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Thursday, June 26, 2025

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Susan Riley

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

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

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
The good news is that Donald Trump, pictured, will be gone for good in four years. It will be up to the next U.S. government to repair the devastation he leaves, or not, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold
Donald Trump
The good news is that Donald Trump, pictured, will be gone for good in four years. It will be up to the next U.S. government to repair the devastation he leaves, or not, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Meanwhile, on a planet far, far away

  • The enemy without—climate change, of course—is scratching at the window, unheard and ignored. In one way or another it’s coming for us all.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 28, 2024
David Eby, left, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, David Rustad, Pierre Poilievre, and Danielle Smith. Politics is a thankless business, so perhaps we shouldn’t begrudge our leaders the fun they are having with issues like foreign interference, Trump’s admiration for Hitler, Rustad’s flirtations with crazy conspiracies, writes Riley. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Flickr/British Columbia Government and The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, illustration by Neena Singhal

Meanwhile, on a planet far, far away

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 28, 2024
  • The enemy without—climate change, of course—is scratching at the window, unheard and ignored. In one way or another it’s coming for us all.

Meanwhile, on a planet far, far away

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 28, 2024
  • The enemy without—climate change, of course—is scratching at the window, unheard and ignored. In one way or another it’s coming for us all.
David Eby, left, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, David Rustad, Pierre Poilievre, and Danielle Smith. Politics is a thankless business, so perhaps we shouldn’t begrudge our leaders the fun they are having with issues like foreign interference, Trump’s admiration for Hitler, Rustad’s flirtations with crazy conspiracies, writes Riley. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Flickr/British Columbia Government and The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, illustration by Neena Singhal

Can we talk about Poilievre? Whether his harshness is impulsive or strategic, it’s invidious

  • Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, who faced Poilievre in the Commons for 10 years, recalled: 'He has only one pitch: a hardball to the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 14, 2024
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, left, is the latest public figure to face Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s lacerating criticism, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Can we talk about Poilievre? Whether his harshness is impulsive or strategic, it’s invidious

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 14, 2024
  • Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, who faced Poilievre in the Commons for 10 years, recalled: 'He has only one pitch: a hardball to the

Can we talk about Poilievre? Whether his harshness is impulsive or strategic, it’s invidious

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 14, 2024
  • Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, who faced Poilievre in the Commons for 10 years, recalled: 'He has only one pitch: a hardball to the
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, left, is the latest public figure to face Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s lacerating criticism, 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
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris
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
Kamala Harris
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
More Stories

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
Hailed by Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, as 'the biggest export agreement in the history of Quebec,' the sale is a logical fit: Quebec has a surplus of clean electricity, while nearby U.S. states are under political and economic pressure to cut emissions by moving away from coal-generated electricity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill
Hailed by Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, as 'the biggest export agreement in the history of Quebec,' the sale is a logical fit: Quebec has a surplus of clean electricity, while nearby U.S. states are under political and economic pressure to cut emissions by moving away from coal-generated electricity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Look again: this election could be transformational 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, Annamie Paul, and Maxime Bernier. It remains to be seen, whether campaign 2021 will be transformational in another way, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Look again: this election could be transformational 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in

Look again: this election could be transformational 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in
Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, Annamie Paul, and Maxime Bernier. It remains to be seen, whether campaign 2021 will be transformational in another way, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for triggering a snap election. For most Canadians, an election is a minor inconvenience, and an important chance to have their say on how their country is governed, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for triggering a snap election. For most Canadians, an election is a minor inconvenience, and an important chance to have their say on how their country is governed, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, pictured March 11, 2021, on the Hill. While Ms. Paul is an articulate and intelligent debater, intent on expanding her party’s reach in urban ridings and among racialized communities—all good things—her focus on other issues, including a recent anti-Semitism conference and a roundtable on illicit drugs, leaves climate issues in the dust, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters
Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, pictured March 11, 2021, on the Hill. While Ms. Paul is an articulate and intelligent debater, intent on expanding her party’s reach in urban ridings and among racialized communities—all good things—her focus on other issues, including a recent anti-Semitism conference and a roundtable on illicit drugs, leaves climate issues in the dust, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
Senators Bernadette Clement, Paula Simons, and Mary Jane McCallum. As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may have escaped most voters’ notice. Indirectly—if not inadvertently—he has improved the quality of Canada’s Senate. Photographs courtesy of Facebook, Senate, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may
Senators Bernadette Clement, Paula Simons, and Mary Jane McCallum. As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may have escaped most voters’ notice. Indirectly—if not inadvertently—he has improved the quality of Canada’s Senate. Photographs courtesy of Facebook, Senate, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured June 22, 2021, at the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick/POOL

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured June 22, 2021, at the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick/POOL

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
People performing a drumming circle, June 3, 2021, on Parliament Hill to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found last month near the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the government that resolved to address longstanding injustice towards First Nations—that declared the Indigenous-settler relationship its top priority—is fighting repeated orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to end the discrimination against First Nations children who cannot access the same quality health and social services as non-Indigenous kids. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school
People performing a drumming circle, June 3, 2021, on Parliament Hill to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found last month near the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the government that resolved to address longstanding injustice towards First Nations—that declared the Indigenous-settler relationship its top priority—is fighting repeated orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to end the discrimination against First Nations children who cannot access the same quality health and social services as non-Indigenous kids. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
Filmmaker Avi Lewis, centre, has been nominated to run for the NDP in B.C., five years after causing a ruckus in the party over his Leap Manifesto. The Hill Times file photograph

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead
Filmmaker Avi Lewis, centre, has been nominated to run for the NDP in B.C., five years after causing a ruckus in the party over his Leap Manifesto. The Hill Times file photograph

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan Vance, earlier this year. But that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it, no matter how many other reputations are harmed in the process, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan
It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan Vance, earlier this year. But that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it, no matter how many other reputations are harmed in the process, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. The Ford government's belated, timid, half-measure on paid sick leave, embraced reluctantly, is being marketed as a 'game-changer,' 14 months and 8,000 Ontario lives later, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. The Ford government's belated, timid, half-measure on paid sick leave, embraced reluctantly, is being marketed as a 'game-changer,' 14 months and 8,000 Ontario lives later, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a prime offender, criticizing the federal government for not providing enough vaccines, then, when vaccines did arrive last week, boasting about how quickly and efficiently Albertans will be inoculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a prime offender, criticizing the federal government for not providing enough vaccines, then, when vaccines did arrive last week, boasting about how quickly and efficiently Albertans will be inoculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Another pipeline, another panic 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This season’s pipeline panic, something of a regular occurrence in national politics, centres on Enbridge’s Line 5—a 1,000-kilometre pipe that carries western Canadian
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 5, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage, pictured in a scrum on May 2, 2019, in the Senate Building in Ottawa, after appearing before the Senate's Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Another pipeline, another panic 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 5, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This season’s pipeline panic, something of a regular occurrence in national politics, centres on Enbridge’s Line 5—a 1,000-kilometre pipe that carries western Canadian

Another pipeline, another panic 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 5, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This season’s pipeline panic, something of a regular occurrence in national politics, centres on Enbridge’s Line 5—a 1,000-kilometre pipe that carries western Canadian
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage, pictured in a scrum on May 2, 2019, in the Senate Building in Ottawa, after appearing before the Senate's Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Goodbye Question Period and good riddance 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 22, 2021
MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House Chamber. Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative quiet that has descended on Parliament Hill in these pandemic times, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Goodbye Question Period and good riddance 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative

Goodbye Question Period and good riddance 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative
MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House Chamber. Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative quiet that has descended on Parliament Hill in these pandemic times, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 8, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 3, 2021, in Ottawa. Effective communication, especially in the social media era, requires humility, humour and clarity. Instead, federal spokespeople—following the example of a leaden-footed prime minister—frequently deliver overly cautious and, ultimately, empty messages about everything from vaccines, to economic recovery. Even when this prime minister has nothing to hide, he manages to look shifty, writes Susan Riley.

Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with

Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 3, 2021, in Ottawa. Effective communication, especially in the social media era, requires humility, humour and clarity. Instead, federal spokespeople—following the example of a leaden-footed prime minister—frequently deliver overly cautious and, ultimately, empty messages about everything from vaccines, to economic recovery. Even when this prime minister has nothing to hide, he manages to look shifty, writes Susan Riley.

Who is Erin O’Toole? Too early to say 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In a recent podcast interview, former prime minister Joe Clark lamented the fact that contemporary political parties are no longer “instruments of reconciliation”
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 22, 2021
On his right flank, Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured Feb. 18, 2021, also has to beware of noisy critics like Maxime Bernier and the new, Western-based, right-wing Maverick Party, led by former Conservative MP Jay Hill. As well, social conservatives organized by Derek Sloan and others are competing for a significant presence at that upcoming policy conference and they are no friends of O’Toole’s, who some describe as Liberal-lite. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who is Erin O’Toole? Too early to say 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In a recent podcast interview, former prime minister Joe Clark lamented the fact that contemporary political parties are no longer “instruments of reconciliation”

Who is Erin O’Toole? Too early to say 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In a recent podcast interview, former prime minister Joe Clark lamented the fact that contemporary political parties are no longer “instruments of reconciliation”
On his right flank, Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured Feb. 18, 2021, also has to beware of noisy critics like Maxime Bernier and the new, Western-based, right-wing Maverick Party, led by former Conservative MP Jay Hill. As well, social conservatives organized by Derek Sloan and others are competing for a significant presence at that upcoming policy conference and they are no friends of O’Toole’s, who some describe as Liberal-lite. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No more Mr. Nice Guy

