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Monday, February 16, 2026

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Stuart Benson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

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

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

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

The Party Central guide to Hill parties and fun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party Wars: return of the parliamentarians, part one

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

Party Wars: return of the parliamentarians, part one

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

Party Wars: return of the parliamentarians, part one

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copperbelt breaks ground at National Arts Centre

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

Copperbelt breaks ground at National Arts Centre

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

Copperbelt breaks ground at National Arts Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guarding against disinformation requires good journalists, and sometimes a good lawyer

  • World Press Freedom Canada’s annual awards luncheon celebrated the best of Canada’s investigative, local, and student journalists on May 1 at the National Arts
Feature | BY STUART BENSON | May 2, 2025
Veteran journalist Kevin Newman, left, The Hill Times' Leslie Dickson, and Pendulum Group's Heather Bakken at World Press Freedom Canada's awards luncheon on May 1 at the National Arts Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Guarding against disinformation requires good journalists, and sometimes a good lawyer

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | May 2, 2025
  • World Press Freedom Canada’s annual awards luncheon celebrated the best of Canada’s investigative, local, and student journalists on May 1 at the National Arts

Guarding against disinformation requires good journalists, and sometimes a good lawyer

Feature | BY STUART BENSON | May 2, 2025
  • World Press Freedom Canada’s annual awards luncheon celebrated the best of Canada’s investigative, local, and student journalists on May 1 at the National Arts
Veteran journalist Kevin Newman, left, The Hill Times' Leslie Dickson, and Pendulum Group's Heather Bakken at World Press Freedom Canada's awards luncheon on May 1 at the National Arts Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Carney holds his first post-election presser

  • Plus, a chief of staff to a former prime minister says disgruntled Tories would be best suited to cross the floor to the Liberals.
Feature | BY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW, STUART BENSON | May 2, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney will speak to reporters at his first press conference since winning the election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney holds his first post-election presser

Feature | BY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW, STUART BENSON | May 2, 2025
  • Plus, a chief of staff to a former prime minister says disgruntled Tories would be best suited to cross the floor to the Liberals.

Carney holds his first post-election presser

Feature | BY RIDDHI KACHHELA, PETER MAZEREEUW, STUART BENSON | May 2, 2025
  • Plus, a chief of staff to a former prime minister says disgruntled Tories would be best suited to cross the floor to the Liberals.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney will speak to reporters at his first press conference since winning the election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives spent campaign ‘fending off attacks on all sides’ as Liberals, third parties dominated Meta election ads, says expert

  • The five main parties spent more than $5.5-million on Facebook and Instagram ads in the first 30 days of the election campaign, with the
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 30, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Green co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier are projected to spend nearly $8-million collectively on Meta ads alone this election. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Conservatives spent campaign ‘fending off attacks on all sides’ as Liberals, third parties dominated Meta election ads, says expert

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 30, 2025
  • The five main parties spent more than $5.5-million on Facebook and Instagram ads in the first 30 days of the election campaign, with the

Conservatives spent campaign ‘fending off attacks on all sides’ as Liberals, third parties dominated Meta election ads, says expert

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 30, 2025
  • The five main parties spent more than $5.5-million on Facebook and Instagram ads in the first 30 days of the election campaign, with the
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Green co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier are projected to spend nearly $8-million collectively on Meta ads alone this election. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Trump, tariffs, and the economy ‘crushed’ other election issues that can’t be ignored by the government, say politicos

  • The environment, climate change, public transit, Indigenous reconciliation, and Big Tech took a back seat during the campaign, but governing will mandate their attention,
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 30, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump's views on Canada crushed any attempt by Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to steer the election away from anything not focused on Canada-U.S. relations. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Wikimedia Commons, and Pixabay, and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Trump, tariffs, and the economy ‘crushed’ other election issues that can’t be ignored by the government, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 30, 2025
  • The environment, climate change, public transit, Indigenous reconciliation, and Big Tech took a back seat during the campaign, but governing will mandate their attention,

Trump, tariffs, and the economy ‘crushed’ other election issues that can’t be ignored by the government, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 30, 2025
  • The environment, climate change, public transit, Indigenous reconciliation, and Big Tech took a back seat during the campaign, but governing will mandate their attention,
U.S. President Donald Trump's views on Canada crushed any attempt by Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to steer the election away from anything not focused on Canada-U.S. relations. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Wikimedia Commons, and Pixabay, and illustration by Joey Sabourin

