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Susan Riley

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

Trump-era diplomacy: what is gained from poking the bear and what is lost?

  • In retrospect, Mark Carney’s low-key approach—coupled with his tireless attempts to broaden our trade network—may prove to be the wisest course. Not as emotionally
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 12, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured on Dec. 3, 2025, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump-era diplomacy: what is gained from poking the bear and what is lost?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 12, 2026
  • In retrospect, Mark Carney’s low-key approach—coupled with his tireless attempts to broaden our trade network—may prove to be the wisest course. Not as emotionally

Trump-era diplomacy: what is gained from poking the bear and what is lost?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 12, 2026
  • In retrospect, Mark Carney’s low-key approach—coupled with his tireless attempts to broaden our trade network—may prove to be the wisest course. Not as emotionally
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured on Dec. 3, 2025, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The door’s wide open for a re-invigorated NDP, and Parliament and Canada need it

  • Avi Lewis’ daring, refreshing campaign may come to nothing; end of discussion. Or maybe, if New Democrats are feeling frisky, beginning of discussion. The
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 15, 2025
NDP leadership candidates Avi Lewis, left, Tony McQuail, Heather McPherson, Tanille Johnston, and Rob Ashton pose for a photo before a forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress in Ottawa on Oct. 22, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The door’s wide open for a re-invigorated NDP, and Parliament and Canada need it

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 15, 2025
  • Avi Lewis’ daring, refreshing campaign may come to nothing; end of discussion. Or maybe, if New Democrats are feeling frisky, beginning of discussion. The

The door’s wide open for a re-invigorated NDP, and Parliament and Canada need it

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 15, 2025
  • Avi Lewis’ daring, refreshing campaign may come to nothing; end of discussion. Or maybe, if New Democrats are feeling frisky, beginning of discussion. The
NDP leadership candidates Avi Lewis, left, Tony McQuail, Heather McPherson, Tanille Johnston, and Rob Ashton pose for a photo before a forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress in Ottawa on Oct. 22, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pipelines and planes: when does ‘bold’ start, Prime Minister Carney?

  • Many hoped the new prime minister would break from a timid, risk-averse, national tradition, assert our economic independence as promised, and exploit our natural
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 1, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a welcome ceremony on the Hill on Nov. 18, 2025. Carney could purchase the next fighter jets from Sweden, an odd way of reassuring progressive voters, but this is an odd moment in our history, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pipelines and planes: when does ‘bold’ start, Prime Minister Carney?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 1, 2025
  • Many hoped the new prime minister would break from a timid, risk-averse, national tradition, assert our economic independence as promised, and exploit our natural

Pipelines and planes: when does ‘bold’ start, Prime Minister Carney?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 1, 2025
  • Many hoped the new prime minister would break from a timid, risk-averse, national tradition, assert our economic independence as promised, and exploit our natural
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a welcome ceremony on the Hill on Nov. 18, 2025. Carney could purchase the next fighter jets from Sweden, an odd way of reassuring progressive voters, but this is an odd moment in our history, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney walks a timid line on climate instead of full speed ahead

  • The longer Prime Minister Mark Carney tries to play both sides of the street—and this game has been going on for decades—the farther behind
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 17, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured in Ottawa on Oct. 10, 2025. Tackling climate change is not a priority for his government, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney walks a timid line on climate instead of full speed ahead

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 17, 2025
  • The longer Prime Minister Mark Carney tries to play both sides of the street—and this game has been going on for decades—the farther behind

Carney walks a timid line on climate instead of full speed ahead

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 17, 2025
  • The longer Prime Minister Mark Carney tries to play both sides of the street—and this game has been going on for decades—the farther behind
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured in Ottawa on Oct. 10, 2025. Tackling climate change is not a priority for his government, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The case for a Christmas election: bring it on

  • For many Canadians, if an election would rid the country of Pierre Poilievre’s snarky social media hits, his obsessive focus on enemies, his hypocrisy—lamenting
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 3, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet. If Carney is lucky, the opposition parties will defeat the budget and we will be plunged into a Christmas election, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The case for a Christmas election: bring it on