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If Canada doesn’t emerge from this pandemic with much-improved long-term care for seniors—beginning with concrete and well-funded steps in that direction come spring—then
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 8, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Jan. 29, 2021, holding a media briefing outside the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Even those who find Justin Trudeau annoying, mannered, insufficiently serious, or arrogant, also know this: we are one people when it comes to how we treat our elders. We have already lost more people in long-term care than any other wealthy nation. And we don’t want to carry the national shame of more unnecessary deaths. Do what you have to, prime minister, and let them howl, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No more Mr. Nice Guy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If Canada doesn’t emerge from this pandemic with much-improved long-term care for seniors—beginning with concrete and well-funded steps in that direction come spring—then

No more Mr. Nice Guy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If Canada doesn’t emerge from this pandemic with much-improved long-term care for seniors—beginning with concrete and well-funded steps in that direction come spring—then
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Jan. 29, 2021, holding a media briefing outside the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Even those who find Justin Trudeau annoying, mannered, insufficiently serious, or arrogant, also know this: we are one people when it comes to how we treat our elders. We have already lost more people in long-term care than any other wealthy nation. And we don’t want to carry the national shame of more unnecessary deaths. Do what you have to, prime minister, and let them howl, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The two faces of Canada’s approach to climate change increasingly confusing

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—You can excuse our American friends—any of our friends—for wondering where Canada stands on climate change and, more broadly, on the future of
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 25, 2021
On one hand, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, is threatening to sue the new Biden administration for its entirely unsurprising decision to withdraw support for the expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline, which was to transport more of Alberta’s heavy oil to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. He is demanding the federal government retaliate with sanctions if Justin Trudeau cannot change the president’s mind—sanctions as robust as those employed against Donald Trump’s unfair U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The two faces of Canada’s approach to climate change increasingly confusing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—You can excuse our American friends—any of our friends—for wondering where Canada stands on climate change and, more broadly, on the future of

The two faces of Canada’s approach to climate change increasingly confusing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—You can excuse our American friends—any of our friends—for wondering where Canada stands on climate change and, more broadly, on the future of
On one hand, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, is threatening to sue the new Biden administration for its entirely unsurprising decision to withdraw support for the expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline, which was to transport more of Alberta’s heavy oil to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. He is demanding the federal government retaliate with sanctions if Justin Trudeau cannot change the president’s mind—sanctions as robust as those employed against Donald Trump’s unfair U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

COVID is exacerbating regional, provincial, and inter-personal tensions 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The most insidious thing about this pandemic is the way it turns strangers into threats and everyone into a stranger. This is most
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 11, 2021
While some politicians exacerbate these divisions—Ontario Premier Doug Ford warning of 'hordes' of Quebecers, flooding into Ottawa; Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and Quebec’s François Legault, criticizing the federal government for slow vaccine roll-outs—there are rare, and welcome, voices of compassion and unity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

COVID is exacerbating regional, provincial, and inter-personal tensions 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The most insidious thing about this pandemic is the way it turns strangers into threats and everyone into a stranger. This is most

COVID is exacerbating regional, provincial, and inter-personal tensions 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The most insidious thing about this pandemic is the way it turns strangers into threats and everyone into a stranger. This is most
While some politicians exacerbate these divisions—Ontario Premier Doug Ford warning of 'hordes' of Quebecers, flooding into Ottawa; Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and Quebec’s François Legault, criticizing the federal government for slow vaccine roll-outs—there are rare, and welcome, voices of compassion and unity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Whoville and the Grinch: a cautionary tale for opposition politicians 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is time someone who isn’t a Liberal said it: the Trudeau government has done a pretty good job managing the pandemic. Not
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 14, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at a press conference on Dec. 7, 2020, in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on the Hill. It's time someone who isn’t a Liberal said it: the Trudeau government has done a pretty good job managing the pandemic. Not perfect, never perfect. But hardly the train wreck of corruption and incompetence depicted by opposition critics, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Whoville and the Grinch: a cautionary tale for opposition politicians 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 14, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is time someone who isn’t a Liberal said it: the Trudeau government has done a pretty good job managing the pandemic. Not

Whoville and the Grinch: a cautionary tale for opposition politicians 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 14, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is time someone who isn’t a Liberal said it: the Trudeau government has done a pretty good job managing the pandemic. Not
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at a press conference on Dec. 7, 2020, in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on the Hill. It's time someone who isn’t a Liberal said it: the Trudeau government has done a pretty good job managing the pandemic. Not perfect, never perfect. But hardly the train wreck of corruption and incompetence depicted by opposition critics, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Eight months into the pandemic, we’re no longer pulling together

  • As the prospect of a dim and diminished Christmas approaches, social cohesion is fracturing. Like hostages trapped in the same room for too many
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 26, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government says the vaccines should start arriving in January, although shots will likely not be widely available for months after that. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Eight months into the pandemic, we’re no longer pulling together

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 26, 2020
  • As the prospect of a dim and diminished Christmas approaches, social cohesion is fracturing. Like hostages trapped in the same room for too many

Eight months into the pandemic, we’re no longer pulling together

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 26, 2020
  • As the prospect of a dim and diminished Christmas approaches, social cohesion is fracturing. Like hostages trapped in the same room for too many
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government says the vaccines should start arriving in January, although shots will likely not be widely available for months after that. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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