate letter

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 28, 2025
  • If the Liberals want to uphold their election promise to protect vulnerable communities, it requires ‘speaking up for us’ and not ceding the public
Prime Minister Mark Carney's focus on the economy is raising concerns that his pitch for 'one Canada' may leave the individual needs of vulnerable communities in the dust. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Joly appears at G20 summit with Russia and China in attendance

  • Plus, Champagne talks about Canada-U.S. relations at a conference in Quebec.
FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW, STUART BENSON | February 21, 2025
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly will attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in South Africa today. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly appears at G20 summit with Russia and China in attendance

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW, STUART BENSON | February 21, 2025
  • Plus, Champagne talks about Canada-U.S. relations at a conference in Quebec.

Joly appears at G20 summit with Russia and China in attendance

FeatureBY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW, STUART BENSON | February 21, 2025
  • Plus, Champagne talks about Canada-U.S. relations at a conference in Quebec.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly will attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in South Africa today. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade

Keeping the true North strong and free requires ‘nation-building investment’ now, says Nunavut premier

  • By highlighting Canada’s vulnerability in the Arctic, U.S. President Donald Trump has created Canadian unity and an opportunity to lead in the North, says
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 19, 2025
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says he and his fellow territorial leaders are working to present a 'united voice' to ensure any decisions about or for the North are made with northerners at the table. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Keeping the true North strong and free requires ‘nation-building investment’ now, says Nunavut premier

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 19, 2025
  • By highlighting Canada’s vulnerability in the Arctic, U.S. President Donald Trump has created Canadian unity and an opportunity to lead in the North, says

Keeping the true North strong and free requires ‘nation-building investment’ now, says Nunavut premier

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 19, 2025
  • By highlighting Canada’s vulnerability in the Arctic, U.S. President Donald Trump has created Canadian unity and an opportunity to lead in the North, says
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says he and his fellow territorial leaders are working to present a 'united voice' to ensure any decisions about or for the North are made with northerners at the table. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In Trump era, Grits need a bigger gambit than ‘small potato’ temporary tax cuts to woo voters, says pollster

  • Strategists say voters are looking to Liberal leadership candidates for truly transformational policies to make the economy work for them, not temporary tweaks to
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 18, 2025
Liberal leadership candidates Mark Carney, left, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, Frank Baylis, and Ruby Dhalla will debate their policy proposals and vision for the party on Feb. 24 and 25. The Hill Times photographs Andrew Meade, Jake Wright, and handout photograph

In Trump era, Grits need a bigger gambit than ‘small potato’ temporary tax cuts to woo voters, says pollster

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 18, 2025
  • Strategists say voters are looking to Liberal leadership candidates for truly transformational policies to make the economy work for them, not temporary tweaks to

In Trump era, Grits need a bigger gambit than ‘small potato’ temporary tax cuts to woo voters, says pollster

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 18, 2025
  • Strategists say voters are looking to Liberal leadership candidates for truly transformational policies to make the economy work for them, not temporary tweaks to
Liberal leadership candidates Mark Carney, left, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, Frank Baylis, and Ruby Dhalla will debate their policy proposals and vision for the party on Feb. 24 and 25. The Hill Times photographs Andrew Meade, Jake Wright, and handout photograph

Embassy of Japan celebrates Emperor’s 65th with sake, uisuki, and sushi at swanky Chateau birthday bash

  • Hundreds of diplomats, military attachés, and politicians celebrated Japan’s national day and an early birthday for the emperor on Feb. 11 at the Château
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 13, 2025
Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner, left, House Speaker Greg Fergus, and Japan's Ambassador to Canada Kanji Yamanouchi in a sake toast to his country's national day and to wish Emperor Naruhito a Happy 65th Birthday on Feb. 11 at the Château Laurier. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Embassy of Japan celebrates Emperor’s 65th with sake, uisuki, and sushi at swanky Chateau birthday bash

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 13, 2025
  • Hundreds of diplomats, military attachés, and politicians celebrated Japan’s national day and an early birthday for the emperor on Feb. 11 at the Château

Embassy of Japan celebrates Emperor’s 65th with sake, uisuki, and sushi at swanky Chateau birthday bash