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 3, 2025
  • For many Canadians, if an election would rid the country of Pierre Poilievre’s snarky social media hits, his obsessive focus on enemies, his hypocrisy—lamenting

The case for a Christmas election: bring it on

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 3, 2025
  • For many Canadians, if an election would rid the country of Pierre Poilievre’s snarky social media hits, his obsessive focus on enemies, his hypocrisy—lamenting
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet. If Carney is lucky, the opposition parties will defeat the budget and we will be plunged into a Christmas election, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

This is a wake-up call for Canada’s slumbering corporate class

  • The question: is corporate Canada ready to do its part? It certainly won’t refuse emergency funding to see it through the current uncertainty. But
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 20, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the House of Commons for Question Period on Oct. 1, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

This is a wake-up call for Canada’s slumbering corporate class

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 20, 2025
  • The question: is corporate Canada ready to do its part? It certainly won’t refuse emergency funding to see it through the current uncertainty. But

This is a wake-up call for Canada’s slumbering corporate class

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 20, 2025
  • The question: is corporate Canada ready to do its part? It certainly won’t refuse emergency funding to see it through the current uncertainty. But
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the House of Commons for Question Period on Oct. 1, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Finally, the left fights back

  • Whatever the outcome of the NDP leadership campaign, Avi Lewis is a lively, intelligent player who could bring confidence and colour to a lustreless
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 6, 2025
Avi Lewis, left, pictured in Ottawa in 2016, could bring some life back into the NDP, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times file photograph

Finally, the left fights back

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 6, 2025
  • Whatever the outcome of the NDP leadership campaign, Avi Lewis is a lively, intelligent player who could bring confidence and colour to a lustreless

Finally, the left fights back

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 6, 2025
  • Whatever the outcome of the NDP leadership campaign, Avi Lewis is a lively, intelligent player who could bring confidence and colour to a lustreless
Avi Lewis, left, pictured in Ottawa in 2016, could bring some life back into the NDP, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times file photograph

Mark Carney and the politics of subtlety

  • Mark Carney appears open to changing details, if not his overall direction, in the face of pushback, and that direction is not dictated by
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 22, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney appears to be following a different course. And, so far, it is winning him popular support. Rather than engaging in a constant game of one-upmanship, making new enemies and fuelling old divisions, he is getting things done—getting things launched, at least, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Mark Carney and the politics of subtlety

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 22, 2025
  • Mark Carney appears open to changing details, if not his overall direction, in the face of pushback, and that direction is not dictated by

Mark Carney and the politics of subtlety

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 22, 2025
  • Mark Carney appears open to changing details, if not his overall direction, in the face of pushback, and that direction is not dictated by
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney appears to be following a different course. And, so far, it is winning him popular support. Rather than engaging in a constant game of one-upmanship, making new enemies and fuelling old divisions, he is getting things done—getting things launched, at least, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s leading AI-generated politician is back

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is unlikely to offer any serious, fact-based critiques of the government’s shortcomings. He's a glib man, playing in the shallows,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 25, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and wife Anaida, left, celebrate winning the byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on Aug. 18. Screenshot courtesy of X

Canada’s leading AI-generated politician is back

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 25, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is unlikely to offer any serious, fact-based critiques of the government’s shortcomings. He's a glib man, playing in the shallows,

Canada’s leading AI-generated politician is back

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 25, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is unlikely to offer any serious, fact-based critiques of the government’s shortcomings. He's a glib man, playing in the shallows,
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and wife Anaida, left, celebrate winning the byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot, Alta., on Aug. 18. Screenshot courtesy of X

In the midst of a national climate crisis, Carney’s government falls silent

  • The words 'climate change' have barely passed Carney’s lips, nor did they feature in communiqués from June's G7 summit in Alberta. It has been
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 11, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters The Office of the Prime Minister in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters The Office of the Prime Minister in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters the Prime Minister's Office in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In the midst of a national climate crisis, Carney’s government falls silent

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 11, 2025
  • The words 'climate change' have barely passed Carney’s lips, nor did they feature in communiqués from June's G7 summit in Alberta. It has been

In the midst of a national climate crisis, Carney’s government falls silent

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 11, 2025
  • The words 'climate change' have barely passed Carney’s lips, nor did they feature in communiqués from June's G7 summit in Alberta. It has been
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters The Office of the Prime Minister in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters the Prime Minister's Office in downtown Ottawa on Aug. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

What will kill the electric car this time: Trump or Canada’s haplessness?

  • Until further notice, we are passengers in this environmental and economic setback, and Donald Trump is at the wheel.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 14, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, and Mélanie Joly, right, who was then foreign affairs minister, met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on May 6. Joly, now industry minister, is the federal lead on the auto file. Photograph courtesy of X/Mélanie Joly

What will kill the electric car this time: Trump or Canada’s haplessness?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 14, 2025
  • Until further notice, we are passengers in this environmental and economic setback, and Donald Trump is at the wheel.

What will kill the electric car this time: Trump or Canada’s haplessness?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 14, 2025
  • Until further notice, we are passengers in this environmental and economic setback, and Donald Trump is at the wheel.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, and Mélanie Joly, right, who was then foreign affairs minister, met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on May 6. Joly, now industry minister, is the federal lead on the auto file. Photograph courtesy of X/Mélanie Joly

Canadians are offering Carney a lot of rope in these early days

  • The message seems to be 'trust me'—and so far, most Canadians are inclined to. Besides, a honeymoon is not the time for awkward questions.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 30, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney is still doing well in public opinion polls, despite some of his controversial and contentious moves, so far, Susan Riley writes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians are offering Carney a lot of rope in these early days

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 30, 2025
  • The message seems to be 'trust me'—and so far, most Canadians are inclined to. Besides, a honeymoon is not the time for awkward questions.

Canadians are offering Carney a lot of rope in these early days

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 30, 2025
  • The message seems to be 'trust me'—and so far, most Canadians are inclined to. Besides, a honeymoon is not the time for awkward questions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is still doing well in public opinion polls, despite some of his controversial and contentious moves, so far, Susan Riley writes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney has energy to burn, that’s a problem

  • The federal government’s legislation encouraging the building of pipelines comes as wildfires in parts of British Columbia and Manitoba force residents to flee their
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 16, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves the Prime Minister’s Office in Ottawa, Ont. on May 20, 2025, to head to a cabinet forum at Meech Lake, Que. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves the Prime Minister’s Office in Ottawa, Ont. on May 20, 2025, to head to a cabinet forum at Meech Lake, Que. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s his recent talk of 'decarbonized oil' deals a near-fatal blow to climate hopes for his new government. No one who is serious about fighting climate change would parrot this ludicrous talking point, drawn directly from the oil and gas sector’s well-funded marketing department, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney has energy to burn, that’s a problem

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 16, 2025
  • The federal government’s legislation encouraging the building of pipelines comes as wildfires in parts of British Columbia and Manitoba force residents to flee their

Carney has energy to burn, that’s a problem

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 16, 2025
  • The federal government’s legislation encouraging the building of pipelines comes as wildfires in parts of British Columbia and Manitoba force residents to flee their
Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves the Prime Minister’s Office in Ottawa, Ont. on May 20, 2025, to head to a cabinet forum at Meech Lake, Que. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s his recent talk of 'decarbonized oil' deals a near-fatal blow to climate hopes for his new government. No one who is serious about fighting climate change would parrot this ludicrous talking point, drawn directly from the oil and gas sector’s well-funded marketing department, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hurricane Carney blows into town

  • Mark Carney is also, at this early stage, a conundrum: a man who speaks in giant steps, but promises pragmatism.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 2, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Senate of Canada building in Ottawa to attend the Speech from the Throne on May 27, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Senate of Canada building in Ottawa to attend the Speech from the Throne on May 27, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa to attend the Throne Speech on May 27, 2025. He is so extraordinarily ambitious for this country, so focused, deliberate, and determined to do big things in record time, that it seems churlish to doubt him, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hurricane Carney blows into town

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 2, 2025
  • Mark Carney is also, at this early stage, a conundrum: a man who speaks in giant steps, but promises pragmatism.

