Monday, December 22, 2025

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Monday, December 22, 2025 | Latest Paper

The Hill & The PMO

Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 22, 2025
Health Minister Marjorie Michel arrives for a cabinet meeting in the West Block on Nov. 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 22, 2025
Feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | December 22, 2025
Health Minister Marjorie Michel arrives for a cabinet meeting in the West Block on Nov. 25. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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 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
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
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
Team Canada's Phil Esposito, left, and Russia's Alexander Ragulin during the 1972 Summit Series, the subject of the documentary "Ice Breaker", screening at the ByTowne Cinema on Feb. 22.
Team Canada's Phil Esposito, left, and Russia's Alexander Ragulin during the 1972 Summit Series, the subject of the documentary "Ice Breaker", screening at the ByTowne Cinema on Feb. 22.
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 15, 2023
Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud, left, Liberal Minister Diane Lebouthillier, Conservative MP Jacques Gourde, and Bloc Québécois MP Louis Plamondon are among those set to raise objections at committee over the final proposed new riding map for Quebec. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 15, 2023
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 15, 2023
Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud, left, Liberal Minister Diane Lebouthillier, Conservative MP Jacques Gourde, and Bloc Québécois MP Louis Plamondon are among those set to raise objections at committee over the final proposed new riding map for Quebec. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade
Feature | BY CHRISTOPHER GULY | February 13, 2023
Independent Senator Marty Deacon, centre, with Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden, right, and Sue Holloway, left, who works in Deacon's office and is project co-ordinator for National Health and Fitness Day. The Hill Times photograph by Christopher Guly
Feature | BY CHRISTOPHER GULY | February 13, 2023
Feature | BY CHRISTOPHER GULY | February 13, 2023
Independent Senator Marty Deacon, centre, with Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden, right, and Sue Holloway, left, who works in Deacon's office and is project co-ordinator for National Health and Fitness Day. The Hill Times photograph by Christopher Guly
Opinion | BY B. THOMAS HALL | February 9, 2023
Charles Robert, former clerk of the House of Commons, recently retired after working nearly 42 years on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY B. THOMAS HALL | February 9, 2023
Opinion | BY B. THOMAS HALL | February 9, 2023
Charles Robert, former clerk of the House of Commons, recently retired after working nearly 42 years on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY TOM MACGREGOR | February 9, 2023
The National War Memorial on Jan. 17, 2023. Tom MacGregor says the Parliamentary Protective Service should be in charge of monitoring the monument. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY TOM MACGREGOR | February 9, 2023
Opinion | BY TOM MACGREGOR | February 9, 2023
The National War Memorial on Jan. 17, 2023. Tom MacGregor says the Parliamentary Protective Service should be in charge of monitoring the monument. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 6, 2023
NDP MP Niki Ashton, left, and Conservative MP James Bezan raised joint concerns over proposed boundary changes affecting First Nations communities in northern Manitoba at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee on Feb. 2. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 6, 2023
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | February 6, 2023
NDP MP Niki Ashton, left, and Conservative MP James Bezan raised joint concerns over proposed boundary changes affecting First Nations communities in northern Manitoba at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee on Feb. 2. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 30, 2023
Then-clerk Charles Robert, far right, takes part in the Speaker's Parade, which marks the beginning of each House sitting, in the West Block on March 24, 2020, alongside then-deputy Speaker Bruce Stanton, centre, and Sergeant-at-Arms Pat McDonnell, who carries the mace. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 30, 2023
News | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | January 30, 2023
Then-clerk Charles Robert, far right, takes part in the Speaker's Parade, which marks the beginning of each House sitting, in the West Block on March 24, 2020, alongside then-deputy Speaker Bruce Stanton, centre, and Sergeant-at-Arms Pat McDonnell, who carries the mace. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ROBERT MARLEAU | January 30, 2023
The method by which recently retired House of Commons clerk Charles Robert was selected in 2017 should not be repeated, writes Robert Marleau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY ROBERT MARLEAU | January 30, 2023
Opinion | BY ROBERT MARLEAU | January 30, 2023
The method by which recently retired House of Commons clerk Charles Robert was selected in 2017 should not be repeated, writes Robert Marleau. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 23, 2023
Wayne Easter, former veteran Liberal cabinet minister and MP, says cabinet ministers should stop taking orders from the Centre, or the PMO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 23, 2023
News | BY ABBAS RANA | January 23, 2023
Wayne Easter, former veteran Liberal cabinet minister and MP, says cabinet ministers should stop taking orders from the Centre, or the PMO. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | January 23, 2023
Clerk of the Privy Council Janice Charette, left, and former Clerks Michael Wernick and Mel Cappe. Cappe says deputy minister retreats are structured and organized by the Clerk, who relies on a group of officials from the senior personnel secretariat to think about what's needed to be addressed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, file photographs
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | January 23, 2023
News | BY MIKE LAPOINTE | January 23, 2023
Clerk of the Privy Council Janice Charette, left, and former Clerks Michael Wernick and Mel Cappe. Cappe says deputy minister retreats are structured and organized by the Clerk, who relies on a group of officials from the senior personnel secretariat to think about what's needed to be addressed. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, file photographs