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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
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When does ‘bold’ start? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “bold,” green, post-pandemic recovery plan appears to lack boldness. And detail. And deadlines. In fact, it is
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 16, 2020
So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 'bold,' green, post-pandemic recovery plan appears to lack boldness. And detail. And deadlines, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When does ‘bold’ start? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 16, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “bold,” green, post-pandemic recovery plan appears to lack boldness. And detail. And deadlines. In fact, it is

When does ‘bold’ start? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 16, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “bold,” green, post-pandemic recovery plan appears to lack boldness. And detail. And deadlines. In fact, it is
So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 'bold,' green, post-pandemic recovery plan appears to lack boldness. And detail. And deadlines, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is the opposition deliberately trying to alienate voters? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone less attractive than that guy, hands in his pockets, watching a building burn to the ground while shouting non-stop criticisms
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 2, 2020
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Conservative MPs Michelle Rempel Garner and Pierre Poilievre. Is there anyone less attractive than that guy, hands in his pockets, watching a building burn to the ground while shouting non-stop criticisms of the sweating fire-fighters? 'Wrong hose! Should have gone in the back door! Why didn’t you buy taller ladders?' The federal Conservatives are turning into that guy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Is the opposition deliberately trying to alienate voters? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 2, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone less attractive than that guy, hands in his pockets, watching a building burn to the ground while shouting non-stop criticisms

Is the opposition deliberately trying to alienate voters? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 2, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone less attractive than that guy, hands in his pockets, watching a building burn to the ground while shouting non-stop criticisms
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Conservative MPs Michelle Rempel Garner and Pierre Poilievre. Is there anyone less attractive than that guy, hands in his pockets, watching a building burn to the ground while shouting non-stop criticisms of the sweating fire-fighters? 'Wrong hose! Should have gone in the back door! Why didn’t you buy taller ladders?' The federal Conservatives are turning into that guy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Make the rich pay, one of these days 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—A wealth tax is one of those simple and beguiling ideas that resurfaces in times of economic turmoil, only to be forgotten as
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 19, 2020
A version of a wealth tax, which already exists in a handful of European countries, has made its way into Canadian political discourse—advocated by New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and vaguely approved by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, mostly recently in the Throne Speech. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Make the rich pay, one of these days 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 19, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—A wealth tax is one of those simple and beguiling ideas that resurfaces in times of economic turmoil, only to be forgotten as

Make the rich pay, one of these days 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 19, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—A wealth tax is one of those simple and beguiling ideas that resurfaces in times of economic turmoil, only to be forgotten as
A version of a wealth tax, which already exists in a handful of European countries, has made its way into Canadian political discourse—advocated by New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and vaguely approved by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, mostly recently in the Throne Speech. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Save the COVID blame game for happier times

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Who is to blame for the ineptitude, delay, and confusion that has marked Canada’s response to COVID-19? The provinces (insert premier’s name here)
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 5, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Oct. 1, 2020, walks from the West block with his security detail. Yes, the federal government made mistakes, but it is probably more useful right now for opposition parties, bereaved families, and frustrated parents to focus urgently on correcting past mistakes rather than marinating in resentment or hurling vitriol, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Save the COVID blame game for happier times

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 5, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Who is to blame for the ineptitude, delay, and confusion that has marked Canada’s response to COVID-19? The provinces (insert premier’s name here)

Save the COVID blame game for happier times

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 5, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Who is to blame for the ineptitude, delay, and confusion that has marked Canada’s response to COVID-19? The provinces (insert premier’s name here)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Oct. 1, 2020, walks from the West block with his security detail. Yes, the federal government made mistakes, but it is probably more useful right now for opposition parties, bereaved families, and frustrated parents to focus urgently on correcting past mistakes rather than marinating in resentment or hurling vitriol, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will there ever be a right time for concerted action on climate? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—“If not now, when? If not us, who?” That was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, not too long ago, defending his government’s decision to proceed
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 21, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at his cabinet retreat on Sept. 14, 2020, not too long ago, defended his government’s decision to proceed with a national carbon tax. There have been studies, targets, timelines, promises and threats. There has been talk of a generational shift, of the opportunity presented by the pandemic and ensuing economic chaos for a complete reset, for the dawning of a New Green Age. But the time never seems quite right for actual, transformative action, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will there ever be a right time for concerted action on climate? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 21, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—“If not now, when? If not us, who?” That was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, not too long ago, defending his government’s decision to proceed

