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Saturday, May 3, 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.

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
FeatureBY 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

FeatureBY 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

FeatureBY 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.
FeatureBY 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

FeatureBY 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

FeatureBY 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

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

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

‘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 | UPDATED May 1, 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 | UPDATED May 1, 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 | UPDATED May 1, 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

‘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

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

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

Surging in the polls, PM Carney calls general election for April 28

  • Thanks to the ongoing trade war with the U.S. fuelling their momentum, the Carney Liberals enter the campaign with the wind at their backs
News | BY STUART BENSON, ABBAS RANA | March 23, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney kicked off the federal election campaign with a visit to Rideau Hall to ask Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve the 44th Parliament on March 23. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Surging in the polls, PM Carney calls general election for April 28

News | BY STUART BENSON, ABBAS RANA | March 23, 2025
  • Thanks to the ongoing trade war with the U.S. fuelling their momentum, the Carney Liberals enter the campaign with the wind at their backs

Surging in the polls, PM Carney calls general election for April 28

News | BY STUART BENSON, ABBAS RANA | March 23, 2025
  • Thanks to the ongoing trade war with the U.S. fuelling their momentum, the Carney Liberals enter the campaign with the wind at their backs
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney kicked off the federal election campaign with a visit to Rideau Hall to ask Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve the 44th Parliament on March 23. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Critics say new PM Carney ‘failed to turn the page’ with cabinet picks, but narrative link necessary, say Liberals

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre claims voters won’t be fooled again by the ‘same old Liberal gang,’ but continuity for the Canada-U.S. relationship is a
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 19, 2025
International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, chats with Prime Minister Mark Carney during the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on March 14. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Critics say new PM Carney ‘failed to turn the page’ with cabinet picks, but narrative link necessary, say Liberals

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 19, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre claims voters won’t be fooled again by the ‘same old Liberal gang,’ but continuity for the Canada-U.S. relationship is a

Critics say new PM Carney ‘failed to turn the page’ with cabinet picks, but narrative link necessary, say Liberals

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 19, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre claims voters won’t be fooled again by the ‘same old Liberal gang,’ but continuity for the Canada-U.S. relationship is a
International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, chats with Prime Minister Mark Carney during the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on March 14. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

‘If you’ve got the money, spend it’: three major parties boost digital ad buys to define Prime Minister Carney’s brand

  • The new PM's $290,000 ‘investment’ in Meta advertising during the leadership race will pay dividends during a general election, says digital strategist Harneet Singh.
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 18, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, spent just shy of $300,000 during Liberal leadership race to introduce himself to the party membership and Canadians at large, while the Pierre Poilievre-led Conservatives approach $200,000 per week to define him in at least three different languages. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘If you’ve got the money, spend it’: three major parties boost digital ad buys to define Prime Minister Carney’s brand

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 18, 2025
  • The new PM's $290,000 ‘investment’ in Meta advertising during the leadership race will pay dividends during a general election, says digital strategist Harneet Singh.

‘If you’ve got the money, spend it’: three major parties boost digital ad buys to define Prime Minister Carney’s brand

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 18, 2025
  • The new PM's $290,000 ‘investment’ in Meta advertising during the leadership race will pay dividends during a general election, says digital strategist Harneet Singh.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, spent just shy of $300,000 during Liberal leadership race to introduce himself to the party membership and Canadians at large, while the Pierre Poilievre-led Conservatives approach $200,000 per week to define him in at least three different languages. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New PM Carney unveils his election cabinet, cutting team to 23 ministers

  • Mark Carney is sworn in as prime minister on March 14, retaining key members of cabinet handling Canada-U.S. relations and bringing in only three
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 14, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney takes media questions after the Rideau Hall cabinet swearing-in ceremony on March 14. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

New PM Carney unveils his election cabinet, cutting team to 23 ministers

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 14, 2025
  • Mark Carney is sworn in as prime minister on March 14, retaining key members of cabinet handling Canada-U.S. relations and bringing in only three

New PM Carney unveils his election cabinet, cutting team to 23 ministers

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 14, 2025
  • Mark Carney is sworn in as prime minister on March 14, retaining key members of cabinet handling Canada-U.S. relations and bringing in only three
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney takes media questions after the Rideau Hall cabinet swearing-in ceremony on March 14. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Grits’ grassroots hope Carney keeps ‘eyes and ears open’ for party renewal