‘Change takes time’: Poilievre praises ‘major’ Conservative breakthroughs in future-focused concession speech

  • Early results had the Conservatives achieving 41.7 per cent of the total vote, exceeding the 33.7 per cent of the popular vote reached by
News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT, STUART BENSON | April 29, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, shown here with his wife, Anaida, delivered a concession speech at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa early in April 29. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

‘Change takes time’: Poilievre praises ‘major’ Conservative breakthroughs in future-focused concession speech

News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT, STUART BENSON | April 29, 2025
  • Early results had the Conservatives achieving 41.7 per cent of the total vote, exceeding the 33.7 per cent of the popular vote reached by

‘Change takes time’: Poilievre praises ‘major’ Conservative breakthroughs in future-focused concession speech

News | BY JESSE CNOCKAERT, STUART BENSON | April 29, 2025
  • Early results had the Conservatives achieving 41.7 per cent of the total vote, exceeding the 33.7 per cent of the popular vote reached by
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, shown here with his wife, Anaida, delivered a concession speech at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa early in April 29. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

How many questions did federal leaders take at their daily campaign press events?

  • Pierre Poilievre took an average of four questions a day, Mark Carney took nine, Jagmeet Singh took 12, and Yves-François Blanchet took 13.
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 28, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

How many questions did federal leaders take at their daily campaign press events?

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 28, 2025
  • Pierre Poilievre took an average of four questions a day, Mark Carney took nine, Jagmeet Singh took 12, and Yves-François Blanchet took 13.

How many questions did federal leaders take at their daily campaign press events?

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 28, 2025
  • Pierre Poilievre took an average of four questions a day, Mark Carney took nine, Jagmeet Singh took 12, and Yves-François Blanchet took 13.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Election ad men: Carney, Trudeau, and Trump play starring roles in the party’s biggest hits, say digital advertising experts

  • The Hill Times asked three partisan digital communications experts to look at the 'best' campaign ads so far from the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP.
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 23, 2025
As parties look to appeal to voters and crush their opponents, they're drawing on links to former prime minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump, and raising red flags about Mark Carney’s resumé. Screenshots courtesy of YouTube

Election ad men: Carney, Trudeau, and Trump play starring roles in the party’s biggest hits, say digital advertising experts

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 23, 2025
  • The Hill Times asked three partisan digital communications experts to look at the 'best' campaign ads so far from the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP.

Election ad men: Carney, Trudeau, and Trump play starring roles in the party’s biggest hits, say digital advertising experts

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 23, 2025
  • The Hill Times asked three partisan digital communications experts to look at the 'best' campaign ads so far from the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP.
As parties look to appeal to voters and crush their opponents, they're drawing on links to former prime minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump, and raising red flags about Mark Carney’s resumé. Screenshots courtesy of YouTube

‘Trump effect’ galvanizing Grit Guilbeault’s prospects in rematch against NDP’s Machouf

  • With little sign of the Conservatives or the Bloc, the NDP and Green candidates in Laurier–Sainte-Marie, Que., are hoping to convince voters Parliament can
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 23, 2025
Liberal incumbent Steven Guilbeault sat down with The Hill Times in his Montreal riding of Laurier–Sainte-Marie to discuss 'the Trump effect' on his constituents, their disappointment with his record, and re-evaluation of his party's progress on April 17. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Trump effect’ galvanizing Grit Guilbeault’s prospects in rematch against NDP’s Machouf

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 23, 2025
  • With little sign of the Conservatives or the Bloc, the NDP and Green candidates in Laurier–Sainte-Marie, Que., are hoping to convince voters Parliament can

‘Trump effect’ galvanizing Grit Guilbeault’s prospects in rematch against NDP’s Machouf

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 23, 2025
  • With little sign of the Conservatives or the Bloc, the NDP and Green candidates in Laurier–Sainte-Marie, Que., are hoping to convince voters Parliament can
Liberal incumbent Steven Guilbeault sat down with The Hill Times in his Montreal riding of Laurier–Sainte-Marie to discuss 'the Trump effect' on his constituents, their disappointment with his record, and re-evaluation of his party's progress on April 17. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney plays defence as leaders hit debate stage for English rerun

