Monday, December 8, 2025

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Monday, December 8, 2025 | Latest Paper

The Hill & The PMO

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
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 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
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
Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne speaks with reporters before the Liberal cabinet meeting in West Block on Oct. 21, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne speaks with reporters before the Liberal cabinet meeting in West Block on Oct. 21, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | November 1, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney's stance on the proposed emissions cap is unclear, but Liberals MPs sitting on the House Environment Committee say they are in favour of the policy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | November 1, 2025
News | BY ELEANOR WAND | November 1, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney's stance on the proposed emissions cap is unclear, but Liberals MPs sitting on the House Environment Committee say they are in favour of the policy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 29, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters the House of Commons foyer on his way to the Chamber, followed by his director of issues management Jeff Costen. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 29, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 29, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney enters the House of Commons foyer on his way to the Chamber, followed by his director of issues management Jeff Costen. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | October 27, 2025
Michael Wernick, former clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the federal cabinet, will deliver remarks, 'Beyond Dogma: Rethinking State Capacity to Drive National Productivity,' at the C.D. Howe's Patron Circle Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m. ET in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | October 27, 2025
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | October 27, 2025
Michael Wernick, former clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the federal cabinet, will deliver remarks, 'Beyond Dogma: Rethinking State Capacity to Drive National Productivity,' at the C.D. Howe's Patron Circle Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m. ET in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | October 20, 2025
Auditor General Karen Hogan will deliver six performance reports to the House on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., and will hold a press conference in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | October 20, 2025
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | October 20, 2025
Auditor General Karen Hogan will deliver six performance reports to the House on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., and will hold a press conference in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | October 16, 2025
A recent poll of 90 freelance interpreters found that 50 per cent were unlikely to bid on contracts if the 'lowest price' requirement goes into effect, while 79 per cent were unlikely to bid on contracts paid at an hourly rate as opposed to daily. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MARLO GLASS | October 16, 2025
News | BY MARLO GLASS | October 16, 2025
A recent poll of 90 freelance interpreters found that 50 per cent were unlikely to bid on contracts if the 'lowest price' requirement goes into effect, while 79 per cent were unlikely to bid on contracts paid at an hourly rate as opposed to daily. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 15, 2025
Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli, left, and Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 15, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 15, 2025
Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli, left, and Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | August 18, 2025
Former veteran Liberal MP John McKay, pictured on the Hill on June 12, 2024, said the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group is under-appreciated within government and Parliament. 'The PMO and PCO love to keep all these relationships in a tight little circle—knowledge is power,' he told The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | August 18, 2025
Opinion | BY EDITORIAL | August 18, 2025
Former veteran Liberal MP John McKay, pictured on the Hill on June 12, 2024, said the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group is under-appreciated within government and Parliament. 'The PMO and PCO love to keep all these relationships in a tight little circle—knowledge is power,' he told The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 13, 2025
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on June 11. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 13, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 13, 2025
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson on his way into a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on June 11. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 11, 2025
Sean Fraser
Justice Minister Sean Fraser currently has 19 political staffers at work in his office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 11, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 11, 2025
Sean Fraser
Justice Minister Sean Fraser currently has 19 political staffers at work in his office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Eleanor Olszewski
Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski is expected to take part in a "Pints and Politics" event in Regina, Sask., on Monday, Aug. 11. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Eleanor Olszewski
Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski is expected to take part in a "Pints and Politics" event in Regina, Sask., on Monday, Aug. 11. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 4, 2025
Lena Metlege Diab
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab arrives for a National Security Council meeting in the West Block in Ottawa on June 13. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 4, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 4, 2025
Lena Metlege Diab
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab arrives for a National Security Council meeting in the West Block in Ottawa on June 13. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The view of Earth’s horizon as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean was taken by an Expedition 7 crew member onboard the International Space Station. Anvil tops of thunderclouds are also visible. Photograph courtesy NASA
The view of Earth’s horizon as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean was taken by an Expedition 7 crew member onboard the International Space Station. Anvil tops of thunderclouds are also visible. Photograph courtesy NASA
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 29, 2025
Freelance interpreters, whose current contracts had been set to expire on June 30, have been offered six-month extensions as Public Services and Procurement Canada seeks to introduce a new Standing Offer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 29, 2025
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 29, 2025
Freelance interpreters, whose current contracts had been set to expire on June 30, have been offered six-month extensions as Public Services and Procurement Canada seeks to introduce a new Standing Offer. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 28, 2025
Marjorie Michel
Health Minister Marjorie Michel—a former Hill staffer herself—has 17 staff currently working in her ministerial office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 28, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | July 28, 2025
Marjorie Michel
Health Minister Marjorie Michel—a former Hill staffer herself—has 17 staff currently working in her ministerial office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Canadian Health Coalition hosts a webinar, 'Continuing the fight for pharmacare, breaking the grip of big pharma,' featuring Dr. Joel Lexchin and Sharon Batt. Monday, July 28, at 12 p.m. ET. happening online: healthcoalition.ca. Image courtesy of Pixabay
The Canadian Health Coalition hosts a webinar, 'Continuing the fight for pharmacare, breaking the grip of big pharma,' featuring Dr. Joel Lexchin and Sharon Batt. Monday, July 28, at 12 p.m. ET. happening online: healthcoalition.ca. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 28, 2025
Acadia University's Alex Marland has co-written a new book with Jared J. Wesley and Mireille Lalancette. No I In Team: Party Loyalty in Canadian Politics will be out in October. Handout photograph and book cover courtesy of University of Toronto Press
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 28, 2025
Feature | BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY | July 28, 2025
Acadia University's Alex Marland has co-written a new book with Jared J. Wesley and Mireille Lalancette. No I In Team: Party Loyalty in Canadian Politics will be out in October. Handout photograph and book cover courtesy of University of Toronto Press