PSAC national president Chris Aylward, left, who heads the largest federal public service union, says the tentative deal with the Treasury Board, overseen by Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, right, 'recognizes the value and commitment of our members to Canadians.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
PSAC reaches tentative deal with feds on Phoenix damages, wage increases
Members will soon be invited to participate in online ratification votes when the final text and full details of the tentative agreement are made available, according to the union.
MPs back more modest option for Parliament visitors’ centre as Centre Block renos roll on
'I appreciate we’re not going for the Cadillac option. … The larger option was much more expensive,' says NDP House Leader Peter Julian. 'We’re talking about over $110-million in savings.'Canada ‘ill-prepared’ for potential coronavirus second wave, says Senate committee
The committee noted that the Public Health Agency of Canada has yet to revise or finalize its guidance for long-term care homes in light of concerns about its current relevance. Politics This Morning
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Cultural assessments needed for sentencing reform, say advocates, amid calls to address high Black incarceration rates
Justice advocates agree with the Black Parliamentary Caucus’ recent call for pre-sentencing reports, similar to the Gladue reports for Indigenous offenders, to be used for racialized Canadians.Disaggregated data key to ensuring representative workplaces, say experts, as PMO skirts Black staff statistic
The PMO declined to provide a specific breakdown of self-identified Black staffers among cabinet offices when asked, but says it plans to circulate further voluntary surveys to better understand its staff ‘later this sumArgentina, Chile, DRC, Hungary, and Madagascar say they backed Canada’s UN Security Council bid, but closest allies are silent
The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand were among 17 countries that wouldn't comment on whether they backed Canada's recent bid for a Security Council seat. Feds’ fiscal snapshot puts deficit at more than $340-billion, with promise of an update in fall
Finance Minister Bill Morneau says a decision on whether the government intends to release a full budget in the fall will be dependent on efforts at managing the pandemic and its economic fallout.Feds should more clearly verify who is allowed to repay student loans at reduced rates, says auditor general
According to an auditor general report, ESDC 'did not properly check the accuracy of applications.'Poor data, deficiencies in case management to blame for slow pace in enforcing deportation orders, says auditor general
According to CBSA, most of the cases in its 'wanted' inventory involve individuals 'considered a low risk to public safety and are not an agency priority.'Canada needs to protect Arctic sovereignty to confront emboldened Putin, say MP and expert
Liberal MP John McKay says there will be 'incursions and intrusions and aggressive actions taken increasingly in the Arctic' by Russia. PSAC national president Chris Aylward, left, who heads the largest federal public service union, says the tentative deal with the Treasury Board, overseen by Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, right, 'recognizes the value and commitment of our members to Canadians.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
PSAC reaches tentative deal with feds on Phoenix damages, wage increases
Members will soon be invited to participate in online ratification votes when the final text and full details of the tentative agreement are made available, according to the union.
Alberta cannot look to Quebec as a model for separatism—it’s not a fair fight
Alberta can’t compete with Quebec when it comes to the sentiments of Canadians and therefore cannot use the Quebec model to extort similar concessions from Ottawa.Selling armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia is not exactly justice for Jamal
When all the facts of this atrocity come out, including the belief by Turkish authorities that Khashoggi’s body was dissolved in acid, there won’t be much appetite for kings and princes sitting in judgment of themselves.COVID-19 political bump has bounced Liberals back into majority government territory
But the full return of Parliament will also focus more attention on Liberal mistakes, as the opposition parties will do their best to change the channel away from COVID solidarity.
Senate oversight committees aim to start meeting this week
The Senate’s Finance and Social Affairs committees are preparing to start their studies of the government’s COVID-19 relief effort.Pandemic crisis tests durability of MPs’ parliamentary privileges, say MPs, experts
Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu says MPs have little recourse, other than to file a complaint with the House Speaker, for raising concerns about breaches of privilege.Budget 2020, election promises in question amid COVID-19 global pandemic crisis, say McKay, Delacourt
‘It is going to blow a hole in the government’s legislative agenda,’ says Liberal MP John McKay.
The great escape: Vol de Nuit and the summer of our discontent
Our previously unthinkable, pandemic-besieged moment is a good time to revisit Saint-Exupéry’s humanist epic.In the Meng extradition case, Canada has other options, interests to consider
The 'either-or' portrayal of the issue involving Meng Wanzhou has contributed to these polarized outlooks. True or not, alleged Russian interference didn’t affect outcome of Afghan war
It would be foolhardy to believe that blood payments altered in any way the failed course of the American-led war in Afghanistan.