  • In the wide ranging two-hour contest, Prime Minister Mark Carney repeated he was ‘very different’ from his predecessor Justin Trudeau, rebuffing Conservative Leader Pierre
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Prime Minister Mark Carney spar on the debate stage at the English-language debate on April 17. Pool photograph by Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press

Carney plays defence as leaders hit debate stage for English rerun

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2025
  • In the wide ranging two-hour contest, Prime Minister Mark Carney repeated he was ‘very different’ from his predecessor Justin Trudeau, rebuffing Conservative Leader Pierre

Carney plays defence as leaders hit debate stage for English rerun

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2025
  • In the wide ranging two-hour contest, Prime Minister Mark Carney repeated he was ‘very different’ from his predecessor Justin Trudeau, rebuffing Conservative Leader Pierre
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Prime Minister Mark Carney spar on the debate stage at the English-language debate on April 17. Pool photograph by Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press

Project competence, avoid silly dances: parties seek balance with social media strategies

  • A fragmented media landscape has increased the value of social media experimentation, but an NDP stumble may show the risk of full campaign integration,
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 16, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Liberal Leader Mark Carney, right, can't afford to take the same gambles on social media influencers that worked for U.S. President Donald Trump, say digital strategists. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia, courtesy of Gage Skidmore, and illustration by Neena Singhal

Project competence, avoid silly dances: parties seek balance with social media strategies

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 16, 2025
  • A fragmented media landscape has increased the value of social media experimentation, but an NDP stumble may show the risk of full campaign integration,

Project competence, avoid silly dances: parties seek balance with social media strategies

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 16, 2025
  • A fragmented media landscape has increased the value of social media experimentation, but an NDP stumble may show the risk of full campaign integration,
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Liberal Leader Mark Carney, right, can't afford to take the same gambles on social media influencers that worked for U.S. President Donald Trump, say digital strategists. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia, courtesy of Gage Skidmore, and illustration by Neena Singhal

Election platform release a ‘pass/fail’ exercise with little reward for expedience, say politicos

  • Parties must weigh the optimal time to capture voters' attention with the potential pitfalls caused by even minor errors when deciding on platform-release dates.
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 15, 2025
In a crisis election, voters are more concerned about how Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre plan to act than how they'll pay for it, according to politicos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Election platform release a ‘pass/fail’ exercise with little reward for expedience, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 15, 2025
  • Parties must weigh the optimal time to capture voters' attention with the potential pitfalls caused by even minor errors when deciding on platform-release dates.

Election platform release a ‘pass/fail’ exercise with little reward for expedience, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 15, 2025
  • Parties must weigh the optimal time to capture voters' attention with the potential pitfalls caused by even minor errors when deciding on platform-release dates.
In a crisis election, voters are more concerned about how Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre plan to act than how they'll pay for it, according to politicos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Canada Strong and Free Network looks beyond federal issues as campaign forces national Tories away from conference

  • Federal Conservative candidates stay away, but lineup includes swathe of provincial premiers, ex-politicians, and American speakers.
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2025
Bari Weiss, left, founder and editor of American The Free Press and self described 'conservative of liberalism,' delivered the headline-keynote address, moderated by John Baird, the former Harper-era cabinet minister, on the first evening of the 2025 Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa on April 9. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada Strong and Free Network looks beyond federal issues as campaign forces national Tories away from conference

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2025
  • Federal Conservative candidates stay away, but lineup includes swathe of provincial premiers, ex-politicians, and American speakers.

Canada Strong and Free Network looks beyond federal issues as campaign forces national Tories away from conference

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2025
  • Federal Conservative candidates stay away, but lineup includes swathe of provincial premiers, ex-politicians, and American speakers.
Bari Weiss, left, founder and editor of American The Free Press and self described 'conservative of liberalism,' delivered the headline-keynote address, moderated by John Baird, the former Harper-era cabinet minister, on the first evening of the 2025 Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa on April 9. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives’ tight grip on media access not living up to promise to be ‘most accessible and transparent campaign,’ say reporters

  • The Conservative leader took 65 questions in broadcast press conferences during the first two weeks of the campaign, compared to the 148 fielded by
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 9, 2025
Campaign Launch Message Event of Pierre Poilievre, March 23, 2025 at the Museum of History, Gatineau. Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Campaign Launch Message Event of Pierre Poilievre, March 23, 2025 at the Museum of History, Gatineau. Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre should play to his strengths and 'talk more,' says Tory pundit Dan Mader. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Conservatives’ tight grip on media access not living up to promise to be ‘most accessible and transparent campaign,’ say reporters

