Sunday, December 21, 2025

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Sunday, December 21, 2025 | Latest Paper

The Hill & The PMO

Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 18, 2025
Justice Minister Sean Fraser speaks about the introduction of Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, at a Dec. 9 event at the National Arts Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 18, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 18, 2025
Justice Minister Sean Fraser speaks about the introduction of Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, at a Dec. 9 event at the National Arts Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 17, 2025
First set in motion in 2023, the House of Commons' Strategic Internal Assessment and Operations effort to find savings is set to continue. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 17, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 17, 2025
First set in motion in 2023, the House of Commons' Strategic Internal Assessment and Operations effort to find savings is set to continue. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 17, 2025
The Red Chamber's executive Senate Internal Economy committee recently tweaked some of its procedures. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 17, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 17, 2025
The Red Chamber's executive Senate Internal Economy committee recently tweaked some of its procedures. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 15, 2025
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, left, and Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali have each added two new directors to their respective offices. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 15, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 15, 2025
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, left, and Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali have each added two new directors to their respective offices. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | December 15, 2025
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem will deliver remarks mainly in French on 'Insights on the Canadian Economy,' hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitain Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 11:30 a.m. ET at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | December 15, 2025
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | December 15, 2025
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem will deliver remarks mainly in French on 'Insights on the Canadian Economy,' hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitain Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 11:30 a.m. ET at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | December 11, 2025
Assembly of First National National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney take questions from delegates at the AFN's Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa on Dec. 2, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | December 11, 2025
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | December 11, 2025
Assembly of First National National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney take questions from delegates at the AFN's Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa on Dec. 2, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 10, 2025
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne leaves a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Dec. 3, followed by Liberal MP Kody Blois, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 10, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 10, 2025
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne leaves a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Dec. 3, followed by Liberal MP Kody Blois, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 8, 2025
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald currently has a 14-member team in his office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 8, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 8, 2025
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald currently has a 14-member team in his office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | December 8, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly will deliver remarks in French and English on 'Strengthening industrial capacity in a changing world,' at a breakfast event hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations. Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:45 a.m. ET in Montreal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | December 8, 2025
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | December 8, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly will deliver remarks in French and English on 'Strengthening industrial capacity in a changing world,' at a breakfast event hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations. Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:45 a.m. ET in Montreal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | December 8, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, second right, and U.S. President Donald Trump, right, in the White House's Oval Office on Oct. 7, 2025. Maybe Carney is playing a long game, concentrating on getting past the curse of Trump on the world before making any giant moves. Maybe, writes Douglas Roche. Photograph courtesy of the White House
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | December 8, 2025
Opinion | BY DOUGLAS ROCHE | December 8, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, second right, and U.S. President Donald Trump, right, in the White House's Oval Office on Oct. 7, 2025. Maybe Carney is playing a long game, concentrating on getting past the curse of Trump on the world before making any giant moves. Maybe, writes Douglas Roche. Photograph courtesy of the White House
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 4, 2025
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Lena Diab speaks about Francophone immigration outside of Quebec at St. Paul University in Ottawa on Nov. 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 4, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 4, 2025
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Lena Diab speaks about Francophone immigration outside of Quebec at St. Paul University in Ottawa on Nov. 27. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 1, 2025
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu speaks with reporters before a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 1, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 1, 2025
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu speaks with reporters before a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 28, 2025