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 13, 2025
  • Hundreds of diplomats, military attachés, and politicians celebrated Japan’s national day and an early birthday for the emperor on Feb. 11 at the Château
Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner, left, House Speaker Greg Fergus, and Japan's Ambassador to Canada Kanji Yamanouchi in a sake toast to his country's national day and to wish Emperor Naruhito a Happy 65th Birthday on Feb. 11 at the Château Laurier. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canada’s ‘long-term vision’ for border security should include input from people already doing the job: CBSA union president

  • CBSA training, knowledge, and expertise is underused in current border-security plans, says union head Mark Weber.
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 12, 2025
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, right, with Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, says there was urgency to appoint a new 'fentanyl czar' to avoid renewing U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s ‘long-term vision’ for border security should include input from people already doing the job: CBSA union president

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 12, 2025
  • CBSA training, knowledge, and expertise is underused in current border-security plans, says union head Mark Weber.

Canada’s ‘long-term vision’ for border security should include input from people already doing the job: CBSA union president

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 12, 2025
  • CBSA training, knowledge, and expertise is underused in current border-security plans, says union head Mark Weber.
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, right, with Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, says there was urgency to appoint a new 'fentanyl czar' to avoid renewing U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greens can tap into global network as Canada finds itself with few friends amid U.S. threats, say co-leaders

  • The network and partnerships with Greens in the European Union and globally will be 'essential' in Canada’s response to the threat posed by U.S.
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2025
Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault says there is very little to 'excite' Canadians looking for 'bold, resolutely progressive solutions' to the country's problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greens can tap into global network as Canada finds itself with few friends amid U.S. threats, say co-leaders

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2025
  • The network and partnerships with Greens in the European Union and globally will be 'essential' in Canada’s response to the threat posed by U.S.

Greens can tap into global network as Canada finds itself with few friends amid U.S. threats, say co-leaders

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 11, 2025
  • The network and partnerships with Greens in the European Union and globally will be 'essential' in Canada’s response to the threat posed by U.S.
Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault says there is very little to 'excite' Canadians looking for 'bold, resolutely progressive solutions' to the country's problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public Safety Minister McGuinty endorses Mark Carney’s ‘quiet competence’ to lead Grits

  • Public Safety Minister David McGuinty has endorsed Mark Carney for the Liberal leadership, telling The Hill Times that the former Bank of Canada Governor
News | BY STUART BENSON, ANDREW MEADE | February 9, 2025
Mark Carney and MP David McGuinty
Mark Carney and MP David McGuinty
Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney, left, and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty visit the Riverview Park Winter Carnival in Ottawa South on Feb. 9, prior to McGuinty's official endorsement of Carney in the Liberal leadership race later that day. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public Safety Minister McGuinty endorses Mark Carney’s ‘quiet competence’ to lead Grits

News | BY STUART BENSON, ANDREW MEADE | February 9, 2025
  • Public Safety Minister David McGuinty has endorsed Mark Carney for the Liberal leadership, telling The Hill Times that the former Bank of Canada Governor

Public Safety Minister McGuinty endorses Mark Carney’s ‘quiet competence’ to lead Grits

News | BY STUART BENSON, ANDREW MEADE | February 9, 2025
  • Public Safety Minister David McGuinty has endorsed Mark Carney for the Liberal leadership, telling The Hill Times that the former Bank of Canada Governor
Mark Carney and MP David McGuinty
Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney, left, and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty visit the Riverview Park Winter Carnival in Ottawa South on Feb. 9, prior to McGuinty's official endorsement of Carney in the Liberal leadership race later that day. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Prime minister looks forward and back for Lunar New Year and Black History Month 

  • Trudeau’s selfie-line-farewell tour continues with pair of parties on Feb. 4 and 5 at SJAM and the Canadian Museum of History.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 6, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the Lunar New Year Celebrations on Feb. 4, right, at the Sir John A Macdonald Building, followed by the Government of Canada's 2025 Black History Month reception on Feb. 5, at the Museum of History. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Prime minister looks forward and back for Lunar New Year and Black History Month 

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 6, 2025
  • Trudeau’s selfie-line-farewell tour continues with pair of parties on Feb. 4 and 5 at SJAM and the Canadian Museum of History.