  • Despite renewed hope among Liberal staffers and volunteers, any plans for structural party change will remain secondary priorities until after the next election, says
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 12, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
As new Liberal Leader Mark Carney focuses on moving into the Prime Minister's Office, party members say they want him to move on from the office's current centralized power and decision-making. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Grits’ grassroots hope Carney keeps ‘eyes and ears open’ for party renewal

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 12, 2025
  • Despite renewed hope among Liberal staffers and volunteers, any plans for structural party change will remain secondary priorities until after the next election, says

Grits’ grassroots hope Carney keeps ‘eyes and ears open’ for party renewal

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 12, 2025
  • Despite renewed hope among Liberal staffers and volunteers, any plans for structural party change will remain secondary priorities until after the next election, says
Mark Carney
As new Liberal Leader Mark Carney focuses on moving into the Prime Minister's Office, party members say they want him to move on from the office's current centralized power and decision-making. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

B.C. suit says feds used consultations to justify ‘bad-faith’ Discovery Island salmon farming ban

  • Cermaq Canada is alleging former fisheries minister Joyce Murray disregarded the advice of her department and government scientists.
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 12, 2025
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans hasn't issued licences to salmon farms in B.C.'s Discovery Islands since June 2022, but a new civil suit claims it conducted a 'bad-faith' consultation to justify a 'predetermined' outcome. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

B.C. suit says feds used consultations to justify ‘bad-faith’ Discovery Island salmon farming ban

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 12, 2025
  • Cermaq Canada is alleging former fisheries minister Joyce Murray disregarded the advice of her department and government scientists.

B.C. suit says feds used consultations to justify ‘bad-faith’ Discovery Island salmon farming ban

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 12, 2025
  • Cermaq Canada is alleging former fisheries minister Joyce Murray disregarded the advice of her department and government scientists.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans hasn't issued licences to salmon farms in B.C.'s Discovery Islands since June 2022, but a new civil suit claims it conducted a 'bad-faith' consultation to justify a 'predetermined' outcome. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Former central banker Carney takes Liberal leadership in landslide win on first ballot

  • Mark Carney dominates the results with 85.9 per cent of the vote ahead of former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland in second place with
News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | March 9, 2025
Mark Carney arrives at Rogers Centre Ottawa to a crowd of supporters gathered for the Liberal Party leadership announcement on March 9. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Former central banker Carney takes Liberal leadership in landslide win on first ballot

News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | March 9, 2025
  • Mark Carney dominates the results with 85.9 per cent of the vote ahead of former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland in second place with

Former central banker Carney takes Liberal leadership in landslide win on first ballot

News | BY ABBAS RANA, STUART BENSON | March 9, 2025
  • Mark Carney dominates the results with 85.9 per cent of the vote ahead of former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland in second place with
Mark Carney arrives at Rogers Centre Ottawa to a crowd of supporters gathered for the Liberal Party leadership announcement on March 9. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
More Stories

Foreign interference a ‘stain’ on Canada’s electoral processes, but did not undermine 2019, 2021 elections, says Hogue

  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference released its preliminary report on May 3, finding that while evidence of foreign-state-led election interference did occur in
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 3, 2024
Commissioner Justice Marie-Josée Hogue presides over the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2024. She said if left unchecked, foreign interference threats could further reduce Canadians' trust in the resilience of our democratic institutions. 'The cat is now out of the proverbial bag.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Foreign interference a ‘stain’ on Canada’s electoral processes, but did not undermine 2019, 2021 elections, says Hogue

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 3, 2024
  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference released its preliminary report on May 3, finding that while evidence of foreign-state-led election interference did occur in

Foreign interference a ‘stain’ on Canada’s electoral processes, but did not undermine 2019, 2021 elections, says Hogue

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 3, 2024
  • The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference released its preliminary report on May 3, finding that while evidence of foreign-state-led election interference did occur in
Commissioner Justice Marie-Josée Hogue presides over the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2024. She said if left unchecked, foreign interference threats could further reduce Canadians' trust in the resilience of our democratic institutions. 'The cat is now out of the proverbial bag.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Parliamentarians and politicos play dress up at CMPA wrap party

  • The Canadian Media Producers Association hosted its post-lobby day reception at the Château Laurier on April 30. It was fun.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | May 1, 2024
CMPA President and CEO Reynolds Mastin, left, and Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, right, pose with Paw Patrol's Officer Chase at the Canadian Media Producers Hill Day reception at the Château Laurier on April 30. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Parliamentarians and politicos play dress up at CMPA wrap party

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | May 1, 2024
  • The Canadian Media Producers Association hosted its post-lobby day reception at the Château Laurier on April 30. It was fun.