The Confederation Building is home to some 160 MP offices. Due to its deteriorated state, some renovations have already taken place ahead of the building's full revamp, including roof repairs and window replacement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 28, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 28, 2025
The Confederation Building is home to some 160 MP offices. Due to its deteriorated state, some renovations have already taken place ahead of the building's full revamp, including roof repairs and window replacement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | November 26, 2025
Conservative MPs chat before their caucus meeting in the West Block on Sept. 14, 2025. Theoretically, a larger Parliament makes for better representation and policy responsiveness. On the other hand, a larger Parliament is more likely to suffer inefficiency in decision-making as well as higher operating costs, writes Nelson Wiseman. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | November 26, 2025
Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | November 26, 2025
Conservative MPs chat before their caucus meeting in the West Block on Sept. 14, 2025. Theoretically, a larger Parliament makes for better representation and policy responsiveness. On the other hand, a larger Parliament is more likely to suffer inefficiency in decision-making as well as higher operating costs, writes Nelson Wiseman. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 26, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly welcomed a few new hands to her team in October. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 26, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 26, 2025
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly welcomed a few new hands to her team in October. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 24, 2025
Quebec Lieutenant Steven Guilbeault also serves as minister of Canadian identity and culture, and as the minister responsible for official languages. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 24, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 24, 2025
Quebec Lieutenant Steven Guilbeault also serves as minister of Canadian identity and culture, and as the minister responsible for official languages. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Centre for International Governance Innovation hosts a conversation with authors Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson on their provocative new book, Breaking Point: The New Big Shifts Putting Canada at Risk. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 12 p.m. ET at 67 Erb St. W., Waterloo, Ont. Photographs courtesy Signal Penguin Random House Canada, handout and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Centre for International Governance Innovation hosts a conversation with authors Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson on their provocative new book, Breaking Point: The New Big Shifts Putting Canada at Risk. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 12 p.m. ET at 67 Erb St. W., Waterloo, Ont. Photographs courtesy Signal Penguin Random House Canada, handout and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 19, 2025
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon, who's also currently juggling the transport portfolio, has a number of experienced parliamentary hands in his office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 19, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 19, 2025
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon, who's also currently juggling the transport portfolio, has a number of experienced parliamentary hands in his office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 19, 2025
Public Services and Procurement Canada has scrapped some sustainability measures previously included in Centre Block project plans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 19, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 19, 2025
Public Services and Procurement Canada has scrapped some sustainability measures previously included in Centre Block project plans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 17, 2025
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has named a new acting policy director since Hill Climbers' last check in, among other changes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 17, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 17, 2025
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has named a new acting policy director since Hill Climbers' last check in, among other changes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Health Minister Marjorie Michel will participate in a panel discussion, 'Thrive: The Economic Case for Investing in Children’s Health in Canada,' hosted by the Canadian Club of Ottawa on Monday, Nov. 17, 12 p.m. ET at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Health Minister Marjorie Michel will participate in a panel discussion, 'Thrive: The Economic Case for Investing in Children’s Health in Canada,' hosted by the Canadian Club of Ottawa on Monday, Nov. 17, 12 p.m. ET at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 12, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer after Question Period on Oct. 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 12, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 12, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer after Question Period on Oct. 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 12, 2025
Senate Chamber in Senate of Canada Building
A new Code of Values and Ethics for Senate Staff was implemented in early September, and paused pending review and consultations last month. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 12, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 12, 2025
Senate Chamber in Senate of Canada Building
A new Code of Values and Ethics for Senate Staff was implemented in early September, and paused pending review and consultations last month. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY STUART BENSON | November 12, 2025
Mark Carney
With the budget proposing spending cuts to the Privy Council Office, experts say Prime Minister Mark Carney should be expanding his access to relevant analysis rather than shrinking from the standards set by Canada's partners. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY STUART BENSON | November 12, 2025
News | BY STUART BENSON | November 12, 2025
Mark Carney
With the budget proposing spending cuts to the Privy Council Office, experts say Prime Minister Mark Carney should be expanding his access to relevant analysis rather than shrinking from the standards set by Canada's partners. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 10, 2025
