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Sunday, October 13, 2024
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Susan Riley

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

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. After years on the fringes of every consequential election in this country, perhaps the moment has finally come for 'none-of-the-above,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. After years on the fringes of every consequential election in this country, perhaps the moment has finally come for 'none-of-the-above,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. After years on the fringes of every consequential election in this country, perhaps the moment has finally come for 'none-of-the-above,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. After years on the fringes of every consequential election in this country, perhaps the moment has finally come for 'none-of-the-above,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trade policy: where ideological purity goes to die

  • Protectionism is having a moment in the face of the off-shoring of jobs, shrinking middle-class incomes, growing inequality, and soaring corporate profits.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 26, 2024
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to follow the United States in placing a punishing tariff on affordable Chinese EVs, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trade policy: where ideological purity goes to die

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 26, 2024
  • Protectionism is having a moment in the face of the off-shoring of jobs, shrinking middle-class incomes, growing inequality, and soaring corporate profits.

Trade policy: where ideological purity goes to die

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 26, 2024
  • Protectionism is having a moment in the face of the off-shoring of jobs, shrinking middle-class incomes, growing inequality, and soaring corporate profits.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to follow the United States in placing a punishing tariff on affordable Chinese EVs, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the Harris bounce jump the border? If only

  • Kamala Harris hasn’t just revived a fretful Democratic Party, in the opening weeks of her presidential campaign, in her own country. Her arrival has
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 12, 2024
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris is like a breath of fresh air, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Will the Harris bounce jump the border? If only

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 12, 2024
  • Kamala Harris hasn’t just revived a fretful Democratic Party, in the opening weeks of her presidential campaign, in her own country. Her arrival has

Will the Harris bounce jump the border? If only

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 12, 2024
  • Kamala Harris hasn’t just revived a fretful Democratic Party, in the opening weeks of her presidential campaign, in her own country. Her arrival has
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris is like a breath of fresh air, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Pumping more oil while the house burns down: how long will the fantasy last?

  • Fossil fuels still hugely contribute to provincial coffers and the federal treasury, but too so would green energy alternatives if given a chance to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 29, 2024
Last summer's forest fires in Alberta. With a few exceptions, our politicians are divided into two camps: the stout defenders of the oil and gas industry regardless of damage to the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions cause; or, those rhetorically committed to addressing climate change, but, maybe next decade, or in 2050. Photograph courtesy of Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc, DND Canada

Pumping more oil while the house burns down: how long will the fantasy last?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 29, 2024
  • Fossil fuels still hugely contribute to provincial coffers and the federal treasury, but too so would green energy alternatives if given a chance to

Pumping more oil while the house burns down: how long will the fantasy last?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 29, 2024
  • Fossil fuels still hugely contribute to provincial coffers and the federal treasury, but too so would green energy alternatives if given a chance to
Last summer's forest fires in Alberta. With a few exceptions, our politicians are divided into two camps: the stout defenders of the oil and gas industry regardless of damage to the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions cause; or, those rhetorically committed to addressing climate change, but, maybe next decade, or in 2050. Photograph courtesy of Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc, DND Canada

Who will be left standing in an uncertain political moment?

  • What does any leader do when the public mood is 'out with the old, in with the unthinkable'? And 'old' isn’t always a matter
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 15, 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a bilateral meeting in Ottawa on March 24, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who will be left standing in an uncertain political moment?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 15, 2024
  • What does any leader do when the public mood is 'out with the old, in with the unthinkable'? And 'old' isn’t always a matter

Who will be left standing in an uncertain political moment?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 15, 2024
  • What does any leader do when the public mood is 'out with the old, in with the unthinkable'? And 'old' isn’t always a matter
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a bilateral meeting in Ottawa on March 24, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Or is it?

  • This July 1 has some Canadians worried about the future and despondent about the present. 
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 1, 2024
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, pictured on the Hill on April 16, 2024, with some of his Conservative MPs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Or is it?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 1, 2024
  • This July 1 has some Canadians worried about the future and despondent about the present. 

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Or is it?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 1, 2024
  • This July 1 has some Canadians worried about the future and despondent about the present. 
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, pictured on the Hill on April 16, 2024, with some of his Conservative MPs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Constituency? Maybe not

  • Elizabeth May's unexpected denouement left media, opposition parties, and the dysfunctional security apparatus looking like bit players in an Inspector Clouseau farce. The whole
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 17, 2024
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May told reporters last week that 'There is no list of MPs who have shown disloyalty to Canada,' but said one former unnamed MP was a willing tool of Beijing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Constituency? Maybe not

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 17, 2024
  • Elizabeth May's unexpected denouement left media, opposition parties, and the dysfunctional security apparatus looking like bit players in an Inspector Clouseau farce. The whole

Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Constituency? Maybe not

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 17, 2024
  • Elizabeth May's unexpected denouement left media, opposition parties, and the dysfunctional security apparatus looking like bit players in an Inspector Clouseau farce. The whole
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May told reporters last week that 'There is no list of MPs who have shown disloyalty to Canada,' but said one former unnamed MP was a willing tool of Beijing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hey, Liberals! Why be shy? Isn’t it time to refute the disinformation?