Hurricane Carney blows into town

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 2, 2025
  • Mark Carney is also, at this early stage, a conundrum: a man who speaks in giant steps, but promises pragmatism.
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Senate of Canada building in Ottawa to attend the Speech from the Throne on May 27, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa to attend the Throne Speech on May 27, 2025. He is so extraordinarily ambitious for this country, so focused, deliberate, and determined to do big things in record time, that it seems churlish to doubt him, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney era begins: will the low-drama prime minister’s promise of ‘harmony and hard’ work prevail?

  • We will soon see how Carney manages in the fiery pit of partisan politics. Unfortunately, that pit is unavoidable. It is part of democracy,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 25, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference in West Block on May 21, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carney era begins: will the low-drama prime minister’s promise of ‘harmony and hard’ work prevail?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 25, 2025
  • We will soon see how Carney manages in the fiery pit of partisan politics. Unfortunately, that pit is unavoidable. It is part of democracy,

Carney era begins: will the low-drama prime minister’s promise of ‘harmony and hard’ work prevail?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 25, 2025
  • We will soon see how Carney manages in the fiery pit of partisan politics. Unfortunately, that pit is unavoidable. It is part of democracy,
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference in West Block on May 21, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Carney bow, bribe, and buckle to win over Danielle Smith? We know how that ends

  • Maybe, if this summer’s wildfires and other disruptions become bad enough, they will refocus public attention on climate and Mark Carney’s new government will
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 19, 2025
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
It took Alberta Premier Danielle Smith a nano-second (after her 'positive' first conversation with the new prime minister), to trash some of his new cabinet choices, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Carney bow, bribe, and buckle to win over Danielle Smith? We know how that ends

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 19, 2025
  • Maybe, if this summer’s wildfires and other disruptions become bad enough, they will refocus public attention on climate and Mark Carney’s new government will

Will Carney bow, bribe, and buckle to win over Danielle Smith? We know how that ends

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 19, 2025
  • Maybe, if this summer’s wildfires and other disruptions become bad enough, they will refocus public attention on climate and Mark Carney’s new government will
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
It took Alberta Premier Danielle Smith a nano-second (after her 'positive' first conversation with the new prime minister), to trash some of his new cabinet choices, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All we are saying, is give peace a chance

  • Once the Trump business is resolved, will Poilievre’s troops return to attacks on wokeism, the legacy media, and the ideologically impure, even within their
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 5, 2025
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, right, and his wife Anaida arrive at the federal leaders' debate in Montréal, Que., on April 17, 2025. How our new political era unfolds largely depends on Poilievre's strategy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All we are saying, is give peace a chance

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 5, 2025
  • Once the Trump business is resolved, will Poilievre’s troops return to attacks on wokeism, the legacy media, and the ideologically impure, even within their

All we are saying, is give peace a chance

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 5, 2025
  • Once the Trump business is resolved, will Poilievre’s troops return to attacks on wokeism, the legacy media, and the ideologically impure, even within their
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, right, and his wife Anaida arrive at the federal leaders' debate in Montréal, Que., on April 17, 2025. How our new political era unfolds largely depends on Poilievre's strategy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre: we’re just not that into him

  • Pierre Poilievre’s polished daily performances continue to be, primarily, laments for the sorry state of the country, extended complaints about the 'lost Liberal decade,'
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 14, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured March 4, 2025, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre: we’re just not that into him

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 14, 2025
  • Pierre Poilievre’s polished daily performances continue to be, primarily, laments for the sorry state of the country, extended complaints about the 'lost Liberal decade,'

Poilievre: we’re just not that into him

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 14, 2025
  • Pierre Poilievre’s polished daily performances continue to be, primarily, laments for the sorry state of the country, extended complaints about the 'lost Liberal decade,'
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured March 4, 2025, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bread, not circuses: dwindling appetite for politics as usual is helping Carney

  • If polls and general chatter are accurate, voters may be ready for more content, less contempt.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 31, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured March 23, 2025, after holding a press conference outside Rideau Hall in Ottawa after dissolving Parliament and calling an election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bread, not circuses: dwindling appetite for politics as usual is helping Carney

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 31, 2025
  • If polls and general chatter are accurate, voters may be ready for more content, less contempt.

Bread, not circuses: dwindling appetite for politics as usual is helping Carney

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 31, 2025
  • If polls and general chatter are accurate, voters may be ready for more content, less contempt.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured March 23, 2025, after holding a press conference outside Rideau Hall in Ottawa after dissolving Parliament and calling an election. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who’s Tory now?

