Conservative watchers hope for ‘uneventful’ convention with little drama
Conservative political observers and Hillites are bracing for what they hope will be a policy convention devoid of “flash and drama,” so it can pave the way for Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole to launch his party into election-readiness mode. There was some drama in the weeks leading up to the convention, with some social conservative […]
Ontario MPP Coteau ‘very open’ to seeking federal Liberal nomination in Don Valley East
Previously unsure about seeking the federal Liberal nomination in the coveted Toronto riding of Don Valley East, Michael Coteau, who was the runner-up in the 2020 provincial Liberal leadership contest and represents the same riding provincially, says he is now “very open” if and when the nomination process opens up. “So many people in the […]
Praise for new Senate anti-harassment policy, but concern remains it goes too far—and not far enough
While Senators have generally welcomed the Upper Chamber’s new harassment and violence prevention policy approved last month, some still have “grave concerns” about its implementation and development. The new policy was developed by the Subcommittee on Human Resources, a subgroup of the Chamber’s Internal Economy, Budgets, and Administration Committee, which gave its approval on Feb. […]
Freelance interpreters await new contract terms, after PSPC’s proposed changes sparked concern
The final terms of the new contract for federal freelance interpreters, including those covering Parliament Hill, are still eagerly awaited, months after an advocacy association raised the alarm over proposed changes a rep says would put the future health and safety of interpreters, and the quality of their work, at greater risk. “If this RFP […]
LGBTQ2 capacity funding a good start, but groups say it needs to be consistent and continued
A new capacity-building fund for LGBTQ2 community organizations has the potential to solve many issues the community faces as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, but some concerns remain among recipients, including over the lack of guaranteed future funding to maintain the capacity to be built. Announced Feb. 11 by Diversity and Inclusion […]
China, U.S. relations centre of focus for top 50 influencing Canada’s foreign policy
For those influencing Canada’s foreign policy, their eyes are on two global superpowers—Canada’s closest ally and its most truculent trading partner. While former U.S. president Donald Trump’s fractious influence on the Canada-U.S. relationship may be in the rearview mirror, irritants persist and issues in Canada’s problem-plagued relationship with China continue to dominate the foreign policy […]
Opposition parties should force feds to strengthen whistleblower protections with private member’s bill, says watchdog
Canada’s political parties have yet to show they are “serious” about reforming the country’s whistleblower laws to strengthen and expand protections, and are likely to miss their best shot at forcing the government to act, says a watchdog. The House Government Operations Committee, also known as OGGO, unanimously moved to reissue a 2017 report late […]
Kielburger brothers blame ‘political games’ for plan to shutter WE Charity’s Canadian operations
WE Charity co-founders Craig and Marc Kielburger were on the attack at a parliamentary committee Monday, blaming federal politicians and “political games” for “destroying” the organization’s work in Canada, and rebuffing criticism of its donor practices. In a combative opening statement to the House Ethics Committee, Marc said the two were there to “take a […]
Media leaders, CAJ weigh in on newsroom diversity efforts 10 months after tumultuous summer of 2020
Ten months after the killing of 46-year-old George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis prompted soul-searching in newsrooms across the country to address anti-Black racism in all aspects of society, there has been slow but steady progress toward bringing more diverse voices into the fold in this country’s major media […]
Public trust in government, business, media erode following dramatic spring 2020 surge, according to survey
Public trust in government and business came back down to Earth last fall, falling significantly from a high point during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey by communications firm Edelman. Canadians became fatigued by lockdowns and what they feel is the spread of disinformation online and in the news, the […]