Prime minister looks forward and back for Lunar New Year and Black History Month 

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 6, 2025
  • Trudeau’s selfie-line-farewell tour continues with pair of parties on Feb. 4 and 5 at SJAM and the Canadian Museum of History.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the Lunar New Year Celebrations on Feb. 4, right, at the Sir John A Macdonald Building, followed by the Government of Canada's 2025 Black History Month reception on Feb. 5, at the Museum of History. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Conservatives dominate federal party fundraising

  • The Conservative Party of Canada continues to raise more money than all of its federal competitors combined.
List | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Poilievre continues to dominate his rivals in fundraising since in late 2022. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Conservatives dominate federal party fundraising

List | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2025
  • The Conservative Party of Canada continues to raise more money than all of its federal competitors combined.

Conservatives dominate federal party fundraising

List | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2025
  • The Conservative Party of Canada continues to raise more money than all of its federal competitors combined.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Poilievre continues to dominate his rivals in fundraising since in late 2022. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

More money, more options: Tories’ record 2024 fundraising provides ‘ultimate advantage’ in election, say pundits

  • Raising $41-million in 2024, the Conservatives broke the all-time Canadian fundraising record for the second year in a row, and outpaced their rivals' combined
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's, left, second full year as leader set another historic fundraising record in 2024, more than doubling the $15.1-million raised by the governing Liberals in what would be Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's last year as leader. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

More money, more options: Tories’ record 2024 fundraising provides ‘ultimate advantage’ in election, say pundits

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2025
  • Raising $41-million in 2024, the Conservatives broke the all-time Canadian fundraising record for the second year in a row, and outpaced their rivals' combined

More money, more options: Tories’ record 2024 fundraising provides ‘ultimate advantage’ in election, say pundits

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 5, 2025
  • Raising $41-million in 2024, the Conservatives broke the all-time Canadian fundraising record for the second year in a row, and outpaced their rivals' combined
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's, left, second full year as leader set another historic fundraising record in 2024, more than doubling the $15.1-million raised by the governing Liberals in what would be Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's last year as leader. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

NDP look to ‘meet the moment’ with Trump response, but fail to shift story from Tories: Holmstrom

  • Although both the NDP and Conservatives are pitching an all-hands-on-deck approach to the U.S. tariff threat, the reception has differed wildly, according to NDP
News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2025
Although NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh previously could be counted on to be the 'adult in the room,' it's not a role he's currently playing, says former staffer Cam Holmstrom. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

NDP look to ‘meet the moment’ with Trump response, but fail to shift story from Tories: Holmstrom

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2025
  • Although both the NDP and Conservatives are pitching an all-hands-on-deck approach to the U.S. tariff threat, the reception has differed wildly, according to NDP

NDP look to ‘meet the moment’ with Trump response, but fail to shift story from Tories: Holmstrom

News | BY STUART BENSON | February 4, 2025
  • Although both the NDP and Conservatives are pitching an all-hands-on-deck approach to the U.S. tariff threat, the reception has differed wildly, according to NDP
Although NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh previously could be counted on to be the 'adult in the room,' it's not a role he's currently playing, says former staffer Cam Holmstrom. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Celebrating 30 years of Prime Time in Canada with the CMPA

  • The Canadian Media Producers Association's annual conference returned to Ottawa for three days of networking, panels, and a pair of parties.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 3, 2025
Blink49 CEO John Morayniss speaks at the CMPA's Prime Time Conference 30th anniversary reception at the Westin Hotel on Jan. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Celebrating 30 years of Prime Time in Canada with the CMPA

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 3, 2025
  • The Canadian Media Producers Association's annual conference returned to Ottawa for three days of networking, panels, and a pair of parties.

Celebrating 30 years of Prime Time in Canada with the CMPA

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | February 3, 2025
  • The Canadian Media Producers Association's annual conference returned to Ottawa for three days of networking, panels, and a pair of parties.
Blink49 CEO John Morayniss speaks at the CMPA's Prime Time Conference 30th anniversary reception at the Westin Hotel on Jan. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Third-party Protecting Canada goes on $4M TV ad attack targeting Conservative leader’s record on pensions, dental care

  • Spokesperson Megana Ramaswami says the third-party campaign hopes to ‘open voters’ eyes’ to what a Poilievre led-government may bring as federal progressive parties dither.
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2025
Alongside purchasing $4-million in advertising scheduled during major television events, Protecting Canada has also returned with a renewed Meta ad budget, and a multi-part YouTube series. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube

Third-party Protecting Canada goes on $4M TV ad attack targeting Conservative leader’s record on pensions, dental care

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2025
  • Spokesperson Megana Ramaswami says the third-party campaign hopes to ‘open voters’ eyes’ to what a Poilievre led-government may bring as federal progressive parties dither.

Third-party Protecting Canada goes on $4M TV ad attack targeting Conservative leader’s record on pensions, dental care

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2025
  • Spokesperson Megana Ramaswami says the third-party campaign hopes to ‘open voters’ eyes’ to what a Poilievre led-government may bring as federal progressive parties dither.
Alongside purchasing $4-million in advertising scheduled during major television events, Protecting Canada has also returned with a renewed Meta ad budget, and a multi-part YouTube series. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube

Reconciliation can’t become second-tier issue in Grit leadership race, says Battiste

  • Long-term goals like reconciliation and fighting climate change can't get drowned out by tariff threats and other day-to-day concerns for Liberal leadership contenders, says
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2025
Jamie Battiste
Jamie Battiste
Liberal MP Jaime Battiste says he doesn't want to see the issue of reconciliation continue to take backseat in the Liberal leadership race as has been the case in the first week since the entry deadline. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Reconciliation can’t become second-tier issue in Grit leadership race, says Battiste

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2025
  • Long-term goals like reconciliation and fighting climate change can't get drowned out by tariff threats and other day-to-day concerns for Liberal leadership contenders, says

Reconciliation can’t become second-tier issue in Grit leadership race, says Battiste

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 29, 2025
  • Long-term goals like reconciliation and fighting climate change can't get drowned out by tariff threats and other day-to-day concerns for Liberal leadership contenders, says
Jamie Battiste
Liberal MP Jaime Battiste says he doesn't want to see the issue of reconciliation continue to take backseat in the Liberal leadership race as has been the case in the first week since the entry deadline. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Fight against foreign interference ‘a never-ending battle,’ but no traitors in Parliament, says Hogue

  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference released its final report on Jan. 28, finding that while Canada’s democratic institutions are resilient, the government's response
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 28, 2025
Marie-Josée Hogue
Marie-Josée Hogue
In her report, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue said despite a 'very small number of isolated cases' where foreign interference 'may' have impacted the result of nomination contests or individual riding elections, she found 'no evidence' to suggest serious effects on institutions or that parliamentarians owe their elections to foreign entities. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Fight against foreign interference ‘a never-ending battle,’ but no traitors in Parliament, says Hogue

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 28, 2025
  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference released its final report on Jan. 28, finding that while Canada’s democratic institutions are resilient, the government's response

Fight against foreign interference ‘a never-ending battle,’ but no traitors in Parliament, says Hogue

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 28, 2025
  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference released its final report on Jan. 28, finding that while Canada’s democratic institutions are resilient, the government's response
Marie-Josée Hogue
In her report, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue said despite a 'very small number of isolated cases' where foreign interference 'may' have impacted the result of nomination contests or individual riding elections, she found 'no evidence' to suggest serious effects on institutions or that parliamentarians owe their elections to foreign entities. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Dance For Her busts a move at the Met, raising $100K to fight ovarian cancer 

  • Plus, Liberal leadership hopeful Karina Gould gathered gen-Z Grits for campaign launch meet-and-greet at Bier Markt on Jan. 23.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | January 27, 2025
Dance For Her—whose organizing team partially includes Bobby Sutherland, left, Greg MacEachern, Heather Bakken, and George Wamala—got down at the Métropolitain Brasserie on Jan. 23. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Dance For Her busts a move at the Met, raising $100K to fight ovarian cancer 

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | January 27, 2025
  • Plus, Liberal leadership hopeful Karina Gould gathered gen-Z Grits for campaign launch meet-and-greet at Bier Markt on Jan. 23.

Dance For Her busts a move at the Met, raising $100K to fight ovarian cancer 

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | January 27, 2025
  • Plus, Liberal leadership hopeful Karina Gould gathered gen-Z Grits for campaign launch meet-and-greet at Bier Markt on Jan. 23.
Dance For Her—whose organizing team partially includes Bobby Sutherland, left, Greg MacEachern, Heather Bakken, and George Wamala—got down at the Métropolitain Brasserie on Jan. 23. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Rising tithes lifts all boats? Hiked leadership entry fee, party cut will buoy Grits’ coffers: politicos

  • Alongside a $350,000 registration fee, the Liberal Party will take a 25 per cent cut of all leadership campaign donations over $500,000.
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 22, 2025
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
The price of entry into the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has more than quadrupled since the last race in 2013, which strategists say will provide a needed boost to the party's war chest and keep any frivolous candidates out of consideration. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Rising tithes lifts all boats? Hiked leadership entry fee, party cut will buoy Grits’ coffers: politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 22, 2025
  • Alongside a $350,000 registration fee, the Liberal Party will take a 25 per cent cut of all leadership campaign donations over $500,000.

