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Susan Riley

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

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

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
More Stories

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
Federal departments have been shifting to a hybrid system—some office time mixed with continued remote work—but Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, pictured Nov. 16, 2021, arriving for a cabinet meeting in the West Block, is leaving it to individual departments and agencies to determine the blend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to
Federal departments have been shifting to a hybrid system—some office time mixed with continued remote work—but Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, pictured Nov. 16, 2021, arriving for a cabinet meeting in the West Block, is leaving it to individual departments and agencies to determine the blend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller’s leadership ambitions, if they even exist, exist primarily in the realm of idle speculation, particularly since Trudeau’s successor has already been anointed by many Liberals and media: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller’s leadership ambitions, if they even exist, exist primarily in the realm of idle speculation, particularly since Trudeau’s successor has already been anointed by many Liberals and media: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

An old war over climate change, a new phase

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
The Emissions Reduction Fund, as originally conceived, was clearly a Liberal bail-out to oil and gas, dressed up as a win-win; introduced in April 2020, near the start of the pandemic, as a way of addressing soaring unemployment in Alberta while cleaning up the environment. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

An old war over climate change, a new phase

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its

An old war over climate change, a new phase

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its
The Emissions Reduction Fund, as originally conceived, was clearly a Liberal bail-out to oil and gas, dressed up as a win-win; introduced in April 2020, near the start of the pandemic, as a way of addressing soaring unemployment in Alberta while cleaning up the environment. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Let the games….stop 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Oct. 5, 2021, leaving the Conservative caucus meeting held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, is considered one of his party's stars in the House, known for his over-the-top style. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Let the games….stop 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust

Let the games….stop 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Oct. 5, 2021, leaving the Conservative caucus meeting held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, is considered one of his party's stars in the House, known for his over-the-top style. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
Anti-vaxxers' signs, pictured in White Rock, B.C., in 2021. Time to stop rewarding the refuseniks. Time to start governing for the reasonable, rather than catering to an unhinged rump. Call their bluff, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Ted McGrath

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering
Anti-vaxxers' signs, pictured in White Rock, B.C., in 2021. Time to stop rewarding the refuseniks. Time to start governing for the reasonable, rather than catering to an unhinged rump. Call their bluff, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Ted McGrath

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
For most of his time in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Oct. 21, 2021, in Ottawa, has tacitly supported a too-leisurely transition away from oil and gas, pushing climate action in speeches while, at the same time, buying the Trans-Mountain expansion pipeline to ensure a continued, even accelerated, flow of oil from Alberta’s oil patch to Vancouver harbour, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec
For most of his time in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Oct. 21, 2021, in Ottawa, has tacitly supported a too-leisurely transition away from oil and gas, pushing climate action in speeches while, at the same time, buying the Trans-Mountain expansion pipeline to ensure a continued, even accelerated, flow of oil from Alberta’s oil patch to Vancouver harbour, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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.

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