MPs scrutinize parole board following report on murder of Quebec woman
MPs questioned on Monday why the Parole Board of Canada appeared to be “absolved” of error in a recent report examining the murder of a Quebec woman by a man granted parole, pressing the agency’s chairperson to identify ways to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. On the first day of Parliament’s return […]
Freelance translators raise concerns over proposed terms of new contract
Consultations are underway for a new contract for federal freelance interpreters, with their association sounding the alarm that conditions being considered could put them more at risk. With fewer staff available to cover virtual proceedings, and in need of more breaks to address injuries sustained over the last 10 months, according to the Canadian chapter […]
Beyak retires from Senate, ‘stands by’ defence of residential schools
Lynn Beyak announced on Monday she is immediately retiring from the Upper Chamber after eight years in the post. In announcing her departure in a new release, Ms. Beyak said she stood by past controversial statements asserting that there were “good” and “bad” experiences at residential schools. Thousands of children died in residential schools that […]
House agrees to extend hybrid sittings, takes step closer to adopting remote voting app
The House of Commons unanimously agreed on Monday to extend the arrangement for hybrid sittings until June, with plans to adopt remote voting via app after House administration conducts “two comprehensive simulations” with MPs. Speaking in the sparsely filled House Chamber, Associate Finance Minister Mona Fortier (Ottawa-Vanier, Ont.) said parties reached a deal to continue […]
Payette’s resignation yet another self-inflicted wound for Trudeau Liberals, say former senior Grits
Former governor general Julie Payette’s premature and unprecedented departure last week is yet another self-inflicted wound for the Trudeau government, which should take its time and follow proper processes when it chooses Canada’s next GG, say political insiders, a pollster, and an academic. “Make sure you have a rigorous process in place and respect the […]
Liberals held a virtual election readiness ‘2021 kick-off call’ with caucus, ridings, and campaign managers last week
In the midst of ongoing spring election speculation, the federal Liberal Party held a virtual election readiness meeting last week with caucus members, riding association presidents, and campaign managers, which some saw as an “unofficial kick off” of the next federal election campaign, while others called it a regular preparatory meeting in case a snap […]
Finance, trade, and climate bills should top Liberal priorities as House returns: MPs, stakeholders
The government should prioritize legislation that aims to stabilize the economy when the House returns from the winter break on Jan. 25, say MPs and stakeholders. A handful of bills that would rewrite the rules for greenhouse gas emissions reporting, broadcasting responsibilities, and privacy rights, should come next in line, some said. MPs will resume […]
Carr’s cabinet post praised by Prairie stakeholders, but experts and MP wary of road ahead
After recovering from a blood cancer diagnosis that forced him out of cabinet after the 2019 election, Jim Carr is back in the new post as the special representative to the Prairies. The title is old—Mr. Carr has held it since the election—but the spot in cabinet is new. Prior to re-joining cabinet, Mr. Carr was […]
Employment numbers ‘devastating,’ indicate ‘very profound’ economic crisis brewing, says NDP MP Julian
Employment in Canada fell for the first time since April 2020, according to Statistics Canada’s most recent Labour Force Survey, which showed that the number of employed people dropped by 63,000 in December 2020 and the NDP’s finance critic says the numbers show there’s a “very profound” economic crisis brewing. NDP MP Peter Julian (New Westminster-Burnaby, […]
Sloan’s ouster should have come earlier, say Conservative observers
The latest “outburst” involving Derek Sloan and his former Conservative Party likely came after the leader “read the riot act” to the now Independent MP, says one strategist, while another said that his ouster should have come sooner. Geoff Norquay, a principal with Earnscliffe Strategy Group and former senior adviser to prime ministers Brian Mulroney […]