‘We’re all hurting’: culture and sports groups say they need added funds, emergency support extended
The government says it’s developing a new portal in ‘record time’ to help fund arts, culture, and sport organizations, while opposition MPs say a plan for the sector has been too slow.Environment, resource development agenda among April’s top-lobbied files
‘Deep change is possible and it can happen fast,’ says the CEO of Ocean Wise Conservation Association, which helped push the Environment Minister among the most-lobbied in cabinet in the last two months.MPs claimed $230,000 in free travel from organizations, foreign governments in 2019
Taiwan was the most frequent— and expensive—destination, totalling $90,000 and making up 40 per cent of all claimed travel.
Freeland continues role overseeing Canada-U.S. file as Ng takes reigns of new NAFTA implementation act
Plus, Bob Rae tapped as Canada's next UN ambassador, and Trudeau rebuffs D.C. trip to mark new NAFTA.
Philpott keeping busy these days, co-editing new book as dean appointment begins
Plus, Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan thanks Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds and American actress Blake Lively.
Two new advisers on Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Bennett’s team
Plus, John O’Leary has exited as director of strategic communications in the Liberal research bureau and joins Crestview Strategy as a senior consultant this week.
No fireworks this year: U.S. Embassy to showcase Fourth of July online
Plus, Conservative Parliamentarians want Tommy Prince on $5 bill, and Bruce Campion-Smith becomes The Toronto Star's public editor.Quebec pride on full display as MPs, province marked national holiday
Plus, former veteran HoCer Jay Hill, who served in the House for 17 years, has been tapped to lead the newly emerged Wexit Party on an interim basis.Senator Marilou McPhedran tables bill to lower voting age to 16
Plus, the U.S., EU, U.K., and others stand by Canada after two Michaels charged, and the Senate Ethic Committee suggests Lynn Beyak’s suspension be withdrawn.
The Hill Times' newsrooms take pride in delivering the dependable and in-depth news and analysis that decision-makers rely on.
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The lessons of COVID-19 and international co-operation in the Arctic
The whole world found itself in the realities of the Arctic, where, because of its harshness, people have a moral imperative to help each other: if you don’t, you will not survive.
Canada must come to terms with the tragic dimension of international politics
In the end, the ‘tragic’ is a prudently crafted balance between idealism and realism, which are the two legs of a steadfast foreign policy.
Canada’s future workforce must be truly diverse and highly skilled at problem-solving
Diversity, essential skills, digital learning tools, and the skills mismatch are not new topics of discussion, but world-changing events have impressed upon us the urgency of ushering in such progress.
With war-crimes indictment, Kosovo-Canada values don’t align
While Kosovo remains in a sort of international status limbo, President Hashim Thaçi has been living up to his old nickname.Dafonte Miller case another shocking wake-up call for police reform
The Liberals need to quit fiddling at the edges and finally do something about institutionalized racial injustice and police violence, starting with the RCMP and the implementation of effective accountability.
Minority rules: 2020’s most influential figures to watch in federal politics
This year’s Top 100 Most Influential List reflects the power brokers who will help shape the terms of how this minority Parliament will shake out.
The return of Parliament is more than an event in the news cycle. It’s a time to look ahead, and to thoughtfully consider the important role each branch of government will play in that future, and in the life of each individual Canadian.
Our worldview, our desire for control, and the way we get information are just three things that new MPs should consider as they orient themselves to life in Ottawa and as elected representatives. But the implications of these three forces matter to everyone who seeks to engage and connect with Canadians.
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Politics This Morning: Trudeau’s mother, brother both paid for appearances at We Charity events, reports say
Plus, the House Board of Internal Economy Committee will meet to discuss recommendations from the working group on Centre Block's rehabilitation, a new report on the House's policy for preventing workplace harassment, and the second batch of supplementary estimates. 
Spending by Employment and Social Development Canada has risen by $74-billion compared to last year.
'I get we're in a pandemic, and I'm very supportive of using the technology, but until I know that it respects the basic rights and has the highest standards, I can't see that it's going to work,' said MP Charlie Angus.
