From The Hill Times’ Photo Archives
‘Town and Crown’ Block 2 design challenge brings ‘new voices’ to Parliamentary Precinct’s national narrative, finalists say
Rooftop gardens, a double-storey library, a people’s square, and a Truth and Reconciliation tower situated to complement expansive views of Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower are among the design concepts proposed by the six finalists tasked with reimagining the space opposite Centre Block. Dubbed Block 2, the unique space that marries, what one architect […]
Health-care workforce crisis and housing affordability top pre-budget advocacy on the Hill
Advocacy addressing the labour crisis in the health-care sector is just getting started, following the federal budget that didn’t adequately address worker retention, according to the president of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). “There is a shortage of health-care professionals—yes, in rural and remote regions—but also now we see that in urban areas as well,” […]
Liberals have misplaced priorities for immigration, say opposition MPs
Amidst pleas from former Afghan interpreters for Canada’s Armed Forces to reduce barriers for their families now seeking asylum, the government committed $1.3-billion in funding to “secure the integrity of Canada’s asylum system,” leading immigration critics to question the government’s priorities. The initiative, the biggest chunk of new funding for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada […]
‘Emotions continue to be raw,’ says Conservative MP Ellis, as mass casualty commission continues inquiry into April 2020 Portapique massacre
Conservative MP Stephen Ellis, who represents the Nova Scotia community that saw the worst mass shooting event in Canadian history two years ago, says the mass casualty commission that is looking into those horrific events is helping answer tough questions, but it’s difficult work and “emotions continue to be raw” for all involved. In April […]
Most MPs wearing masks even when they don’t need to, except some Conservatives
New Democrats are encouraging their members to wear masks on Parliament Hill even when they are not required to, in light of a renewed surge of COVID-19 cases sweeping Ontario. “As we are seeing Ontario reporting the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in nearly two months, we must continue to be vigilant and make the […]
Poilievre has ‘captured the attention of Canadians,’ but unclear if this will translate into a win, say politicos
Political observers say it’s still unclear whether the large crowds Pierre Poilievre is drawing to his rallies and his traction on social media will translate into votes for the Ottawa-area MP considered to be the front-runner in the federal Conservative leadership race. “What’s clear is that he can generate attention, he’s got eyeballs, he has […]
Long-term funding for infrastructure projects crucial for Indigenous self-governance, says expert
This year’s budget reaffirms past billion-dollar federal commitments to fund the long-term infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities, but some advocates are calling for clarity to make sure First Nations are not left holding the bag for assets they do not have sufficient resources to properly maintain as many negotiate for greater self-government. Lynne Groulx, the […]
After the Freedom Convoy, politicians are reimagining Wellington Street
OTTAWA—Politicians representing the downtown Ottawa area hardest hit by the three week-long trucker convoy protest in January and February are finding a silver lining from the massive disruption. Wellington Street through the Parliamentary Precinct should remain shut to vehicular traffic. “Our downtown is built of highways—Lyon, Kent, Slater, Albert [streets]—we do not need Wellington as […]
Russia-Ukraine ‘war-supply shock’ could erode Canada’s positive financial situation, warns former PBO
“Today, Canada has come roaring back,” federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland declared in the House of Commons on April 7, echoing a familiar promise Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used throughout the pandemic. Canada’s deficit is projected to drop to $52.8-billion this year, down slightly from the $58.4-billion estimated for 2022-23 in December’s fiscal update—and both […]