Will there ever be a right time for concerted action on climate? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 21, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—“If not now, when? If not us, who?” That was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, not too long ago, defending his government’s decision to proceed
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at his cabinet retreat on Sept. 14, 2020, not too long ago, defended his government’s decision to proceed with a national carbon tax. There have been studies, targets, timelines, promises and threats. There has been talk of a generational shift, of the opportunity presented by the pandemic and ensuing economic chaos for a complete reset, for the dawning of a New Green Age. But the time never seems quite right for actual, transformative action, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new leader, a new script and a chance for progressive government

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Some ardent Liberals must have felt a frisson of concern as they watched Erin O’Toole’s debut as the new Conservative party leader last
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 7, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh can help their parties and the country if they can find common ground on issues like childcare, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A new leader, a new script and a chance for progressive government

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 7, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Some ardent Liberals must have felt a frisson of concern as they watched Erin O’Toole’s debut as the new Conservative party leader last

A new leader, a new script and a chance for progressive government

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 7, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Some ardent Liberals must have felt a frisson of concern as they watched Erin O’Toole’s debut as the new Conservative party leader last
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh can help their parties and the country if they can find common ground on issues like childcare, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Bill Morneau and the remorseless nature of politics

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It no doubt violates the Canadian Manual for Journalistic Standards, but it is hard not to feel sorry for former finance minister Bill
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 24, 2020
Bill Morneau downplayed any conflict with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even as he announced his resignation, following a campaign of leaks from Liberal insiders that undermined his career. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Bill Morneau and the remorseless nature of politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 24, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It no doubt violates the Canadian Manual for Journalistic Standards, but it is hard not to feel sorry for former finance minister Bill

Bill Morneau and the remorseless nature of politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 24, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It no doubt violates the Canadian Manual for Journalistic Standards, but it is hard not to feel sorry for former finance minister Bill
Bill Morneau downplayed any conflict with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even as he announced his resignation, following a campaign of leaks from Liberal insiders that undermined his career. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

What else is happening while we worry about COVID? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The pandemic, the WE controversy, and ongoing problems with the RCMP have given higher-than-usual profiles to a number of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet ministers—notably
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 10, 2020
Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, pictured on Jan. 28, 2020, on the Hill arriving for the Liberal cabinet meeting in Ottawa. As worried Canadians focus on immediate problems—staying healthy, surviving financially, whether to send the kids back to school this fall—the environment disappeared from the front pages. So did the minister, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

What else is happening while we worry about COVID? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 10, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The pandemic, the WE controversy, and ongoing problems with the RCMP have given higher-than-usual profiles to a number of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet ministers—notably

What else is happening while we worry about COVID? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 10, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The pandemic, the WE controversy, and ongoing problems with the RCMP have given higher-than-usual profiles to a number of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet ministers—notably
Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, pictured on Jan. 28, 2020, on the Hill arriving for the Liberal cabinet meeting in Ottawa. As worried Canadians focus on immediate problems—staying healthy, surviving financially, whether to send the kids back to school this fall—the environment disappeared from the front pages. So did the minister, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time for new thinking about old parties 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why do so many people—media, pundits, pollsters, and casual followers of politics—assume that Conservatives are the default governing party when the Liberals wobble?
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 27, 2020
Outgoing Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer, pictured on May 27, 2017, shortly after winning the party's leadership in Toronto. Instead of offering a refurbished Conservatism for the times—more inclusive, honest and closer to mainstream social values—Mr. Scheer functions like a sniper, constantly on the lookout for Liberal misdeeds, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright

Time for new thinking about old parties 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 27, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why do so many people—media, pundits, pollsters, and casual followers of politics—assume that Conservatives are the default governing party when the Liberals wobble?

Time for new thinking about old parties 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 27, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why do so many people—media, pundits, pollsters, and casual followers of politics—assume that Conservatives are the default governing party when the Liberals wobble?
Outgoing Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer, pictured on May 27, 2017, shortly after winning the party's leadership in Toronto. Instead of offering a refurbished Conservatism for the times—more inclusive, honest and closer to mainstream social values—Mr. Scheer functions like a sniper, constantly on the lookout for Liberal misdeeds, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright

The daily handouts have slowed and the reckoning has begun 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While the pandemic is far from over, its impact is declining in many parts of Canada and there are increasing stirrings of concern
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 29, 2020
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, pictured. While the pandemic is far from over, its impact is declining in many parts of Canada and there are increasing stirrings of concern about the next challenge: how do we get ourselves out of this economic hole, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The daily handouts have slowed and the reckoning has begun 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 29, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While the pandemic is far from over, its impact is declining in many parts of Canada and there are increasing stirrings of concern