Rising tithes lifts all boats? Hiked leadership entry fee, party cut will buoy Grits’ coffers: politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 22, 2025
  • Alongside a $350,000 registration fee, the Liberal Party will take a 25 per cent cut of all leadership campaign donations over $500,000.
Justin Trudeau
The price of entry into the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has more than quadrupled since the last race in 2013, which strategists say will provide a needed boost to the party's war chest and keep any frivolous candidates out of consideration. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Vying for viral: Liberals need authenticity to bridge digital divide with Tories, says online marketing strategist

  • As they fight for votes, Liberals can no longer rely on ‘polished, top-down’ TV ads to compete with the Conservatives' ‘organic online long game,’
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 22, 2025
In a digital-first political landscape, the road to victory in the Liberal leadership contest and the next federal election will be paved online, where authenticity, accessibility, and engagement are king, say observers. Screenshots courtesy of YouTube, and The Hill Times illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Vying for viral: Liberals need authenticity to bridge digital divide with Tories, says online marketing strategist

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 22, 2025
  • As they fight for votes, Liberals can no longer rely on ‘polished, top-down’ TV ads to compete with the Conservatives' ‘organic online long game,’

Vying for viral: Liberals need authenticity to bridge digital divide with Tories, says online marketing strategist

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 22, 2025
  • As they fight for votes, Liberals can no longer rely on ‘polished, top-down’ TV ads to compete with the Conservatives' ‘organic online long game,’
In a digital-first political landscape, the road to victory in the Liberal leadership contest and the next federal election will be paved online, where authenticity, accessibility, and engagement are king, say observers. Screenshots courtesy of YouTube, and The Hill Times illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Changes to Liberal leadership rules ‘thin silver lining’ amid foreign interference cloud, says national security expert Carvin

  • Liberal Party organizer and strategist Angelo Bakoulas says restricting the vote to members with permanent residency or citizenship was ‘the only choice.’
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 15, 2025
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference outside his home at Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, 2025, to announce his resignation as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Changes to Liberal leadership rules ‘thin silver lining’ amid foreign interference cloud, says national security expert Carvin

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 15, 2025
  • Liberal Party organizer and strategist Angelo Bakoulas says restricting the vote to members with permanent residency or citizenship was ‘the only choice.’

Changes to Liberal leadership rules ‘thin silver lining’ amid foreign interference cloud, says national security expert Carvin

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 15, 2025
  • Liberal Party organizer and strategist Angelo Bakoulas says restricting the vote to members with permanent residency or citizenship was ‘the only choice.’
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference outside his home at Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, 2025, to announce his resignation as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals’ legacy of legalized cannabis at risk as hopes for tax relief ‘slim to none’ before next election: industry

  • The inability to commit to a nationalized excise stamp in the fall economic statement is 'baffling,' says Cannabis Council of Canada president Paul McCarthy.
News | BY STUART BENSON | January 15, 2025
In December, the Liberals signalled an 'intent to explore' a potential switch to a national excise stamp for licensed cannabis products, but the looming election is threatening to extinguish the industry's hopes of receiving that small amount of relief. The Hill Times file photograph

Liberals’ legacy of legalized cannabis at risk as hopes for tax relief ‘slim to none’ before next election: industry

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 15, 2025
  • The inability to commit to a nationalized excise stamp in the fall economic statement is 'baffling,' says Cannabis Council of Canada president Paul McCarthy.

Liberals’ legacy of legalized cannabis at risk as hopes for tax relief ‘slim to none’ before next election: industry

News | BY STUART BENSON | January 15, 2025
  • The inability to commit to a nationalized excise stamp in the fall economic statement is 'baffling,' says Cannabis Council of Canada president Paul McCarthy.
In December, the Liberals signalled an 'intent to explore' a potential switch to a national excise stamp for licensed cannabis products, but the looming election is threatening to extinguish the industry's hopes of receiving that small amount of relief. The Hill Times file photograph

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