Pandemic puts twist on Canada’s oldest legislative program as parliamentary interns adapt to new ways of working
Working through the pandemic has offered a unique window into the government’s emergency response, say parliamentary interns who are the first in the 51-year program to have their vantage into political proceedings made hybrid. The Parliamentary Internship Programme has adapted through a lot of trial and error, especially in the early months after the coronavirus […]
New adviser joins Intergovernmental Affairs Minister LeBlanc’s team
Queen’s Privy Council President and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc recently welcomed a new addition to his team, Jill Swenson, who’s been brought on board as a senior policy adviser. It’s a return to the Hill for Ms. Swenson, who previously worked for the federal trade minister, up until early in 2020. A former field organizer […]
Baby on board for MP Collins
NDP MP Laurel Collins will be joining the ranks of working mothers in Parliament this spring, announcing that she and partner James McNish are expecting a child. In a Jan. 19 statement, Ms. Collins, who represents Victoria, B.C., said she was “thrilled” to reveal the pregnancy, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has “created a new […]
De Adder’s Take: 01-20-2021
New Serbian envoy hopes for ‘more intensive’ political dialogue with Ottawa
Serbia’s new ambassador to Canada is hoping to move the needle on increased political discussion to strengthen Belgrade-Ottawa ties. Dejan Ralević said he wants to see “more intensive” political dialogue between the two countries, noting that Serbia is not among the top priorities for Canada, as it is not currently an EU member nation nor […]
Defenestration talk: Scheer inadvertently helps some politicos learn a new word
Close Justin Trudeau ally and PMO alum Gerry Butts drew the ire of former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer last week. Amid a Twitter exchange about right-wing media outlet The Rebel‘s framing of an email exchange with Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole‘s press secretary as an “exclusive interview” with the leader, Mr. Butts called the party’s decision […]
Staff exits for PMO and ministers O’Regan, Wilkinson, and Fortier
Like sand through the hour glass, so go staff movements on Parliament Hill, and there are a few recent political staff departures to note, including in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office. Catherine Robitaille exited her job as a communications assistant in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) last month. She’d been in the role for the […]
Sinclair, Segal, Eggleton, Fox, Forget, Regehr to talk about economic recovery for all on Jan. 18 at Anti-Poverty Caucus webinar
MONDAY, JAN. 18 House Not Sitting—The House will likely be sitting in a hybrid format during the pandemic, with most MPs connecting remotely. It’s scheduled to return on Monday, Jan. 25-Feb. 5. The Pandemic of Racism—A Facebook live series exploring the sociological impacts of racism. Join Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) and Senator […]
A mini-shuffle, state of emergency for Ontairo
A pedestrian walks past a COVID-19-themed mural outside Ottawa City Hall on Jan. 11, 2021. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Jan. 12, 2021, at Rideau Cottage, has been holding at least two media availabilities a week amid the second wave of the pandemic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, top left, takes part in a virtual cabinet […]
New press secretaries in place for ministers Bennett, Vandal
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal are both starting the new year with new press secretaries on the job. Ms. Bennett hired Ani Dergalstanian to serve as press secretary and communications adviser in her office last month. Prior to joining the minister’s team, Ms. Dergalstanian was a communications and policy […]
