Joyal, the Senate’s ‘constitutional memory,’ retires with ‘no regrets’
If former Senator Serge Joyal had it his way, he would continue serving in the Upper Chamber beyond his 75th birthday. Mr. Joyal will be leaving before his private member’s bill to give the National Capital Commission more power in overseeing developments around Parliament Hill is shepherded through. “When I moved to the Senate in […]
Politics This Morning: Ambassador Barton to testify before committee
Good Wednesday morning, The Federal Court of Appeal dismissed the challenge launched by First Nations to overturn re-approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, ruling that the government met its obligation to redo consultations with Indigenous communities. Even as the ruling noted that Indigenous communities should expect “deep consultation” from the government, it doesn’t amount […]
Big caucus backing not necessarily a sign of coronation for MacKay, say politicos
As Conservative leadership candidate Peter MacKay garners a surge of endorsements from the Conservative caucus, politicos say those displays of support are not necessarily signs of a coronation for the former high-profile Harper cabinet minister. As of Feb. 4, 20 sitting MPs and two Conservative Senators have publicly pledged their support to Mr. MacKay, including […]
‘Job action only way to get this government to move,’ says union president, as CRA members head to strike votes
Job action is the “only way to get this government to move” on contract talks, say union leaders who are gearing up to hold strike votes for 27,500 of its members at the Canada Revenue Agency later this month so that the Liberals “feel the heat” from public servants. “It’s become clear to us that […]
Backlogs, lengthy delays await Indian status applicants following removal of sex discrimination law
Since Canada lifted discriminatory restrictions that denied Indian status on the basis of sex, 24,000 people have applied for status, but advocates say “appalling” processing delays in a pool that could number in the hundreds of thousands shows a lack of resources and funding, which Canada has a responsibility to address. A total of 6,857 status […]
Greens looking to grow as first leadership race in 14 years kicks off
The federal Green Party’s leadership race has officially begun—its first in 14 years—and along with a “healthy debate” over its future, the party is hoping to spark a wave of momentum it can ride into the next election. “The experience we had in [the leadership race in] 2006 was that our membership doubled during the […]
As fears grow over coronavirus, MPs express concern over effect on local Asian-Canadian businesses
Despite growing concerns that the coronavirus is sparking renewed anti-Chinese sentiments across the world, several MPs who represent ridings with a significant proportion of Chinese-Canadians say constituents haven’t directly reported discriminatory incidents to their offices, but that it’s taking a hit on local businesses. Liberal MP Han Dong (Don Valley North, Ont.) was among the […]
Canadians stuck in China showing coronavirus symptoms won’t be repatriated, say feds
PARLIAMENT HILL—Of the more than 300 Canadians who have asked to be repatriated from China amid the coronavirus outbreak, none are exhibiting symptoms of the illness, government officials said Monday. In a press conference with reporters in Ottawa, Health Minister Patty Hajdu (Thunder Bay-Superior North, Ont.) and Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne (Saint-Maurice-Champlain, Que.) said […]
Conservative leadership candidates likely to raise 60 per cent of funds online, but must get party approval first, says Gladu
Conservative Party leadership contestants will probably raise 60 per cent of their totals funds online, says leadership candidate Marilyn Gladu—but they can’t get started until they’ve been vetted and approved by the party as candidates. In an interview with The Hill Times, the two-term Conservative MP said she has started to receive donations from supporters, […]
Opposition MPs will do ‘due diligence’ on new NAFTA bill as Liberals urge quick passage
Opposition MPs say they will do their “due diligence” on the new Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement implementation bill, while the Liberals are encouraging Parliamentarians to pass the legislation “swiftly” and “without undue delay.” Mexico and the United States have already passed implementing legislation for the agreement. When Canada does so, it will trigger the beginning of […]