  • There is a new Liberal in town, a blue-suit Liberal, and all these ordinary concerns—although climate change is hardly trivial—seem to be set aside
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 17, 2025
Newly elected party leader Mark Carney arrives for the Liberal Party caucus meeting in West Block on March 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Newly elected party leader Mark Carney arrives for the Liberal Party caucus meeting in West Block on March 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Newly elected party leader Mark Carney arrives for the Liberal Party caucus meeting in the West Block on March 10, 2025. You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. In Canada, it is blowing right, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who’s Tory now?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 17, 2025
  • There is a new Liberal in town, a blue-suit Liberal, and all these ordinary concerns—although climate change is hardly trivial—seem to be set aside

Who’s Tory now?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 17, 2025
  • There is a new Liberal in town, a blue-suit Liberal, and all these ordinary concerns—although climate change is hardly trivial—seem to be set aside
Newly elected party leader Mark Carney arrives for the Liberal Party caucus meeting in West Block on March 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Newly elected party leader Mark Carney arrives for the Liberal Party caucus meeting in the West Block on March 10, 2025. You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. In Canada, it is blowing right, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump is coming: quick, build a pipeline!

  • Donald Trump is an all-purpose distraction, a threat on so many fronts, that concern about climate has been temporarily pushed aside. But people still
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 3, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney, picture in Montreal on Feb. 25, 2025. Dubbed 'Carbon-Tax Carney' by the Conservatives, Carney has rejected the consumer-based carbon tax that the Liberal government adopted, but failed to sell, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump is coming: quick, build a pipeline!

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 3, 2025
  • Donald Trump is an all-purpose distraction, a threat on so many fronts, that concern about climate has been temporarily pushed aside. But people still

Trump is coming: quick, build a pipeline!

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 3, 2025
  • Donald Trump is an all-purpose distraction, a threat on so many fronts, that concern about climate has been temporarily pushed aside. But people still
Mark Carney
Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney, picture in Montreal on Feb. 25, 2025. Dubbed 'Carbon-Tax Carney' by the Conservatives, Carney has rejected the consumer-based carbon tax that the Liberal government adopted, but failed to sell, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The battle to be Canada’s flag-bearer

  • Canadians will continue to boycott U.S. products, cancel trips down south, drop Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV subscriptions, and wait for someone to lead
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 17, 2025
The race to be our national flag-bearer is tightening. Mark Carney, left, comes across as a sober, able, low-key manager, but he needs to turn up the volume. Pierre Poilievre is a snappy, energetic communicator, but he needs to tone down the hatred, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia, illustration by Neena Singhal

The battle to be Canada’s flag-bearer

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 17, 2025
  • Canadians will continue to boycott U.S. products, cancel trips down south, drop Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV subscriptions, and wait for someone to lead

The battle to be Canada’s flag-bearer

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 17, 2025
  • Canadians will continue to boycott U.S. products, cancel trips down south, drop Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV subscriptions, and wait for someone to lead
The race to be our national flag-bearer is tightening. Mark Carney, left, comes across as a sober, able, low-key manager, but he needs to turn up the volume. Pierre Poilievre is a snappy, energetic communicator, but he needs to tone down the hatred, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia, illustration by Neena Singhal

Trump defends continent’s sacred right to choke on our own smoke

  • A triumphant U.S. president set out a damaging and costly scenario last week: the reversal of all attempts to stop climate change and a
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 27, 2025
Donald Trump doesn't care about climate change, but Canada does have one important card to play. We could significantly reduce the 100-per-cent tariff it imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles, and induce China to build some of their EV cars here, to get a toehold on a huge continent market, writes Susan Riley. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Trump defends continent’s sacred right to choke on our own smoke

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 27, 2025
  • A triumphant U.S. president set out a damaging and costly scenario last week: the reversal of all attempts to stop climate change and a

Trump defends continent’s sacred right to choke on our own smoke

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 27, 2025
  • A triumphant U.S. president set out a damaging and costly scenario last week: the reversal of all attempts to stop climate change and a
Donald Trump doesn't care about climate change, but Canada does have one important card to play. We could significantly reduce the 100-per-cent tariff it imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles, and induce China to build some of their EV cars here, to get a toehold on a huge continent market, writes Susan Riley. Image courtesy of Pixabay