Secretary of State for Seniors Stephanie McLean speaks at a pre-budget announcement of a new federal anti-fraud strategy and Financial Crimes Agency in the Wellington Building on Oct. 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 10, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 10, 2025
Secretary of State for Seniors Stephanie McLean speaks at a pre-budget announcement of a new federal anti-fraud strategy and Financial Crimes Agency in the Wellington Building on Oct. 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 5, 2025
Public Services and Procurement Canada says concerns raised over its proposed changes to procurement rules for federal freelance interpreters earlier this year have been addressed in the now-published new contract terms, but a leading industry association says key concerns remain. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 5, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 5, 2025
Public Services and Procurement Canada says concerns raised over its proposed changes to procurement rules for federal freelance interpreters earlier this year have been addressed in the now-published new contract terms, but a leading industry association says key concerns remain. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 3, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives for a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Sept. 17, followed by deputy communications director for media relations Audrey Champoux, left. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 3, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | November 3, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives for a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Sept. 17, followed by deputy communications director for media relations Audrey Champoux, left. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY JIM ARMOUR | January 29, 2024
Ron Wood was wise, a little rumpled and time-worn. There always seemed to be a cigarette in his hand with a couple more smoldering in the ashtray, when you could still do that sort of thing. And while I never had the nerve to check, I’m pretty sure there was also a bottle of rye in his desk drawer, writes Jim Armour. Photograph courtesy of Facebook/Wood family
Opinion | BY JIM ARMOUR | January 29, 2024
Opinion | BY JIM ARMOUR | January 29, 2024
Ron Wood was wise, a little rumpled and time-worn. There always seemed to be a cigarette in his hand with a couple more smoldering in the ashtray, when you could still do that sort of thing. And while I never had the nerve to check, I’m pretty sure there was also a bottle of rye in his desk drawer, writes Jim Armour. Photograph courtesy of Facebook/Wood family
Opinion | BY ARTHUR MILNES | January 29, 2024
Peter O'Malley, pictured. 'At work, no matter the topic under discussion, his creative mind could dredge up an off-the-wall, Larson-like 'Far Side' view that, along with the laughter, affected everyone’s perspective on the issue and, in turn, led to creative solutions,' said John Chenier. Photograph courtesy of Frances O'Malley
Opinion | BY ARTHUR MILNES | January 29, 2024
Opinion | BY ARTHUR MILNES | January 29, 2024
Peter O'Malley, pictured. 'At work, no matter the topic under discussion, his creative mind could dredge up an off-the-wall, Larson-like 'Far Side' view that, along with the laughter, affected everyone’s perspective on the issue and, in turn, led to creative solutions,' said John Chenier. Photograph courtesy of Frances O'Malley
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault will take part in a panel discussion titled, 'Innovation, Sustainability, and the Future of Work,' hosted by the Canadian Club of Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 29, at the NAC in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault will take part in a panel discussion titled, 'Innovation, Sustainability, and the Future of Work,' hosted by the Canadian Club of Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 29, at the NAC in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 24, 2024
The House Government Operations Committee, chaired by Conservative MP Kelly McCauley, right, pictured with Conservative MP Larry Brock—also a committee member—was voted as the Hill's best committee in The Hill Times' most recent All Politics Poll. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 24, 2024
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 24, 2024
The House Government Operations Committee, chaired by Conservative MP Kelly McCauley, right, pictured with Conservative MP Larry Brock—also a committee member—was voted as the Hill's best committee in The Hill Times' most recent All Politics Poll. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 24, 2024
The Centre Block building on Parliament Hill, as seen on Jan. 17. As of last December, $748-million out of a projected $4.5-billion to $5-billion has been spent to revamp the historic building. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 24, 2024
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 24, 2024
The Centre Block building on Parliament Hill, as seen on Jan. 17. As of last December, $748-million out of a projected $4.5-billion to $5-billion has been spent to revamp the historic building. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 22, 2024
Greg Fergus, the first Black Speaker of the House of Commons, had to jump through hypocritical hoops to prove his sincerity to his peers, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 22, 2024
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 22, 2024
Greg Fergus, the first Black Speaker of the House of Commons, had to jump through hypocritical hoops to prove his sincerity to his peers, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will deliver remarks on 'Alberta's Advantage is also a Canadian Advantage,' a lunch event hosted in Ottawa by the Economic Club of Canada on Monday, Feb. 5, at 11:45 a.m. ET at the Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will deliver remarks on 'Alberta's Advantage is also a Canadian Advantage,' a lunch event hosted in Ottawa by the Economic Club of Canada on Monday, Feb. 5, at 11:45 a.m. ET at the Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | January 22, 2024
Quebec Senator Patrick Brazeau, pictured at a Senate committee meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | January 22, 2024
Feature | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | January 22, 2024
Quebec Senator Patrick Brazeau, pictured at a Senate committee meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Centre Block, pictured, is still under its massive renovation project. It will be closed until at least 2030 and it's estimated to cost an estimated $5-billion to complete. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Centre Block, pictured, is still under its massive renovation project. It will be closed until at least 2030 and it's estimated to cost an estimated $5-billion to complete. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade