The future of Canada’s contribution to the fight against ISIS in hands of Americans, say experts

As the Canadian government hopes to continue the fight against ISIS, its ability to stay in Iraq will be determined by a continued American presence, say military and security experts. The global coalition against ISIS, which is led by the United States, has been put on hold in preparation for a threatened retaliatory strike from […]
‘Like a surprise military operation’: Potential Tory leadership bids being prepped with big names on the radar

With the Conservative Party still in the process of finalizing the rules for the summer’s crucial leadership contest, potential contestants are jockeying behind the scenes to put together their campaign teams, making fundraising phone calls, and seeking support from movers and shakers in the party. But most are also keeping an eye on whether high-profile […]
Muslim-Canadian group ‘deeply disappointed’ by end to ethics review of Senator Boisvenu’s Facebook activity

The National Council of Canadian Muslims says it’s “deeply disappointed” with the result of the Senate ethics officer’s recent review of Conservative Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, who cut ties with a handful of alt-right Facebook groups last fall. Sen. Boisvenu (La Salle, Que.) apologized in a Sept. 30 letter to Ethics Officer Pierre Legault for allowing […]
Conservative MPs sought to oust incumbent Speaker, wanted alternative, says Tory MP Nater

While the exact results of the Speaker’s election may not be known for certain, at least one Conservative MP says his peers were less likely to throw their support behind the incumbent Speaker. Speaking to The Hill Times, Conservative MP John Nater (Perth-Wellington, Ont.) said the election of Anthony Rota (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.) to the post on […]
Temporary suspension of Canada-led NATO training mission ‘wise,’ say experts, as NDP calls for troops to come home

Calls from the NDP for Canada to respect the wishes of the Iraqi Parliament and withdraw its troops from the country in the wake of U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian top general Qassem Soleimani and a number of top Iraqi officials in Baghdad last week are “premature,” say experts. The federal government confirmed on the […]
Senate ethics officer drops review of Boisvenu after Conservative Senator apologizes, severs ties with far-right Facebook groups

Senate Ethics Officer Pierre Legault has completed his examination of Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu’s ties to far-right Facebook groups, saying the Conservative Senator may have violated the Senate’s code of conduct, but had set things right by apologizing and promising to change the way he uses the social media platform in the future. The Dec. 19 […]
Countries left to ‘absolute uncertainty’ without WTO appeals body, says senior Chilean trade official

As a World Trade Organization’s appellant panel on dispute settlements loses its power, the Chilean vice-minister of trade was in Ottawa to champion a fix to the global trading organization. The WTO’s appellant body is down to a single judge, after the terms of two judges concluded on Dec. 10. Now, the seven-seat panel cannot […]
AFN’s Perry Bellegarde appeals to feds for consistency in ‘messaging’ on reconciliation

The Trudeau government’s rhetoric on reconciliation with Indigenous people needs to be consistent with its actions, says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. With more than a year and a half still left in his second, three-year term, Mr. Bellegarde told The Hill Times that he is focused on prodding the government further […]
Some Conservative MPs ‘upset,’ ‘disappointed’ in wake of reports raising questions about Scheer’s family, office expenses

Some Conservative caucus members are upset by the stories about Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer’s family and his leadership office’s expenses, warning that if more negative information comes out, it would be unrealistic for him to stay on until a new leader is elected at the party’s convention. “This is not good for the party,” said […]
Scheer exit opens door for reset, say members who welcome the chance ‘to spring clean’

Outgoing Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer’s departure brings a chance for some necessary “spring cleaning,” says one Conservative Senator as party members call the pending race a chance for a party in need of a reset, rebranding, and bold centre-right ideas. The race should bring “fresh blood” and serious economic policies to a party in […]