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Monday, December 4, 2023
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Susan Riley

Susan Riley is a veteran political columnist and regular contributor to The Hill Times.

It’s always the economy, and we’re not stupid

  • While politicians hurl accusations and recycle old ideological claims, their lives are mostly untouched by current financial pressures; they, along with grocery store executives,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. Unfortunately for Poilievre, last week’s fall economic update was preceded by cheering news on inflation; the official rate has dropped from 3.8 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent last month and could be on its way further down, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s always the economy, and we’re not stupid

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
  • While politicians hurl accusations and recycle old ideological claims, their lives are mostly untouched by current financial pressures; they, along with grocery store executives,

It’s always the economy, and we’re not stupid

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
  • While politicians hurl accusations and recycle old ideological claims, their lives are mostly untouched by current financial pressures; they, along with grocery store executives,
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. Unfortunately for Poilievre, last week’s fall economic update was preceded by cheering news on inflation; the official rate has dropped from 3.8 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent last month and could be on its way further down, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s climate policy, not just the carbon tax, is on a knife’s edge

  • The Liberal government seemed content to let the carbon tax do all the work until, magically, everyone buys electric vehicles, installs heat pumps, and
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
The saddest thing is that the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, are probably as good as it gets on climate since Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t take climate seriously, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Canada’s climate policy, not just the carbon tax, is on a knife’s edge

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
  • The Liberal government seemed content to let the carbon tax do all the work until, magically, everyone buys electric vehicles, installs heat pumps, and

Canada’s climate policy, not just the carbon tax, is on a knife’s edge

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
  • The Liberal government seemed content to let the carbon tax do all the work until, magically, everyone buys electric vehicles, installs heat pumps, and
The saddest thing is that the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, are probably as good as it gets on climate since Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t take climate seriously, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

No country for old men

  • The health of any institution requires regular renewal, encouraging newcomers while bidding a respectful farewell to those who have served long and often well.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, age 80, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, age 51. Canada is blessed in the health, energy and work ethic of our political leaders, especially when compared to our southern neighbours, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No country for old men

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
  • The health of any institution requires regular renewal, encouraging newcomers while bidding a respectful farewell to those who have served long and often well.

No country for old men

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
  • The health of any institution requires regular renewal, encouraging newcomers while bidding a respectful farewell to those who have served long and often well.
U.S. President Joe Biden, age 80, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, age 51. Canada is blessed in the health, energy and work ethic of our political leaders, especially when compared to our southern neighbours, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All our puny sorrows: plea for perspective in an anguished world

  • While Israelis and Palestinians alike reckon with the aftermath of the barbarism unleashed by Hamas last week, one Canadian leader has invoked the notwithstanding
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invoked the notwithstanding clause to allow him to override the rights of young people questioning their gender identity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All our puny sorrows: plea for perspective in an anguished world

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
  • While Israelis and Palestinians alike reckon with the aftermath of the barbarism unleashed by Hamas last week, one Canadian leader has invoked the notwithstanding

All our puny sorrows: plea for perspective in an anguished world

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
  • While Israelis and Palestinians alike reckon with the aftermath of the barbarism unleashed by Hamas last week, one Canadian leader has invoked the notwithstanding
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invoked the notwithstanding clause to allow him to override the rights of young people questioning their gender identity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Just what we need: another national unity crisis

  • If Alberta premier Danielle Smith manifests such disregard for the rest of the country, she shouldn't be surprised if the rest of Canada reacts
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to exit the Canada Pension Plan and take more than half its assets with her. But there's the little matter of the greenhouse gas emissions emanating from Alberta's primary industry, and the costly damage they continue to cause every province and territory in the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Just what we need: another national unity crisis

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
  • If Alberta premier Danielle Smith manifests such disregard for the rest of the country, she shouldn't be surprised if the rest of Canada reacts

Just what we need: another national unity crisis

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
  • If Alberta premier Danielle Smith manifests such disregard for the rest of the country, she shouldn't be surprised if the rest of Canada reacts
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to exit the Canada Pension Plan and take more than half its assets with her. But there's the little matter of the greenhouse gas emissions emanating from Alberta's primary industry, and the costly damage they continue to cause every province and territory in the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Trudeau government needs professional help, stat

  • Beset by sinking polls, caucus pushback, and preening Tories, there are signs the Trudeau brain trust is finally striking back, but in such an
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 18, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his closest staff are responsible for the careful, humourless, and passive tone of government messaging. Whatever they say is instantly forgettable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Trudeau government needs professional help, stat

