‘That horn is designed to be a wake-up call’: a journey through the streets of Ottawa during the ‘Freedom Rally’ occupation
As I walked through the streets of downtown Ottawa on Feb. 3, where the city’s Parliament Hill and its surrounding neighbourhood have been occupied since Jan. 29 by protesters who say they won’t leave until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, there were people cheering, dancing, waving flags, and warmly conversing with one another. It was loud, […]
Liberals eye carbon capture tax credit as key piece of net-zero plan, but critics see more fossil-fuel subsidies on horizon
Look to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to introduce a tax credit for carbon capture projects in this year’s budget, say observers, flagging that the credit’s final design will be a signal of just how much weight the government is putting behind the initiative. Supporters of the promised tax credit for carbon capture, utilization, and storage […]
Feds take another swing at Broadcast Act update, this time with lighter touch on social media, but critics say the internet should not be treated like broadcasting
Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodríguez called previous concerns over social media broadcasting regulations “legitimate questions” Wednesday as he introduced the federal government’s second attempt at updating the Broadcasting Act, now known as the Online Streaming Act. The new bill brings back an exemption for social media platforms, while maintaining that the act will apply to […]
Chagger brings past successes and lingering ghosts to new role as PROC chair
Left out of the cabinet lineup last October, Liberal MP Bardish Chagger is now chair of the all-important Procedure and House Affairs Committee, and while some politicos don’t perceive the move as a personal slight, and laud her skills and experience, others question whether she’s the best fit for the role. While committee chairs are […]
Hill construction halted amid ongoing convoy protests
Work to renovate the historic Centre Block building has been put on pause, after Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Parliamentary Protective Service made the call to close the construction site on Jan. 28 as a result of the ongoing “Freedom Convoy” protest in downtown Ottawa. “Out of an abundance of caution, PSPC and […]
‘Hear the other side’: O’Toole out as Conservative Party leader in Reform Act first
Erin O’Toole has been voted out as leader of the Conservative Party, just 18 months after Tory members finished their last leadership vote. The party met on Feb. 2 to vote, after about one-third of the 119-person caucus signed a notice triggering the review. In the end, 73 MPs voted in favour of replacing O’Toole […]
Clash of the tired: pandemic fatigue and political opportunism at odds as COVID protest persists
Nearly two years into the global pandemic that has changed day-to-day lives, the frustration around an uncertain exit strategy is hitting Canadians hard. And according to polling—and more visibly, from the “Freedom Convoy” that recently took over downtown Ottawa, pandemic fatigue is setting in. Despite public health measures changing as often as they have, with […]
Russian minister willing to meet Joly anywhere around the globe, but feds mum on offer
With the Liberal government proclaiming its assistance for Ukraine amid a Russian military buildup on its border, in pursuit of de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, questions remain over how willing Ottawa is to be an active part of that solution, as the federal government has been quiet in response to Russia’s invitation to meet with […]
New chair of House LTVP working group aims to boost project awareness
The new chair at the helm of the MP working group overseeing plans to renovate the Parliamentary Precinct says he’s looking to do more to ensure people across Canada are aware of the massive and “complicated” project being undertaken. “I’m still being informed of the whole process but I think this is a Canadian project […]
Navigating the new normal: hybrid sittings bring pros, cons for Parliamentarians with disabilities
Though some may decry its continuation, as politicians settle into another winter sitting of a hybrid House and Senate, Parliamentarians with disabilities say the ability to conduct business via video has opened doors—but also introduced some new hurdles. The experience can be overstimulating, said Liberal MP and Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion Minister Carla […]