We’ve learned from our chief medical officers how to social distance and properly wear a mask. Now people and organizations can also learn how to build trust in the good, old-fashioned way—by being clear and honest.
Senator Mobina Jaffer is among those who say the in-person-only approach to spring Senate sittings limited participation and worries it will remain in place when Parliament returns in September.The Hot Room Podcast
Senator Gwen Boniface talks police reform
Politics This Morning
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You wouldn’t know that an act of terrorism took place on the grounds of Rideau Hall, not from an inept Canadian news media.
Instead of worrying overly about deficit spending, Finance Minister Bill Morneau told reporters he is more concerned about people and jobs.
The reductionist concepts touted by so-called ‘Marxist intellectuals’ may play well in social media or on TV, but have a limited connection to contemporary reality or the great philosophers.
It is still hard to believe that an ultra-nationalist British government that won the Brexit referendum on a wave of anti-foreign rhetoric will really keep these promises.
Canada should seek to reinforce its diplomatic and economic ties with like-minded democracies such as the U.S., Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and the U.K. to reduce its dependency on China before it's too late.
When we have so little to go on it is best to refrain from pronouncing judgment on a violent incident.Great defining event of 21st century expected to occur in three decades
Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline is a finalist for this year's prestigious Donner Prize, one of the five best Canadian public policy books of the year. Here, the two authors offer an essay about their bestselling book and why they wrote it.Wiseman surveys history of Canada’s political parties in engaging new book, Partisan Odysseys
Longtime politicial science professor Nelson Wiseman talks about his new book, Partisan Odysseys: Canada's Political Parties.Deputy PM Freeland adds new senior adviser for Prairies file
Plus, Hill Climbers takes a look at the public declarations of outside activities filed with the federal conflict of interest commissioner by political staffers since the start of the year.New comms aides join McKenna’s team, Prime Minister’s Office
Meanwhile, Seniors Minister Deb Schulte has a new special assistant for West and North regional affairs. Politicos, former Hillites honour Mandela’s historic first visit to Canada
Plus, former prime minister Jean Chrétien is spotted golfing with Globe and Mail veteran reporter Lawrence Martin, and Greens share logistics for their leadership debates.Time for Champagne?: Canada awaits UN Security Council vote in New York City
Plus, Senator Lillian Dyck calls for the RCMP commissioner's resignation and Canadians to celebrate Canada Day virtually with Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, and others.As union members face COVID-19 pandemic ‘head on,’ PSAC calls for feds to return to bargaining table
Treasury Board spokesperson Martin Potvin says the government's goal is to take 'constructive steps to keep meeting and to prepare for negotiations when they resume.'‘Critical situation’ in prisons as health-care workers threaten to walk over lack of protective equipment
'The Correctional Service of Canada continues to take a number of preventative measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19 in federal institutions,' according to the office of Public Safety Minister Bill Blair. No more Hill parties, after coronavirus pandemic forces Parliament Hill to shut down
'Politics and the Pen is probably the exact opposite of social distancing. We cram so many people into the ballroom that you can barely keep one to two inches away,' says Jim Armour. Sorbara makes ’em howl at the Métropolitain
Pat Sorbara's new book, Let 'em Howl, offers lessons learned over a more than four-decade career in federal and provincial politics as a high-ranking Liberal backroomer. New order granting diplomatic privileges to African Union officials a ‘positive step,’ say former diplomats
The timing of the new status order—coming days before countries, including the 55 AU member nations, voted on Canada’s bid for the UN Security Council seat—is notable, say former diplomats.No ‘magic’ response: diplomats discuss international lessons learned from COVID-19
'We’re living a gigantic world-wide experiment of geology, economy, and psychology, and we will only know later what happened,' says German Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser.
House back for day-long sitting on July 8 as Finance Minister Morneau gives ‘snapshot’ of country’s books
Finance Minister Bill Morneau will table a fiscal 'snapshot' in the House on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Tiff Macklem, the Bank of Canada's new governor, pictured on May 1 during an announcement on his appointment, is taking the helm as the country grapples with a deep recession triggered by the pandemic. The former senior deputy chief of the central bank, Mr. Macklem helped manage Canada's response to the 2008 recession from 2010-2014. He succeeds Stephen Poloz, whose seven-year term expires in June. 
