No exit timeline for NATO training mission strengthening Iraq military, says outgoing commander
The outgoing Canadian commander of the NATO advising and training mission in Iraq says there isn’t a timeline for the mission to end. “I don’t think there’s urgency on the part of NATO and allies to get us out of there,” Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin told The Hill Times last week. “But there’s no desire to […]
‘Competence’ of Scheer in doubt, says ex-Tory Senator Segal, while progressive Conservatives eye the future
Progressive or moderate members of the Conservative Party are unimpressed with Leader Andrew Scheer, but haven’t yet begun to organize against him in force. Time is up, or running out, for Mr. Scheer (Regina-Qu’Appelle, Sask.) to lead the party in the right direction, say some Conservatives close to the centre of the political spectrum. One […]
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Politics This Morning: Trudeau to honour victims of Montreal tragedy, as MPs mark first Question Period of the session
Happy Friday, After a day steeped in pomp and ceremony, MPs today will mark the first Question Period of the new minority Parliament. A new House Speaker—the Liberals’ Anthony Rota who beat incumbent Geoff Regan for the plum post—will be presiding over the proceedings for the first time, too. Mr. Rota was elected by his […]
Rookie PSPC minister a ‘calculated risk’ as a cabinet pick, say observers
The prime minister took a risk when he put a rookie Liberal MP in charge of the government’s decisions around procurement, but the Oakville MP seems to be up to the task, given her professional chops, some political observers say. During the Nov. 20 cabinet unveiling, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) named Anita Anand […]
In Speech from the Throne, a nod to Western alienation, promise to enshrine Indigenous rights
SENATE CHAMBER—In an effort to strike a conciliatory note after being reduced to a minority, the Liberal government is promising to “apply a spirit of collaboration” as it works to carry out its priorities, including introducing a middle-class tax cut as its “first act” and setting Canada on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050, […]
Liberals’ Anthony Rota elected Speaker of the House
In an upset, Liberal MP Anthony Rota was elected Speaker of the House, beating incumbent Speaker, Geoff Regan. He was elected by his peers in a preferential ballot system. Mr. Rota (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.), the former assistant deputy speaker, was one of five candidates running for the job. The others were: Liberal MP Geoff Regan […]
Politics This Morning: Trudeau gets a tongue-lashing from Trump
Good Thursday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau got a tongue-lashing from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called him “two-faced” after a video surfaced of the PM apparently gossiping over cocktails with a group of world leaders, and Princess Anne, behind the president’s back at Buckingham Palace. Facing reporters following Mr. Trump’s comments, Mr. Trudeau sought to downplay the […]
‘Thou shalt be there,’ government whip tells MPs as high-stakes minority Parliament kicks off Thursday
With a minority Parliament set to begin on Thursday, the chief government whip is hopeful there will be limited backdoor maneuvering by parties when it comes down to casting votes. Speaking to The Hill Times, Chief Government Whip Mark Holland (Ajax, Ont.) said in his discussion with other party whips “there’s an understanding” that they […]
‘A servant of the House’: MPs to elect Commons Speaker in early-morning ceremony
MPs’ first order of business when they convene in this minority 43rd Parliament on Thursday morning will be to elect a new Commons Speaker, who will serve as the impartial arbiter in enforcing decorum in what at times can be an unruly House. At least four MPs are in contention for the speakership, including the […]