The daily handouts have slowed and the reckoning has begun 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 29, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While the pandemic is far from over, its impact is declining in many parts of Canada and there are increasing stirrings of concern
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, pictured. While the pandemic is far from over, its impact is declining in many parts of Canada and there are increasing stirrings of concern about the next challenge: how do we get ourselves out of this economic hole, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Climate is still changing while Canada courts the UN

  • CHEALSEA, QUE.—The headline was so shocking, it looked at first like fake news. Temperatures reached 30 C inside the Arctic Circle last week, in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 15, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at Régimbal Awards and Promotions in Ottawa to highlight how businesses are benefitting from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy on June 11, 2020, has led a years-long campaign for Canada to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Climate is still changing while Canada courts the UN

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 15, 2020
  • CHEALSEA, QUE.—The headline was so shocking, it looked at first like fake news. Temperatures reached 30 C inside the Arctic Circle last week, in

Climate is still changing while Canada courts the UN

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 15, 2020
  • CHEALSEA, QUE.—The headline was so shocking, it looked at first like fake news. Temperatures reached 30 C inside the Arctic Circle last week, in
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at Régimbal Awards and Promotions in Ottawa to highlight how businesses are benefitting from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy on June 11, 2020, has led a years-long campaign for Canada to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When it comes to fixing long-term care, tears are not enough 

  • CHEALSEA, QUE.—Let’s assume, barring evidence to the contrary, that Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford, and François Legault are genuinely shaken by the horror stories emerging
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 1, 2020
Let’s assume, barring evidence to the contrary, that Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford, and François Legault are genuinely shaken by the horror stories emerging from too many long-term care homes in this country. The Hill Times file photographs by Andrew Meade

When it comes to fixing long-term care, tears are not enough 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 1, 2020
  • CHEALSEA, QUE.—Let’s assume, barring evidence to the contrary, that Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford, and François Legault are genuinely shaken by the horror stories emerging

When it comes to fixing long-term care, tears are not enough 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 1, 2020
  • CHEALSEA, QUE.—Let’s assume, barring evidence to the contrary, that Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford, and François Legault are genuinely shaken by the horror stories emerging
Let’s assume, barring evidence to the contrary, that Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford, and François Legault are genuinely shaken by the horror stories emerging from too many long-term care homes in this country. The Hill Times file photographs by Andrew Meade

We’re crazy with confinement, but does that mean we’re ready?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—When it comes to when and how fast we should resume quasi-normal life as pandemic infection rates slow, the answer probably depends on
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 4, 2020
Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured in this file photograph, announced last week that elementary schools and child-care centres outside of Montreal would reopen May 11, with the Montreal-area following suit on May 19. Photograph courtesy of Instagram

We’re crazy with confinement, but does that mean we’re ready?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 4, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—When it comes to when and how fast we should resume quasi-normal life as pandemic infection rates slow, the answer probably depends on

We’re crazy with confinement, but does that mean we’re ready?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 4, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—When it comes to when and how fast we should resume quasi-normal life as pandemic infection rates slow, the answer probably depends on
Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured in this file photograph, announced last week that elementary schools and child-care centres outside of Montreal would reopen May 11, with the Montreal-area following suit on May 19. Photograph courtesy of Instagram

Parliamentary accountability or pandemic pandemonium? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In theory, a healthy democracy needs a vigorous opposition. In reality, there’s Question Period. That may be why Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer appears
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 20, 2020
MPs, pictured in the House for an emergency meeting on April 11, 2020, to pass the government's $73-billion wage subsidy bill. Screen capture courtesy of CPAC

Parliamentary accountability or pandemic pandemonium? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 20, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In theory, a healthy democracy needs a vigorous opposition. In reality, there’s Question Period. That may be why Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer appears

Parliamentary accountability or pandemic pandemonium? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 20, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In theory, a healthy democracy needs a vigorous opposition. In reality, there’s Question Period. That may be why Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer appears
MPs, pictured in the House for an emergency meeting on April 11, 2020, to pass the government's $73-billion wage subsidy bill. Screen capture courtesy of CPAC

Some cabinet stars emerge in pandemic

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It has been decades since the era of strong cabinet ministers—men (always men) with a profile as prominent as the prime minister’s and
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 6, 2020
Minister of Health Patty Hajdu gives an update on the government's measures to help Canadians with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Mar. 20, 2020. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Some cabinet stars emerge in pandemic

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 6, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It has been decades since the era of strong cabinet ministers—men (always men) with a profile as prominent as the prime minister’s and

Some cabinet stars emerge in pandemic

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 6, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It has been decades since the era of strong cabinet ministers—men (always men) with a profile as prominent as the prime minister’s and
Minister of Health Patty Hajdu gives an update on the government's measures to help Canadians with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Mar. 20, 2020. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

This changes everything, for a while, at least

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—After the virus is gone—and it will go—will life, particularly political life, be any different? Will ideology, of any stripe, look like the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 23, 2020
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, Transpsort Minister Marc Garneau, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on March 16, 2020, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

This changes everything, for a while, at least

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 23, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—After the virus is gone—and it will go—will life, particularly political life, be any different? Will ideology, of any stripe, look like the

This changes everything, for a while, at least

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 23, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—After the virus is gone—and it will go—will life, particularly political life, be any different? Will ideology, of any stripe, look like the
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, Transpsort Minister Marc Garneau, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on March 16, 2020, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will anyone cut Trudeau slack in a cutthroat world? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it is that being prime minister of Canada is a brutally hard job. Justin
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 9, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Feb. 21, 2020. If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it is that being prime minister of Canada is a brutally hard job, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will anyone cut Trudeau slack in a cutthroat world? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 9, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it is that being prime minister of Canada is a brutally hard job. Justin

Will anyone cut Trudeau slack in a cutthroat world? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 9, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it is that being prime minister of Canada is a brutally hard job. Justin
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Feb. 21, 2020. If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it is that being prime minister of Canada is a brutally hard job, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Those rascally ‘radical activists’ are everywhere

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Wild rumours circulated on Parliament Hill last week that “radical foreign activists” have taken over the federal Conservative Party. Then someone said: “Wait!
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 24, 2020
Activists, pictured in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2020, out showing their support for the Wet’suwet’en land defenders. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Those rascally ‘radical activists’ are everywhere

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 24, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Wild rumours circulated on Parliament Hill last week that “radical foreign activists” have taken over the federal Conservative Party. Then someone said: “Wait!

Those rascally ‘radical activists’ are everywhere

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 24, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Wild rumours circulated on Parliament Hill last week that “radical foreign activists” have taken over the federal Conservative Party. Then someone said: “Wait!
Activists, pictured in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2020, out showing their support for the Wet’suwet’en land defenders. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When you’re in a climate hole, first you stop digging 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The groundwork is being laid for federal cabinet approval of a giant new oilsands mine in northern Alberta—perhaps with mandated emissions reductions limits,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 10, 2020
The groundwork is being laid for federal cabinet approval of a giant new oilsands mine in northern Alberta—perhaps with mandated emissions reductions limits, perhaps with a promise from Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, pictured on May 2, 2019, on the Hill, to legislate a 100-megatonne cap on provincial emissions, and, perhaps, with the private hope that the expensive and polluting project will never be built. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When you’re in a climate hole, first you stop digging 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 10, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The groundwork is being laid for federal cabinet approval of a giant new oilsands mine in northern Alberta—perhaps with mandated emissions reductions limits,

When you’re in a climate hole, first you stop digging 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 10, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The groundwork is being laid for federal cabinet approval of a giant new oilsands mine in northern Alberta—perhaps with mandated emissions reductions limits,
The groundwork is being laid for federal cabinet approval of a giant new oilsands mine in northern Alberta—perhaps with mandated emissions reductions limits, perhaps with a promise from Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, pictured on May 2, 2019, on the Hill, to legislate a 100-megatonne cap on provincial emissions, and, perhaps, with the private hope that the expensive and polluting project will never be built. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Women in politics: every party should have a few 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Will the time ever come when every leadership race does not require a “woman” candidate, primarily to make the party look inclusive? In
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 27, 2020
Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, pictured, is so far the only high-profile woman running for the Conservative Party's leadership. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Women in politics: every party should have a few 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 27, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Will the time ever come when every leadership race does not require a “woman” candidate, primarily to make the party look inclusive? In

Women in politics: every party should have a few 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 27, 2020
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Will the time ever come when every leadership race does not require a “woman” candidate, primarily to make the party look inclusive? In
Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, pictured, is so far the only high-profile woman running for the Conservative Party's leadership. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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