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 9, 2025
  • The Conservative leader took 65 questions in broadcast press conferences during the first two weeks of the campaign, compared to the 148 fielded by

Conservatives’ tight grip on media access not living up to promise to be ‘most accessible and transparent campaign,’ say reporters

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 9, 2025
  • The Conservative leader took 65 questions in broadcast press conferences during the first two weeks of the campaign, compared to the 148 fielded by
Campaign Launch Message Event of Pierre Poilievre, March 23, 2025 at the Museum of History, Gatineau. Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre should play to his strengths and 'talk more,' says Tory pundit Dan Mader. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Tories’ creative daily ad content bests Grits’ sophisticated distribution strategy, says digital marketing critic

  • While the Conservatives are flooding the airwaves with an array of innovative digital advertising, the Liberals' ads remain 'plain, straightforward, and boring,' says Tory
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 9, 2025
In the first two weeks of the campaign, the Liberals have implemented a 'sophisticated' distribution and targeting strategy, but the Conservatives have the edge on creativity, innovation, and diversity of style, say online political-communications experts. Screenshots courtesy of YouTube, and The Hill Times illustration by Joey Sabourin

Tories’ creative daily ad content bests Grits’ sophisticated distribution strategy, says digital marketing critic

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 9, 2025
  • While the Conservatives are flooding the airwaves with an array of innovative digital advertising, the Liberals' ads remain 'plain, straightforward, and boring,' says Tory

Tories’ creative daily ad content bests Grits’ sophisticated distribution strategy, says digital marketing critic

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 9, 2025
  • While the Conservatives are flooding the airwaves with an array of innovative digital advertising, the Liberals' ads remain 'plain, straightforward, and boring,' says Tory
In the first two weeks of the campaign, the Liberals have implemented a 'sophisticated' distribution and targeting strategy, but the Conservatives have the edge on creativity, innovation, and diversity of style, say online political-communications experts. Screenshots courtesy of YouTube, and The Hill Times illustration by Joey Sabourin

Major third parties wind down ads in writ period, but organic ‘authenticity’ better than polished spots, say strategists

  • Political groups like Protecting Canada and Canada Proud previously spent tens of thousands of dollars on Facebook and Instagram, but have since logged off
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2025
Despite spending more than $100,000 monthly since January to advertise on Meta platforms, and millions more on YouTube, Google, and TV spots, third-party political groups like Protecting Canada are choosing to stay quiet rather than register with Elections Canada. Screenshot courtesy of Protecting Canada.ca

Major third parties wind down ads in writ period, but organic ‘authenticity’ better than polished spots, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2025
  • Political groups like Protecting Canada and Canada Proud previously spent tens of thousands of dollars on Facebook and Instagram, but have since logged off

Major third parties wind down ads in writ period, but organic ‘authenticity’ better than polished spots, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2025
  • Political groups like Protecting Canada and Canada Proud previously spent tens of thousands of dollars on Facebook and Instagram, but have since logged off
Despite spending more than $100,000 monthly since January to advertise on Meta platforms, and millions more on YouTube, Google, and TV spots, third-party political groups like Protecting Canada are choosing to stay quiet rather than register with Elections Canada. Screenshot courtesy of Protecting Canada.ca

‘This cannot stand in Canada’: advocates push Liberals to showcase ‘zero tolerance’ after downplaying former candidate’s China bounty comments

  • Despite Paul Chiang's resignation, diaspora communities 'will now remember' Liberal Leader Mark Carney 'stood by his candidate' whose comments are now being probed by
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2025
Former Liberal candidate Paul Chiang's comments suggesting people collect the bounty put on a Conservative candidate by the Chinese government are an 'unthinkable' example of transnational repression, say advocates. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

‘This cannot stand in Canada’: advocates push Liberals to showcase ‘zero tolerance’ after downplaying former candidate’s China bounty comments

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2025
  • Despite Paul Chiang's resignation, diaspora communities 'will now remember' Liberal Leader Mark Carney 'stood by his candidate' whose comments are now being probed by