Parliamentarians and politicos play dress up at CMPA wrap party

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | May 1, 2024
  • The Canadian Media Producers Association hosted its post-lobby day reception at the Château Laurier on April 30. It was fun.
CMPA President and CEO Reynolds Mastin, left, and Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, right, pose with Paw Patrol's Officer Chase at the Canadian Media Producers Hill Day reception at the Château Laurier on April 30. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Liberal housing strategy will need ‘both carrots and sticks’ to break through affordable housing stalemate: observers

  • The Liberals should abandon the idea of public lands as a revenue resource and go-all in on affordability, says CHRA's Ray Sullivan.
News | BY STUART BENSON | May 1, 2024
Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Minister Sean Fraser speaks to reporters as he arrives for the Liberal caucus meeting in West Block on April 17. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberal housing strategy will need ‘both carrots and sticks’ to break through affordable housing stalemate: observers

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 1, 2024
  • The Liberals should abandon the idea of public lands as a revenue resource and go-all in on affordability, says CHRA's Ray Sullivan.

Liberal housing strategy will need ‘both carrots and sticks’ to break through affordable housing stalemate: observers

News | BY STUART BENSON | May 1, 2024
  • The Liberals should abandon the idea of public lands as a revenue resource and go-all in on affordability, says CHRA's Ray Sullivan.
Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Minister Sean Fraser speaks to reporters as he arrives for the Liberal caucus meeting in West Block on April 17. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public hearings provided ‘no great revelations’ for upcoming foreign interference report, says national security expert Wesley Wark

  • Former CSIS intelligence analyst Stephanie Carvin says the commission is ‘another inconvenient warning’ from an exasperated intelligence community with an outdated mandate.
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 29, 2024
After hearing from nearly 70 witnesses over 10 days earlier this spring, Foreign Interference Commissioner Justice Marie-Josée Hogue is set to release her interim report on May 3. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public hearings provided ‘no great revelations’ for upcoming foreign interference report, says national security expert Wesley Wark

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 29, 2024
  • Former CSIS intelligence analyst Stephanie Carvin says the commission is ‘another inconvenient warning’ from an exasperated intelligence community with an outdated mandate.

Public hearings provided ‘no great revelations’ for upcoming foreign interference report, says national security expert Wesley Wark

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 29, 2024
  • Former CSIS intelligence analyst Stephanie Carvin says the commission is ‘another inconvenient warning’ from an exasperated intelligence community with an outdated mandate.
After hearing from nearly 70 witnesses over 10 days earlier this spring, Foreign Interference Commissioner Justice Marie-Josée Hogue is set to release her interim report on May 3. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Overtaxed and overburdened’: cannabis industry suffocating under regulatory regime as feds take puff past excise relief in budget

  • Cannabis Council of Canada's Paul McCarthy says he's ‘bewildered’ at the feds' lack of action despite growing calls from industry, experts, and a House
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 24, 2024
Between 2020 and 2023, the number of companies owing excise debt increased from 68 to 213, accounting for a threefold increase in outstanding debt from $52.4-million to $192.7-million. Without swift action from the federal government, there soon may not be a legal market left to tax, says Organigram CEO Beena Goldenberg. The Hill Times file photograph

‘Overtaxed and overburdened’: cannabis industry suffocating under regulatory regime as feds take puff past excise relief in budget

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 24, 2024
  • Cannabis Council of Canada's Paul McCarthy says he's ‘bewildered’ at the feds' lack of action despite growing calls from industry, experts, and a House

‘Overtaxed and overburdened’: cannabis industry suffocating under regulatory regime as feds take puff past excise relief in budget

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 24, 2024
  • Cannabis Council of Canada's Paul McCarthy says he's ‘bewildered’ at the feds' lack of action despite growing calls from industry, experts, and a House
Between 2020 and 2023, the number of companies owing excise debt increased from 68 to 213, accounting for a threefold increase in outstanding debt from $52.4-million to $192.7-million. Without swift action from the federal government, there soon may not be a legal market left to tax, says Organigram CEO Beena Goldenberg. The Hill Times file photograph

Tenants’ advocates warn of landlords ‘double dipping’ into green retrofit fund without greater transparency or strings attached

  • A recent survey by ACORN Canada found more than half of 100+ tenants in Alberta-based Avenue Living’s properties saw rent increases of $300 to
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 24, 2024
The 2024 budget announced $458-million to provide low-interest loans and grants for energy-efficient affordable housing retrofits, and $800-million over five years to launch a new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low- to median-incomes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tenants’ advocates warn of landlords ‘double dipping’ into green retrofit fund without greater transparency or strings attached

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 24, 2024
  • A recent survey by ACORN Canada found more than half of 100+ tenants in Alberta-based Avenue Living’s properties saw rent increases of $300 to

Tenants’ advocates warn of landlords ‘double dipping’ into green retrofit fund without greater transparency or strings attached

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 24, 2024
  • A recent survey by ACORN Canada found more than half of 100+ tenants in Alberta-based Avenue Living’s properties saw rent increases of $300 to
The 2024 budget announced $458-million to provide low-interest loans and grants for energy-efficient affordable housing retrofits, and $800-million over five years to launch a new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low- to median-incomes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians, press, and politicos pack The Mét for post-budget pints

  • iPolitics and Earnscliffe hosted their annual post-budget day bash at the Métropolitain Brasserie on April 16, and it was fun.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2024
City News’ Glen McGregor, left, freelance journalist Teresa Wright, and Marco Vigliotti, editor-in-chief for iPolitics Canada, at the post-budget reception hosted by iPolitics and Earnscliffe Strategies at the Métropolitain Brasserie on April 16. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Politicians, press, and politicos pack The Mét for post-budget pints

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2024
  • iPolitics and Earnscliffe hosted their annual post-budget day bash at the Métropolitain Brasserie on April 16, and it was fun.

Politicians, press, and politicos pack The Mét for post-budget pints

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2024
  • iPolitics and Earnscliffe hosted their annual post-budget day bash at the Métropolitain Brasserie on April 16, and it was fun.
City News’ Glen McGregor, left, freelance journalist Teresa Wright, and Marco Vigliotti, editor-in-chief for iPolitics Canada, at the post-budget reception hosted by iPolitics and Earnscliffe Strategies at the Métropolitain Brasserie on April 16. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

The Canadian Conservative movement is tired of apologizing for their ideas

  • ‘Conservatism no longer a dirty word’: Canada Strong and Free Conference shows confidence and conviction in Conservative ideas, and a rejection of ‘centrist orthodoxy'
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2024
While addressing more than 1,000 attendees at the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on April 11, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured, framed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a ‘radical departure’ from the ‘common-sense, Canadian consensus.’ The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Canadian Conservative movement is tired of apologizing for their ideas

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2024
  • ‘Conservatism no longer a dirty word’: Canada Strong and Free Conference shows confidence and conviction in Conservative ideas, and a rejection of ‘centrist orthodoxy'

The Canadian Conservative movement is tired of apologizing for their ideas

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 17, 2024
  • ‘Conservatism no longer a dirty word’: Canada Strong and Free Conference shows confidence and conviction in Conservative ideas, and a rejection of ‘centrist orthodoxy'
While addressing more than 1,000 attendees at the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on April 11, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured, framed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a ‘radical departure’ from the ‘common-sense, Canadian consensus.’ The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It could be the end of the world, but the journos looked fine at the 2024 Press Gallery Dinner

  • Independent journalist Paul Wells received the 2024 Charles Lynch Award, and the giant novelty cheque was awarded to La Fondation Donatien-Frémont.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 15, 2024
StrategyCorp's Lisa Samson, left, Charles Lynch awardee Paul Wells, and Treasury Board President Anita Anand at the 2024 Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on April 13. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

It could be the end of the world, but the journos looked fine at the 2024 Press Gallery Dinner

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 15, 2024
  • Independent journalist Paul Wells received the 2024 Charles Lynch Award, and the giant novelty cheque was awarded to La Fondation Donatien-Frémont.

It could be the end of the world, but the journos looked fine at the 2024 Press Gallery Dinner

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 15, 2024
  • Independent journalist Paul Wells received the 2024 Charles Lynch Award, and the giant novelty cheque was awarded to La Fondation Donatien-Frémont.
StrategyCorp's Lisa Samson, left, Charles Lynch awardee Paul Wells, and Treasury Board President Anita Anand at the 2024 Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on April 13. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Poilievre pitches ‘common-sense Canadian consensus’ at Canada Strong and Free conference, casts Trudeau as ‘illiberal’ outlier

  • In a keynote speech to the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on April 11, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre detailed his 'simple plan' to
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 12, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivers a keynote address at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa on April 11. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre pitches ‘common-sense Canadian consensus’ at Canada Strong and Free conference, casts Trudeau as ‘illiberal’ outlier

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 12, 2024
  • In a keynote speech to the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on April 11, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre detailed his 'simple plan' to

Poilievre pitches ‘common-sense Canadian consensus’ at Canada Strong and Free conference, casts Trudeau as ‘illiberal’ outlier

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 12, 2024
  • In a keynote speech to the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on April 11, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre detailed his 'simple plan' to
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivers a keynote address at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa on April 11. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Boris Johnson and Tony Abbott open the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference  

  • Over 1,000 guests including Conservative MPs, strategists and staffers attended the keynote panel on April 10.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 11, 2024
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, left, former British prime minister Boris Johnson open the Canada Strong and Free Conference at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa on April 10. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Boris Johnson and Tony Abbott open the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference  

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 11, 2024
  • Over 1,000 guests including Conservative MPs, strategists and staffers attended the keynote panel on April 10.

Boris Johnson and Tony Abbott open the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference  

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 11, 2024
  • Over 1,000 guests including Conservative MPs, strategists and staffers attended the keynote panel on April 10.
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, left, former British prime minister Boris Johnson open the Canada Strong and Free Conference at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa on April 10. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson

Liberals’ pre-budget ‘full-court press’ to win back younger voters a stress test for caucus election readiness, say politicos

  • Despite flooding the zone ahead of the budget, being aggressive will only take the Liberals so far, and budget announcements without proper execution would
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2024
Clockwise from top left: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Families Minister Jenna Sudds, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Housing Minister Sean Fraser have joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in daily press conferences across the country to highlight upcoming budget spending. Screenshots courtesy of CPAC

Liberals’ pre-budget ‘full-court press’ to win back younger voters a stress test for caucus election readiness, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2024
  • Despite flooding the zone ahead of the budget, being aggressive will only take the Liberals so far, and budget announcements without proper execution would

Liberals’ pre-budget ‘full-court press’ to win back younger voters a stress test for caucus election readiness, say politicos

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2024
  • Despite flooding the zone ahead of the budget, being aggressive will only take the Liberals so far, and budget announcements without proper execution would
Clockwise from top left: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Families Minister Jenna Sudds, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Housing Minister Sean Fraser have joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in daily press conferences across the country to highlight upcoming budget spending. Screenshots courtesy of CPAC

Public inquiry’s spotlight on ‘absurd’ Liberal nomination rules already paying dividends, says former Grit riding hopeful

  • When he testifies on April 10, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will have to answer for why his party continues to allow international students to
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2024
Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue presides over the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference on April 3. The inquiry will finish its Stage 1 hearings on April 10, hearing from top members of cabinet, such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, National Defence Minister Bill Blair, and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public inquiry’s spotlight on ‘absurd’ Liberal nomination rules already paying dividends, says former Grit riding hopeful

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2024
  • When he testifies on April 10, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will have to answer for why his party continues to allow international students to

Public inquiry’s spotlight on ‘absurd’ Liberal nomination rules already paying dividends, says former Grit riding hopeful

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 10, 2024
  • When he testifies on April 10, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will have to answer for why his party continues to allow international students to
Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue presides over the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference on April 3. The inquiry will finish its Stage 1 hearings on April 10, hearing from top members of cabinet, such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, National Defence Minister Bill Blair, and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The (real) Susan Delacourt stands up

  • ‘There’s a lot to be said for life without Twitter’: the Toronto Star’s Susan Delacourt says she is still weighing whether to abandon or
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 8, 2024
Six weeks after her email, password, and online identity were compromised by a hacker, the Toronto Star’s Susan Delacourt says finally regaining access to her account on X felt like 'returning to a home after it was trashed by burglars.' Photograph courtesy of X

The (real) Susan Delacourt stands up

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 8, 2024
  • ‘There’s a lot to be said for life without Twitter’: the Toronto Star’s Susan Delacourt says she is still weighing whether to abandon or

The (real) Susan Delacourt stands up

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 8, 2024
  • ‘There’s a lot to be said for life without Twitter’: the Toronto Star’s Susan Delacourt says she is still weighing whether to abandon or
Six weeks after her email, password, and online identity were compromised by a hacker, the Toronto Star’s Susan Delacourt says finally regaining access to her account on X felt like 'returning to a home after it was trashed by burglars.' Photograph courtesy of X

Confronting Beijing’s meddling outweighs concerns over politician participation, says Uyghur advocate

  • Panellists from diaspora groups provided the Foreign Interference Commission with 'courageous and heartbreaking' context to examine the full scope of the problem, says a
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 3, 2024
Justice Marie-Josée Hogue will hear from nearly 50 witnesses and examine thousands of pages of documents before the first stage of hearings for the public inquiry into foreign election interference in the last two federal elections is complete on April 10, with her initial report due May 3. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Confronting Beijing’s meddling outweighs concerns over politician participation, says Uyghur advocate

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 3, 2024
  • Panellists from diaspora groups provided the Foreign Interference Commission with 'courageous and heartbreaking' context to examine the full scope of the problem, says a

Confronting Beijing’s meddling outweighs concerns over politician participation, says Uyghur advocate

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 3, 2024
  • Panellists from diaspora groups provided the Foreign Interference Commission with 'courageous and heartbreaking' context to examine the full scope of the problem, says a
Justice Marie-Josée Hogue will hear from nearly 50 witnesses and examine thousands of pages of documents before the first stage of hearings for the public inquiry into foreign election interference in the last two federal elections is complete on April 10, with her initial report due May 3. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

U.S. election preoccupies Canada’s top 50 foreign influencers as feds’ focus gets pulled from Asia strategy

  • Current and former senior government officials, past diplomats, and insiders weigh in on who has influence over Canadian foreign policy for The Hill Times'
News | BY NEIL MOSS, STEPHEN JEFFERY, STUART BENSON, JONAH GRIGNON | April 3, 2024
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, left, and International Trade Minister Mary Ng, right, have been tapped to lead the 'Team Canada' U.S. engagement effort, with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, centre, bringing her key D.C. links, having formerly been Ottawa's point person for the bilateral relationship. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

U.S. election preoccupies Canada’s top 50 foreign influencers as feds’ focus gets pulled from Asia strategy

News | BY NEIL MOSS, STEPHEN JEFFERY, STUART BENSON, JONAH GRIGNON | April 3, 2024
  • Current and former senior government officials, past diplomats, and insiders weigh in on who has influence over Canadian foreign policy for The Hill Times'

U.S. election preoccupies Canada’s top 50 foreign influencers as feds’ focus gets pulled from Asia strategy

News | BY NEIL MOSS, STEPHEN JEFFERY, STUART BENSON, JONAH GRIGNON | April 3, 2024
  • Current and former senior government officials, past diplomats, and insiders weigh in on who has influence over Canadian foreign policy for The Hill Times'
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, left, and International Trade Minister Mary Ng, right, have been tapped to lead the 'Team Canada' U.S. engagement effort, with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, centre, bringing her key D.C. links, having formerly been Ottawa's point person for the bilateral relationship. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

School food advocates celebrate as Liberals serve up long-awaited $1B for national program 

  • While still light on specifics or agreements with the provinces and territories, Coalition for Healthy School Food co-ordinator Debbie Field says ‘the most important
News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2024
Families, Children, and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds, centre, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, announced the launch of the long-promised national school food program and accompanying $1-billion over five years at a Toronto press conference on April 1. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

School food advocates celebrate as Liberals serve up long-awaited $1B for national program 

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2024
  • While still light on specifics or agreements with the provinces and territories, Coalition for Healthy School Food co-ordinator Debbie Field says ‘the most important

School food advocates celebrate as Liberals serve up long-awaited $1B for national program 

News | BY STUART BENSON | April 2, 2024
  • While still light on specifics or agreements with the provinces and territories, Coalition for Healthy School Food co-ordinator Debbie Field says ‘the most important
Families, Children, and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds, centre, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, announced the launch of the long-promised national school food program and accompanying $1-billion over five years at a Toronto press conference on April 1. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

How I spent my Good Friday experimenting in multi-sensory perception with wine and Chopin at the swishy Rideau Club

  • Honens laureate Pavel Kolesnikov performed a private recital on March 29 at the Rideau Club.
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 1, 2024
Pavel Kolesnikov, the 2012 Honens Circle Laureate, warms up the ivories in the Jean Pigott Lounge at the Rideau Club in Ottawa on March 29. Photograph courtesy of Fred Chartrand

How I spent my Good Friday experimenting in multi-sensory perception with wine and Chopin at the swishy Rideau Club

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 1, 2024
  • Honens laureate Pavel Kolesnikov performed a private recital on March 29 at the Rideau Club.

How I spent my Good Friday experimenting in multi-sensory perception with wine and Chopin at the swishy Rideau Club

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | April 1, 2024
  • Honens laureate Pavel Kolesnikov performed a private recital on March 29 at the Rideau Club.
Pavel Kolesnikov, the 2012 Honens Circle Laureate, warms up the ivories in the Jean Pigott Lounge at the Rideau Club in Ottawa on March 29. Photograph courtesy of Fred Chartrand

Finishing the fight against COVID and the ‘global race’ to the top of Mount Vaccine

  • In the final part of The Hill Times' series on the fourth anniversary of COVID-19, Minister Anita Anand reflects on her role in the
News | BY STUART BENSON | March 27, 2024
A mask and a bottle of hand sanitizer are pictured next to Canada’s deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo during an update on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa on Jan. 5, 2021. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Finishing the fight against COVID and the ‘global race’ to the top of Mount Vaccine

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 27, 2024
  • In the final part of The Hill Times' series on the fourth anniversary of COVID-19, Minister Anita Anand reflects on her role in the

Finishing the fight against COVID and the ‘global race’ to the top of Mount Vaccine

News | BY STUART BENSON | March 27, 2024
  • In the final part of The Hill Times' series on the fourth anniversary of COVID-19, Minister Anita Anand reflects on her role in the
A mask and a bottle of hand sanitizer are pictured next to Canada’s deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo during an update on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa on Jan. 5, 2021. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pints of plain at the Irish ambassador’s St. Patrick’s Day house party

  • Ireland's Ambassador welcomed foreign dignitaries, politicians and Ottawa's Irish-Canadian community to his residence on March 20 for a night of strong drinks, delicious food,
FeatureBY STUART BENSON | March 22, 2024
Indonesian Ambassador Daniel Simanjuntak, left, Ambassador of Lithuania Darius Skusevičius, Irish Ambassador Eamonn McKee, and Ambassador of Belgium Patrick Van Gheel toast St. Patrick's Day at McKee's residence on March 20. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Pints of plain at the Irish ambassador’s St. Patrick’s Day house party

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | March 22, 2024
  • Ireland's Ambassador welcomed foreign dignitaries, politicians and Ottawa's Irish-Canadian community to his residence on March 20 for a night of strong drinks, delicious food,

Pints of plain at the Irish ambassador’s St. Patrick’s Day house party

FeatureBY STUART BENSON | March 22, 2024
  • Ireland's Ambassador welcomed foreign dignitaries, politicians and Ottawa's Irish-Canadian community to his residence on March 20 for a night of strong drinks, delicious food,
Indonesian Ambassador Daniel Simanjuntak, left, Ambassador of Lithuania Darius Skusevičius, Irish Ambassador Eamonn McKee, and Ambassador of Belgium Patrick Van Gheel toast St. Patrick's Day at McKee's residence on March 20. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

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