Woo, Saint-Germain running unopposed for Independent Senators Group leadership on joint ticket
Senators Yuen Pau Woo and Raymonde Saint-Germain are offering themselves as a one-two punch in the race to choose new leaders for the Independent Senators Group, soon to be the most numerous group in the Upper Chamber. The two Senators sent a letter to their colleagues in the ISG Sept. 6 announcing a joint run […]
Senate needs ‘written standard’ to restrict bills being killed, amended: retired Sen. Baker
The Senate should draft a written standard to inform new members about the traditional limitations on their power, says retired Senator George Baker, citing the increasingly-independent Senate’s push to amend legislation more often. “The Senate doesn’t have the jurisdiction to defeat legislation that is thoroughly dealt with in the House of Commons, voted on, and […]
How government can spark venture capital for biotech success
As the government looks to shape its venture capital policy, biotechnology industry representatives say it’s important to minimize direct government intervention, instead letting the private sector decide what companies to invest in. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), as announced in the 2017 budget, is set to provide $400-million to help ease the way for […]
Senate’s back to business: pre-clearance bill under scrutiny, says McCoy
Both Chambers of Parliament are back to work, and bills about border security, grain transport, Indigenous rights, and impaired driving are the ones to watch in the Senate. Bill C-23, the Preclearance Act, 2016—currently at second reading in the Senate—will be the subject of “an interesting debate,” said Sen. Elaine McCoy (Alberta), the outgoing “facilitator” […]
Status of government bills
House of Commons S-2, Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act (second reading) S-5, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-smokers’ Health Act (second reading) C-5, An Act to Repeal Division 20 of Part 3 of the Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No. 1 (second reading) C-12, An Act to Amend the […]
Politics This Morning: NDP leadership hopeful Singh to make Hill announcement; Gould in Toronto; Trudeau in New York
Good Wednesday morning, NDP leadership hopeful Jagmeet Singh will be visiting Parliament Hill today to make what’s being touted as an important campaign announcement. Mr. Singh, seen by many as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Thomas Mulcair, will address the media in the House of Commons foyer at 9 a.m. (EST). Online voting in […]
Politics This Morning: Trudeau, Freeland, McKenna, and Bibeau pay visit to UN
Good Tuesday morning, The Liberal front bench is heading to the Big Apple. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is jetting off to New York City today to lead Canada’s delegation to the opening of the new session of the United Nations General Assembly, and he’s taking Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, and […]
Liberals maintain double-digit lead despite Khadr payout, proposed tax reforms: poll
PARLIAMENT HILL—The governing Liberals opened the fall session of Parliament with a healthy 12-point lead over the Conservatives, maintaining robust advantages in vote-rich Ontario and Quebec, while flirting with supermajority numbers in Atlantic Canada, a new public opinion poll suggests. The latest survey from Campaign Research, conducted between Sept. 8-11 and released first to The […]
It’s crunch-time on the Hill: getting ready for Centre Block’s big move in summer 2018
PARLIAMENT HILL—It’s crunch-time for renovations on Parliament Hill, with completion deadlines coming up next summer for the West Block, the Government Conference Centre, and the first phase of the new underground Visitors’ Welcome Centre. Construction work has already been actively ongoing on the Hill for a decade, and by 2018 this massive undertaking will have […]
Liberal legend Allan J. MacEachen remembered as one of Canada’s ‘finest ministers’
One of Canada’s most renowned Liberal players died last week. Long-serving former Liberal politician Allan MacEachen, who helped write and shepherd landmark federal legislation establishing universal medicare, the minimum wage, and national labour standards, died Sept. 12 at the age of 96. Many politicians, pundits, and observers were quick to pay tribute to the veteran […]