The race is on! Let it be merciful

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here is the choice facing the federal Liberal Party in this moment of national peril—and it needs to decide, pronto. In broad strokes:
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 13, 2025
The Liberals' placeholder candidate cannot be the genial Dominic LeBlanc, newly-minted finance minister and beloved party veteran, who has taken himself out of contention so he can attend to the business of the nation, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The race is on! Let it be merciful

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 13, 2025
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here is the choice facing the federal Liberal Party in this moment of national peril—and it needs to decide, pronto. In broad strokes:

The race is on! Let it be merciful

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 13, 2025
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here is the choice facing the federal Liberal Party in this moment of national peril—and it needs to decide, pronto. In broad strokes:
The Liberals' placeholder candidate cannot be the genial Dominic LeBlanc, newly-minted finance minister and beloved party veteran, who has taken himself out of contention so he can attend to the business of the nation, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s isolation and arrogance will be his undoing

  • Did Freeland's firing expose Trudeau as a fake feminist? To some, this is an irrefutable fact, but Trudeau has also humiliated male ministers, including
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 17, 2024
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau addresses Liberal Party supporters at a Laurier Club fundraiser at the Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on Dec. 16, 2024. There is something to be said for rising above the political weather bomb that hit the Hill this week, and 'reflecting' as Trudeau apparently assured his shell-shocked caucus that he would, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s isolation and arrogance will be his undoing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 17, 2024
  • Did Freeland's firing expose Trudeau as a fake feminist? To some, this is an irrefutable fact, but Trudeau has also humiliated male ministers, including

Trudeau’s isolation and arrogance will be his undoing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 17, 2024
  • Did Freeland's firing expose Trudeau as a fake feminist? To some, this is an irrefutable fact, but Trudeau has also humiliated male ministers, including
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau addresses Liberal Party supporters at a Laurier Club fundraiser at the Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on Dec. 16, 2024. There is something to be said for rising above the political weather bomb that hit the Hill this week, and 'reflecting' as Trudeau apparently assured his shell-shocked caucus that he would, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Are we happy? Are we supposed to be?

  • Economic gears have been grinding in unsettling ways since the pandemic, there are no quick fixes, and the first responsibility of any government should
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 9, 2024
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, in announcing her government’s two-month GST holiday on certain goods and a $250 check for working Canadians in the spring—referred to the 'vibe-session,' a newly-coined phrase that refers to the divide between complicated economic reality and the way people are feeling. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Are we happy? Are we supposed to be?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 9, 2024
  • Economic gears have been grinding in unsettling ways since the pandemic, there are no quick fixes, and the first responsibility of any government should

Are we happy? Are we supposed to be?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 9, 2024
  • Economic gears have been grinding in unsettling ways since the pandemic, there are no quick fixes, and the first responsibility of any government should
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, in announcing her government’s two-month GST holiday on certain goods and a $250 check for working Canadians in the spring—referred to the 'vibe-session,' a newly-coined phrase that refers to the divide between complicated economic reality and the way people are feeling. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Breaking: the CBC and our link to public broadcasting?

  • If this is public broadcasting’s last chance to save itself, it needs to move fast—and the majority of Canadians who, polls say, still support
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 25, 2024
CBC
CBC
More urgent than anything is the potential loss of CBC News. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is convinced—as have all Conservative leaders before him—that CBC reporters favour Liberals, and universally betray a socially liberal bias, writes Susan Riley.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Breaking: the CBC and our link to public broadcasting?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 25, 2024
  • If this is public broadcasting’s last chance to save itself, it needs to move fast—and the majority of Canadians who, polls say, still support

Breaking: the CBC and our link to public broadcasting?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 25, 2024
  • If this is public broadcasting’s last chance to save itself, it needs to move fast—and the majority of Canadians who, polls say, still support
CBC
More urgent than anything is the potential loss of CBC News. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is convinced—as have all Conservative leaders before him—that CBC reporters favour Liberals, and universally betray a socially liberal bias, writes Susan Riley.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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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

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

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