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 18, 2023
  • Beset by sinking polls, caucus pushback, and preening Tories, there are signs the Trudeau brain trust is finally striking back, but in such an

The Trudeau government needs professional help, stat

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 18, 2023
  • Beset by sinking polls, caucus pushback, and preening Tories, there are signs the Trudeau brain trust is finally striking back, but in such an
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his closest staff are responsible for the careful, humourless, and passive tone of government messaging. Whatever they say is instantly forgettable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘This is not normal’ and truth doesn’t stand a chance: a partial list in today’s politics

  • We are not immune from the new, more brazen amorality in Canada. Politics has always traded in half-truths, insinuation, cheap shots and ugly advertising.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 11, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre's campaign against the federal carbon tax exaggerates the impact of the levy on the cost of living, ignores the rebates to most families, and downplays the captains of industry who are amassing record profits while food banks are overwhelmed. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

‘This is not normal’ and truth doesn’t stand a chance: a partial list in today’s politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 11, 2023
  • We are not immune from the new, more brazen amorality in Canada. Politics has always traded in half-truths, insinuation, cheap shots and ugly advertising.

‘This is not normal’ and truth doesn’t stand a chance: a partial list in today’s politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 11, 2023
  • We are not immune from the new, more brazen amorality in Canada. Politics has always traded in half-truths, insinuation, cheap shots and ugly advertising.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre's campaign against the federal carbon tax exaggerates the impact of the levy on the cost of living, ignores the rebates to most families, and downplays the captains of industry who are amassing record profits while food banks are overwhelmed. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Is Jagmeet Singh a poor fit, or is politics a shabby job?

  • The federal NDP leader resembles a ringside observer as two veteran pugilists pummel one another at every available microphone.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 28, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s problem may run deeper than his lack of killer instinct, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Jagmeet Singh a poor fit, or is politics a shabby job?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 28, 2023
  • The federal NDP leader resembles a ringside observer as two veteran pugilists pummel one another at every available microphone.

Is Jagmeet Singh a poor fit, or is politics a shabby job?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 28, 2023
  • The federal NDP leader resembles a ringside observer as two veteran pugilists pummel one another at every available microphone.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s problem may run deeper than his lack of killer instinct, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A vacancy at the top: energy-rich country seeks climate leader

  • We have a shrill war against the mildest environmental remedies from the right, a plodding agenda from the Liberals, a vanished Green Party, and
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 14, 2023
A wildfire burns in Alberta earlier this year. This country desperately—increasingly desperately—needs political leadership on climate change, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

A vacancy at the top: energy-rich country seeks climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 14, 2023
  • We have a shrill war against the mildest environmental remedies from the right, a plodding agenda from the Liberals, a vanished Green Party, and

A vacancy at the top: energy-rich country seeks climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 14, 2023
  • We have a shrill war against the mildest environmental remedies from the right, a plodding agenda from the Liberals, a vanished Green Party, and
A wildfire burns in Alberta earlier this year. This country desperately—increasingly desperately—needs political leadership on climate change, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Trudeau can’t afford more unaffordable housing

  • Pierre Poilievre is offering quick fixes on housing. Sean Fraser has to show tangible, multiple and highly visible fixes before the next election. The
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 31, 2023
When it comes to re-election, newly-appointed federal housing minister, Sean Fraser, third from left, may hold the fate of the Trudeau government in his hands. (No pressure, Sean!) Also pictured are Jenna Sudds, left, Randy Boissonnault, Mark Holland, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Seamus O'Regan, and Dominic LeBlanc. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau can’t afford more unaffordable housing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 31, 2023
  • Pierre Poilievre is offering quick fixes on housing. Sean Fraser has to show tangible, multiple and highly visible fixes before the next election. The

Trudeau can’t afford more unaffordable housing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 31, 2023
  • Pierre Poilievre is offering quick fixes on housing. Sean Fraser has to show tangible, multiple and highly visible fixes before the next election. The
When it comes to re-election, newly-appointed federal housing minister, Sean Fraser, third from left, may hold the fate of the Trudeau government in his hands. (No pressure, Sean!) Also pictured are Jenna Sudds, left, Randy Boissonnault, Mark Holland, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Seamus O'Regan, and Dominic LeBlanc. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trans Mountain pipeline will be Trudeau’s most ruinous legacy