  • Any attempts to dispute the cascade of falsehoods on X, many emanating from Pierre Poilievre, have been late, fitful and lost amid the background
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 3, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the Hill on April 16, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hey, Liberals! Why be shy? Isn’t it time to refute the disinformation?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 3, 2024
  • Any attempts to dispute the cascade of falsehoods on X, many emanating from Pierre Poilievre, have been late, fitful and lost amid the background

Hey, Liberals! Why be shy? Isn’t it time to refute the disinformation?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 3, 2024
  • Any attempts to dispute the cascade of falsehoods on X, many emanating from Pierre Poilievre, have been late, fitful and lost amid the background
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the Hill on April 16, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Workin’ 9 to 5, that’s no way to make a livin’

  • Sending public servants into action to save a city from decades of bad urban planning is like dispatching the military to fill sandbags, or
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 13, 2024
Public Service Alliance of Canada president Chris Aylward during PSAC's picket line in Ottawa on April 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Workin’ 9 to 5, that’s no way to make a livin’

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 13, 2024
  • Sending public servants into action to save a city from decades of bad urban planning is like dispatching the military to fill sandbags, or

Workin’ 9 to 5, that’s no way to make a livin’

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 13, 2024
  • Sending public servants into action to save a city from decades of bad urban planning is like dispatching the military to fill sandbags, or
Public Service Alliance of Canada president Chris Aylward during PSAC's picket line in Ottawa on April 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

First they came for the carbon tax, are electric vehicles next?

  • Canadian politicians at all levels have a choice: continue supporting a still-lucrative but damaging fossil fuel industry, or summon the courage and foresight to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 22, 2024
The slowing sale of EVs lends ballast to an indirect campaign by Big Oil, and its enablers, to undermine the transition away from gasoline, with torqued reports about the supposed unreliability of EVs in cold climates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

First they came for the carbon tax, are electric vehicles next?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 22, 2024
  • Canadian politicians at all levels have a choice: continue supporting a still-lucrative but damaging fossil fuel industry, or summon the courage and foresight to

First they came for the carbon tax, are electric vehicles next?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 22, 2024
  • Canadian politicians at all levels have a choice: continue supporting a still-lucrative but damaging fossil fuel industry, or summon the courage and foresight to
The slowing sale of EVs lends ballast to an indirect campaign by Big Oil, and its enablers, to undermine the transition away from gasoline, with torqued reports about the supposed unreliability of EVs in cold climates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to navigate post-fact politics: skeptically, but attentively

  • Today’s politics is entirely personality and performances. The bickering plays out like an annoying soundtrack, and the temptation to tune it out can be
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 8, 2024
The oilsands in Fort McMurray, Alta. The delivery of federal climate measures has been so bungled and half-hearted that the fact-free enemies of climate action—various premiers, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—are winning the communications war, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

How to navigate post-fact politics: skeptically, but attentively

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 8, 2024
  • Today’s politics is entirely personality and performances. The bickering plays out like an annoying soundtrack, and the temptation to tune it out can be

How to navigate post-fact politics: skeptically, but attentively

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 8, 2024
  • Today’s politics is entirely personality and performances. The bickering plays out like an annoying soundtrack, and the temptation to tune it out can be
The oilsands in Fort McMurray, Alta. The delivery of federal climate measures has been so bungled and half-hearted that the fact-free enemies of climate action—various premiers, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—are winning the communications war, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

There are signs of resistance to the right-wing juggernaut, if you look hard enough

  • The election of Wab Kinew, the first modern-day Indigenous premier of Manitoba, signals a welcome departure from the usual fed-prov scenario: premiers fighting Ottawa
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
Wab Kinew, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, after winning the Manitoba election. In his first months, the new NDP premier has cheerfully accepted $664-million in federal money for health care and also welcomed the recent federal mini-pharmacare plan, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of X/Twitter

There are signs of resistance to the right-wing juggernaut, if you look hard enough

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
  • The election of Wab Kinew, the first modern-day Indigenous premier of Manitoba, signals a welcome departure from the usual fed-prov scenario: premiers fighting Ottawa

There are signs of resistance to the right-wing juggernaut, if you look hard enough

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
  • The election of Wab Kinew, the first modern-day Indigenous premier of Manitoba, signals a welcome departure from the usual fed-prov scenario: premiers fighting Ottawa
Wab Kinew, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, after winning the Manitoba election. In his first months, the new NDP premier has cheerfully accepted $664-million in federal money for health care and also welcomed the recent federal mini-pharmacare plan, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of X/Twitter

‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders

  • If the proposals survive, this national pharmacare intro-package should fill open gaps for many insulin-dependent diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. But there
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The final argument against what's otherwise a compassionate and affordable initiative from a reluctant federal government is that paying for medication for diabetics could be a slippery slope. But isn't that a slope we want to be on, asks Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
  • If the proposals survive, this national pharmacare intro-package should fill open gaps for many insulin-dependent diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. But there

‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
  • If the proposals survive, this national pharmacare intro-package should fill open gaps for many insulin-dependent diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. But there
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The final argument against what's otherwise a compassionate and affordable initiative from a reluctant federal government is that paying for medication for diabetics could be a slippery slope. But isn't that a slope we want to be on, asks Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A rapidly changing climate and a glaring political disconnect

  • Climate change is on the agenda, but only sometimes, as one of several recurring issues. It might crop up when a town burns down,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
Long-time NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private member's bill that would ban deceptive advertising from the oil and gas sector, but you'd think he had proposed legalizing child pornography, so violent and dismissive was reaction to his bill. It doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Ottawa of surviving, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A rapidly changing climate and a glaring political disconnect

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
  • Climate change is on the agenda, but only sometimes, as one of several recurring issues. It might crop up when a town burns down,

A rapidly changing climate and a glaring political disconnect

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
  • Climate change is on the agenda, but only sometimes, as one of several recurring issues. It might crop up when a town burns down,
Long-time NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private member's bill that would ban deceptive advertising from the oil and gas sector, but you'd think he had proposed legalizing child pornography, so violent and dismissive was reaction to his bill. It doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Ottawa of surviving, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For climate progress, maybe the rest of Canada should join Quebec

  • Plaudits to Quebec. It is more than carrying its weight when it comes to lowering national admissions and, unlike the federal government, gaining favourable
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
Quebec Premier François Legault in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. The premier is leaping to the front of a parade led by middle-class Quebecers—but it is a parade that leads away from oil and gas, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For climate progress, maybe the rest of Canada should join Quebec

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
  • Plaudits to Quebec. It is more than carrying its weight when it comes to lowering national admissions and, unlike the federal government, gaining favourable

For climate progress, maybe the rest of Canada should join Quebec

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
  • Plaudits to Quebec. It is more than carrying its weight when it comes to lowering national admissions and, unlike the federal government, gaining favourable
Quebec Premier François Legault in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. The premier is leaping to the front of a parade led by middle-class Quebecers—but it is a parade that leads away from oil and gas, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Trudeau’s third act include a surprise ending?

  • Absent future careless misjudgments, bureaucratic boondoggles or mishandled global, domestic, or climate emergencies, Justin Trudeau could pull off a miracle recovery. Or at least
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Will Trudeau’s third act include a surprise ending?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
  • Absent future careless misjudgments, bureaucratic boondoggles or mishandled global, domestic, or climate emergencies, Justin Trudeau could pull off a miracle recovery. Or at least

Will Trudeau’s third act include a surprise ending?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
  • Absent future careless misjudgments, bureaucratic boondoggles or mishandled global, domestic, or climate emergencies, Justin Trudeau could pull off a miracle recovery. Or at least
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe

  • It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
  • It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They

How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
  • It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

For something completely different: a little good news

  • Despite the threat of a reversal of our halting progress on climate, reconciliation and social equity under a future Conservative government, continuing worry about
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
Housing minister Sean Fraser offered an eye-catching proposal just before Christmas: an updated version of an 80-year old federal housing program that offered small, simple, nearly-identical housing units to returning Second World War veterans, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Photograph by Andrew Meade

For something completely different: a little good news

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
  • Despite the threat of a reversal of our halting progress on climate, reconciliation and social equity under a future Conservative government, continuing worry about

For something completely different: a little good news

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
  • Despite the threat of a reversal of our halting progress on climate, reconciliation and social equity under a future Conservative government, continuing worry about
Housing minister Sean Fraser offered an eye-catching proposal just before Christmas: an updated version of an 80-year old federal housing program that offered small, simple, nearly-identical housing units to returning Second World War veterans, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Photograph by Andrew Meade

Oil and gas industry’s fancy foot-dragging wins the day, again

  • While the Conservative leader is busy trying to 'ruin' Trudeau’s holiday with procedural hi-jinks aimed at fighting the carbon tax, oil executives and their
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. The Trudeau government has abased itself to the fossil fuel industry leaders: buying a $30-billion money-losing pipeline, sending millions of dollar to the province to clean up abandoned wells, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Oil and gas industry’s fancy foot-dragging wins the day, again

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
  • While the Conservative leader is busy trying to 'ruin' Trudeau’s holiday with procedural hi-jinks aimed at fighting the carbon tax, oil executives and their

Oil and gas industry’s fancy foot-dragging wins the day, again

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
  • While the Conservative leader is busy trying to 'ruin' Trudeau’s holiday with procedural hi-jinks aimed at fighting the carbon tax, oil executives and their
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. The Trudeau government has abased itself to the fossil fuel industry leaders: buying a $30-billion money-losing pipeline, sending millions of dollar to the province to clean up abandoned wells, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

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
More Stories

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

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

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