‘This cannot stand in Canada’: advocates push Liberals to showcase ‘zero tolerance’ after downplaying former candidate’s China bounty comments

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2025
  • Despite Paul Chiang's resignation, diaspora communities 'will now remember' Liberal Leader Mark Carney 'stood by his candidate' whose comments are now being probed by
Former Liberal candidate Paul Chiang's comments suggesting people collect the bounty put on a Conservative candidate by the Chinese government are an 'unthinkable' example of transnational repression, say advocates. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Tracking federal parties’ Meta spending in the campaign

  • In the first three days after the election call, the Liberals spent $301,000 on Meta ads for the party and their leader, outpacing the
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 28, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Green co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, and PPC Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Tracking federal parties’ Meta spending in the campaign

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 28, 2025
  • In the first three days after the election call, the Liberals spent $301,000 on Meta ads for the party and their leader, outpacing the

Tracking federal parties’ Meta spending in the campaign

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 28, 2025
  • In the first three days after the election call, the Liberals spent $301,000 on Meta ads for the party and their leader, outpacing the
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Green co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, and PPC Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Grits go-getters in digital election ads, overtaking Tory pre-writ lead on Meta spending

  • Liberals take decisive day-one lead, spending $118,000 on Facebook and Instagram as Conservatives coast on a half-million-dollar pre-election-week spend on the platform.
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 27, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and his Liberal Party kicked off the first official day of the writ period with over $118,000 in Meta ads, 14 times more than the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre, who spent over $500,000 in the previous week. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Grits go-getters in digital election ads, overtaking Tory pre-writ lead on Meta spending

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 27, 2025
  • Liberals take decisive day-one lead, spending $118,000 on Facebook and Instagram as Conservatives coast on a half-million-dollar pre-election-week spend on the platform.

Grits go-getters in digital election ads, overtaking Tory pre-writ lead on Meta spending

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 27, 2025
  • Liberals take decisive day-one lead, spending $118,000 on Facebook and Instagram as Conservatives coast on a half-million-dollar pre-election-week spend on the platform.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and his Liberal Party kicked off the first official day of the writ period with over $118,000 in Meta ads, 14 times more than the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre, who spent over $500,000 in the previous week. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Barring access to Tory leader’s tour will limit coverage, but the press gallery will find a way, say journos

  • The Conservatives’ decision breaks with foundational precedent ‘to observe and ask questions,’ says World Press Freedom Canada’s Heather Bakken.
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 26, 2025
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his election campaign with a press conference in Gatineau, Que., on March 23, but unlike his competitors, journalists were left to catch their own ride when he set off for his next stop in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Barring access to Tory leader’s tour will limit coverage, but the press gallery will find a way, say journos

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 26, 2025
  • The Conservatives’ decision breaks with foundational precedent ‘to observe and ask questions,’ says World Press Freedom Canada’s Heather Bakken.

Barring access to Tory leader’s tour will limit coverage, but the press gallery will find a way, say journos

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 26, 2025
  • The Conservatives’ decision breaks with foundational precedent ‘to observe and ask questions,’ says World Press Freedom Canada’s Heather Bakken.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his election campaign with a press conference in Gatineau, Que., on March 23, but unlike his competitors, journalists were left to catch their own ride when he set off for his next stop in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Carney’s ‘decisive’ first week as prime minister may determine if he gets to stay post-election, say strategists

  • Mark Carney's first nine days as prime minister were jam-packed, but he can't keep coasting on the quick and easy decisions or cribbing from
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 25, 2025
After a week of some Canadians viewing their new prime minister through rose-tinted glasses, strategists say Mark Carney, pictured, will need to develop a thicker skin to keep his cool under the spotlight of a general election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney’s ‘decisive’ first week as prime minister may determine if he gets to stay post-election, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 25, 2025
  • Mark Carney's first nine days as prime minister were jam-packed, but he can't keep coasting on the quick and easy decisions or cribbing from

Carney’s ‘decisive’ first week as prime minister may determine if he gets to stay post-election, say strategists

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 25, 2025
  • Mark Carney's first nine days as prime minister were jam-packed, but he can't keep coasting on the quick and easy decisions or cribbing from
After a week of some Canadians viewing their new prime minister through rose-tinted glasses, strategists say Mark Carney, pictured, will need to develop a thicker skin to keep his cool under the spotlight of a general election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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