  • The nearly-completed line is too big to fail and too buried in debt to make a profit before the climate catastrophe makes the conversation
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 17, 2023
Protesters against the federal government's bailout of Kinder Morgan and purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Parliament Hill in 2018. Buying the pipeline is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's most costly mistake, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trans Mountain pipeline will be Trudeau’s most ruinous legacy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 17, 2023
  • The nearly-completed line is too big to fail and too buried in debt to make a profit before the climate catastrophe makes the conversation

Trans Mountain pipeline will be Trudeau’s most ruinous legacy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 17, 2023
  • The nearly-completed line is too big to fail and too buried in debt to make a profit before the climate catastrophe makes the conversation
Protesters against the federal government's bailout of Kinder Morgan and purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Parliament Hill in 2018. Buying the pipeline is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's most costly mistake, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Dear Ottawa: pick a lane on climate and hit the accelerator

  • What the climate emergency demands is the same single-minded focus and dispatch that the federal government brought to its pandemic response.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 3, 2023
Project Arrow, a zero-emission concept vehicle, on display outside West Block on June 14. Since Canadian governments are afraid to impose production cuts, perhaps they should concentrate instead on diminishing consumer demand for fossil fuel products, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Dear Ottawa: pick a lane on climate and hit the accelerator

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 3, 2023
  • What the climate emergency demands is the same single-minded focus and dispatch that the federal government brought to its pandemic response.

Dear Ottawa: pick a lane on climate and hit the accelerator

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 3, 2023
  • What the climate emergency demands is the same single-minded focus and dispatch that the federal government brought to its pandemic response.
Project Arrow, a zero-emission concept vehicle, on display outside West Block on June 14. Since Canadian governments are afraid to impose production cuts, perhaps they should concentrate instead on diminishing consumer demand for fossil fuel products, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No matter who forms government, oil and gas has won the Alberta election

  • Few Canadian political leaders are willing to challenge the still-profitable, immensely powerful oil and gas industry, which is at the heart of our climate
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 29, 2023
The oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta. Climate change has barely been mentioned in the Alberta election campaign between Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party and Rachel Notley’s resurgent NDP, writes Susan Riley.  The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

No matter who forms government, oil and gas has won the Alberta election

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 29, 2023
  • Few Canadian political leaders are willing to challenge the still-profitable, immensely powerful oil and gas industry, which is at the heart of our climate

No matter who forms government, oil and gas has won the Alberta election

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 29, 2023
  • Few Canadian political leaders are willing to challenge the still-profitable, immensely powerful oil and gas industry, which is at the heart of our climate
The oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta. Climate change has barely been mentioned in the Alberta election campaign between Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party and Rachel Notley’s resurgent NDP, writes Susan Riley.  The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Welcome to parliamentary pickleball, where the blame flies back and forth

  • This dynamic, this blame game, is not new to our politics, but it has never seemed this ridiculous.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 15, 2023
The back-and-forth in Question Period between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t get a single house built or toxic tailings pond leaks stopped, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade.

Welcome to parliamentary pickleball, where the blame flies back and forth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 15, 2023
  • This dynamic, this blame game, is not new to our politics, but it has never seemed this ridiculous.

Welcome to parliamentary pickleball, where the blame flies back and forth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 15, 2023
  • This dynamic, this blame game, is not new to our politics, but it has never seemed this ridiculous.
The back-and-forth in Question Period between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t get a single house built or toxic tailings pond leaks stopped, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade.

Pierre Poilievre: a working-class hero in his own mind

  • In the face of the Conservative leader's passionate, energetic retailing of half-truths and venom, what can progressive parties do? They can continue to insist
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 1, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre scrums with reporters on the Hill on Feb. 3, 2023. The usually even-tempered leader of the NDP hit the mark last week when he challenged Poilievre’s devotion to the proletariat, noting Conservatives voted against an excess profit tax (aimed at grocers) The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pierre Poilievre: a working-class hero in his own mind

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 1, 2023
  • In the face of the Conservative leader's passionate, energetic retailing of half-truths and venom, what can progressive parties do? They can continue to insist

Pierre Poilievre: a working-class hero in his own mind

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 1, 2023
  • In the face of the Conservative leader's passionate, energetic retailing of half-truths and venom, what can progressive parties do? They can continue to insist
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre scrums with reporters on the Hill on Feb. 3, 2023. The usually even-tempered leader of the NDP hit the mark last week when he challenged Poilievre’s devotion to the proletariat, noting Conservatives voted against an excess profit tax (aimed at grocers) The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

