Hill reporters to push for return to pre-pandemic scrums as restrictions ease
Some Hill reporters say they’re worried political parties may have little incentive to resume the pre-pandemic formats for answering media’s questions in the coming months as restrictions start to ease, an issue that the new press gallery leadership intends to make a priority. At the Parliamentary Press Gallery’s annual general meeting, held over Zoom on […]
Military’s investigative arm ‘uniquely poised’ to probe allegations at the top, says officer, but critics question its independence
As critics question the independence of the military police’s investigative arm to conduct high-profile probes into allegations of sexual misconduct against its most senior members, its commanding officer says it’s “uniquely poised” to do that work and has complete authority to lay charges without interference. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) is tapped to […]
NDP to press for restoring access to on-campus voting during pandemic
The NDP says it plans to press for restoring access to on-campus voting for students, after Elections Canada moved last year to scrap the program due to the pandemic. NDP MP Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood-Transcona, Man.) said it’s still unclear whether his party will push to include an amendment to the feds’ elections bill that would […]
Sajjan knew of Vance allegations in 2018, refused to look at ‘evidence,’ says ex-military watchdog
Canada’s former military ombudsman Gary Walbourne says at a “tumultuous” and “hostile” meeting with Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan in March 2018 he brought “evidence” proving “beyond a doubt” that allegations against Canada’s then top military officer had merit. Two weeks ago, and nearly three years after that meeting, Mr. Sajjan (Vancouver South, B.C.) told the […]
A year into pandemic, feds have improved messaging on its toll on mental well-being, say experts
The federal government has done a better job of acknowledging the various emotional states COVID-19 has plunged Canadians into, says one expert, while another notes that the level of empathy politicians display only goes so far without long-term financial support for mental health services. Independent Senator Stan Kutcher (Nova Scotia), a psychiatrist by training, said […]
Chinese envoy silent over effect of cabinet’s abstention from Uyghur genocide vote
The Chinese ambassador to Canada is keeping mum about the effect of the federal cabinet’s abstention in a non-binding vote in which the House of Commons recognized the persecution of Uyghur Muslims as constituting genocide. Ambassador Cong Peiwu didn’t address repeated questions if the cabinet abstention will affect or lessen any potential reaction or retaliation […]
Universal basic income, transit, seniors care in focus for members heading into the Liberal policy convention
From universal basic income to a national transit strategy, Liberal Party members will be looking to debate a range of policies at the party’s upcoming policy convention, a debate they expect will unfold as usual, despite the fact this year delegates won’t be converging in person as a result of COVID-19. This year’s convention will […]
House reports $344.2-million in spending so far in 2020-21, as BOIE extends COVID supports for MPs
Thanks to COVID-19, House of Commons spending continued its downward trend through the third quarter of 2020-21, with $344.2-million in net spending as of Dec. 31, 2020, or 63.9 per cent of the $539-million in approved funding. The recently published third-quarter financial report covers all House spending from the start of the 2020-21 fiscal year, […]
Hill journalists still working out the kinks after nearly a year of COVID coverage
Creeson Agecoutay, a parliamentary correspondent at CTV News, began his job on the Hill in November 2020, during a time unlike any other. The pandemic has changed the very way that members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery do their work, and as a new reporter on the Hill, part of his job has been figuring […]
Lack of sunset clause in Canada-U.K. interim deal could stick us with status quo, say opposition MPs
Opposition MPs are concerned the absence of a sunset clause in the new Canada-U.K. Trade Continuity Agreement may affect the conclusion of a more comprehensive Canada-U.K. free trade deal, but experts say there are incentives for both Ottawa and London to reach a new pact by 2024. Canada and the U.K. agreed to a transitional […]