While fake scandals roil Ottawa politics, the real ones continue

  • A tailings pond full of toxic effluent has been leaking out of Imperial Oil’s Kearl project since last May and the company never bothered
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The recent leak at Imperial's Kearl site, located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is only the tip of a much larger scandal: the power the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the country’s governments and regulators, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

While fake scandals roil Ottawa politics, the real ones continue

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
  • A tailings pond full of toxic effluent has been leaking out of Imperial Oil’s Kearl project since last May and the company never bothered

While fake scandals roil Ottawa politics, the real ones continue

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
  • A tailings pond full of toxic effluent has been leaking out of Imperial Oil’s Kearl project since last May and the company never bothered
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The recent leak at Imperial's Kearl site, located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is only the tip of a much larger scandal: the power the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the country’s governments and regulators, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ottawa plays Inspector Gadget

  • Some favour a formal, independent inquiry by an esteemed retired jurist into alleged Chinese interference in our last two federal elections but it, too,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Is Canadian democracy in imminent danger of being undermined by shadowy operatives reporting to China's president? Nonsense, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ottawa plays Inspector Gadget

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
  • Some favour a formal, independent inquiry by an esteemed retired jurist into alleged Chinese interference in our last two federal elections but it, too,

Ottawa plays Inspector Gadget

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
  • Some favour a formal, independent inquiry by an esteemed retired jurist into alleged Chinese interference in our last two federal elections but it, too,
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Is Canadian democracy in imminent danger of being undermined by shadowy operatives reporting to China's president? Nonsense, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Have they no shame? No, but they have excuses

  • Politicians are not all bottom-feeding sleazes out to feather their own nests, but some are just simply too important. Excuse us if we stop
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
John Tory’s revelation that he had an affair with a younger staffer provoked a widespread shudder of disgust, especially among women. Ethics breach, or creepy behaviour? Beyond the public betrayal of his wife of 45 years, there was also the power imbalance, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Have they no shame? No, but they have excuses

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
  • Politicians are not all bottom-feeding sleazes out to feather their own nests, but some are just simply too important. Excuse us if we stop

Have they no shame? No, but they have excuses

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
  • Politicians are not all bottom-feeding sleazes out to feather their own nests, but some are just simply too important. Excuse us if we stop
John Tory’s revelation that he had an affair with a younger staffer provoked a widespread shudder of disgust, especially among women. Ethics breach, or creepy behaviour? Beyond the public betrayal of his wife of 45 years, there was also the power imbalance, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

As election looms, a full-time pursuit of the trivial takes over federal politics

  • The instances of seat-of-the-pants management and failure to anticipate change are so numerous, they raise a pertinent question: can our parliamentary system serve the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, former ambassador Dominic Barton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all grabbed headlines last week in time-wasting controversies, writes Susan Riley. Welcome to Ottawa, where every disagreement ends up as ammunition for someone. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

As election looms, a full-time pursuit of the trivial takes over federal politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
  • The instances of seat-of-the-pants management and failure to anticipate change are so numerous, they raise a pertinent question: can our parliamentary system serve the

As election looms, a full-time pursuit of the trivial takes over federal politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
  • The instances of seat-of-the-pants management and failure to anticipate change are so numerous, they raise a pertinent question: can our parliamentary system serve the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, former ambassador Dominic Barton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all grabbed headlines last week in time-wasting controversies, writes Susan Riley. Welcome to Ottawa, where every disagreement ends up as ammunition for someone. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Progressive Afghan women in dangerous limbo, while we wring our hands uselessly

  • Can Canada not, at least, rescue individual women, especially those who worked with Canadians on various women’s 'empowerment programs' during the war? You would
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
The group of MPs who have been working behind the scenes, includes Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, left, the Green Party's Elizabeth May, the NDP's Heather McPherson, the Conservatives' Alex Ruff and the Liberals' Marcus Powlowski and Leah Taylor Roy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Progressive Afghan women in dangerous limbo, while we wring our hands uselessly

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
  • Can Canada not, at least, rescue individual women, especially those who worked with Canadians on various women’s 'empowerment programs' during the war? You would

Progressive Afghan women in dangerous limbo, while we wring our hands uselessly

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
  • Can Canada not, at least, rescue individual women, especially those who worked with Canadians on various women’s 'empowerment programs' during the war? You would
The group of MPs who have been working behind the scenes, includes Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, left, the Green Party's Elizabeth May, the NDP's Heather McPherson, the Conservatives' Alex Ruff and the Liberals' Marcus Powlowski and Leah Taylor Roy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

One more year to stop talking, start acting, on reducing emissions

  • The ongoing war in Ukraine is a wrenching issue, so is the lack of affordable housing in major cities; and, the COVID crisis is
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, for instance, is supposed to be announcing the long-promised “just transition” plan in the coming months. This is intended to help oil and gas workers, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, move to equally lucrative and engaging jobs in the burgeoning green energy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

One more year to stop talking, start acting, on reducing emissions

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
  • The ongoing war in Ukraine is a wrenching issue, so is the lack of affordable housing in major cities; and, the COVID crisis is

One more year to stop talking, start acting, on reducing emissions

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
  • The ongoing war in Ukraine is a wrenching issue, so is the lack of affordable housing in major cities; and, the COVID crisis is
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, for instance, is supposed to be announcing the long-promised “just transition” plan in the coming months. This is intended to help oil and gas workers, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, move to equally lucrative and engaging jobs in the burgeoning green energy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

If politicians weren’t so snarly, more collegial, ratings might rebound

  • Has Question Period always been so joyless? Even if the show is free, there is only so much vitriol audiences can tolerate. A little
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. While every Parliament features ferocious rivalries, harsh personal attacks and outlandish accusations, some have also offered moments of humour, good-natured teasing, or simple acknowledgement of humanity across the aisle, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

If politicians weren’t so snarly, more collegial, ratings might rebound

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
  • Has Question Period always been so joyless? Even if the show is free, there is only so much vitriol audiences can tolerate. A little

If politicians weren’t so snarly, more collegial, ratings might rebound

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
  • Has Question Period always been so joyless? Even if the show is free, there is only so much vitriol audiences can tolerate. A little
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. While every Parliament features ferocious rivalries, harsh personal attacks and outlandish accusations, some have also offered moments of humour, good-natured teasing, or simple acknowledgement of humanity across the aisle, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s inscrutable China policy

  • It would be naive to believe that foreign governments don’t attempt to steal trade secrets, or undermine public trust in our democracy. For our
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured on Nov. 16, 2022, at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia. Xi chided Trudeau for 'leaked' discussions to the newspapers. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN

Trudeau’s inscrutable China policy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
  • It would be naive to believe that foreign governments don’t attempt to steal trade secrets, or undermine public trust in our democracy. For our

Trudeau’s inscrutable China policy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
  • It would be naive to believe that foreign governments don’t attempt to steal trade secrets, or undermine public trust in our democracy. For our
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured on Nov. 16, 2022, at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia. Xi chided Trudeau for 'leaked' discussions to the newspapers. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN

Trudeau ‘COPs out’ on the world climate stage

  • Perhaps Justin Trudeau thinks Canada has a better story to tell on biodiversity—although, this, like everything, is influenced by climate change. Or, when it
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
It is both striking and unsurprising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured taking questions from reporters on the Hill on Oct. 26, 2022, isn’t attending the latest international climate conference in Egypt, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau ‘COPs out’ on the world climate stage

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
  • Perhaps Justin Trudeau thinks Canada has a better story to tell on biodiversity—although, this, like everything, is influenced by climate change. Or, when it

Trudeau ‘COPs out’ on the world climate stage

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
  • Perhaps Justin Trudeau thinks Canada has a better story to tell on biodiversity—although, this, like everything, is influenced by climate change. Or, when it
It is both striking and unsurprising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured taking questions from reporters on the Hill on Oct. 26, 2022, isn’t attending the latest international climate conference in Egypt, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Inflationary rhetoric is as dangerous as the real thing

  • Nobody is uniquely responsible. How about moving beyond the futile, repetitive exchange of ideological antiquities to relief—at least for the most harshly affected.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
At Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's well-attended press conference last week, he predicted a period of discomfort followed by a return to two per cent inflation by 2024 and a healthy and growing economy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Inflationary rhetoric is as dangerous as the real thing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
  • Nobody is uniquely responsible. How about moving beyond the futile, repetitive exchange of ideological antiquities to relief—at least for the most harshly affected.

Inflationary rhetoric is as dangerous as the real thing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
  • Nobody is uniquely responsible. How about moving beyond the futile, repetitive exchange of ideological antiquities to relief—at least for the most harshly affected.
At Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's well-attended press conference last week, he predicted a period of discomfort followed by a return to two per cent inflation by 2024 and a healthy and growing economy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to clean up our language 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to clean up our language 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of

Time to clean up our language 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade
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Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The summer of our disconnect 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The summer of our disconnect 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,

The summer of our disconnect 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade