Harper, from brawler to statesman
When Stephen Harper retired from politics, he put aside his brawler persona and took on the role of a wise elder statesman, whose portrait is now hanging in Parliament. He’s even getting positive media attention for his recent forceful comments on world affairs.
Building a more innovative Canadian economy won’t be easy, but it will be worth it
We are living through one of those periods in human history where change and the tensions from change can overwhelm. Coping with change—with creative destruction—can be hugely rewarding. But getting policy right is the challenge.
Trudeau, Carney, Davos, and Liberal dexterity
Canadians like getting the world’s attention because it counters the view that we are boring. Mark Carney’s impact at Davos boosted Liberal popularity to 51 per cent in a Mainstreet poll. Speculation swirled that he might call an election to capitalize. He won’t. Carney prefers governing to politicking on the hustings.
Preparing for a possible early election, Conservatives closing first batch of 16 riding nominations this month: sources
Conservative nomination applications for some ridings are due on Feb. 25. Those electoral districts ‘should begin forming candidate nomination committees without delay,’ states a memo from the party’s headquarters, obtained by The Hill Times. And Elan Harper, Stephen Harper’s sister-in-law, wants to run in Calgary Confederation.
Federal parties dismiss ‘bogeyman’ privacy concerns baked into affordability bill, as Senators consider major amendments
The Liberal, NDP, and Conservative parties say Parliament must assert its jurisdiction over regulating federal parties, as privacy and data advocates urge Senators to pull parts of the ‘privacy-busting bill’ C-4.
Official languages commissioner nominee aspires for a ‘truly bilingual public service’
Kelly Burke, the nominee to become the next official language commissioner, says her goal in that position is ‘substantive equality’ between French and English across Canada.
The new Canadian order and the next governor general
Looking through the lens of national unity, Prime Minister Mark Carney would be wise to appoint someone from Alberta, who is ready to deal with a crisis on their first day in office.
The real rupture we face: what Carney’s next speech needs to say
A recent report from the United Kingdom warns that ‘critical ecosystems are at risk of collapsing,’ and if ‘current rates of biodiversity loss continue, every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse.’
Ottawa MPs Sudds, Fanjoy urge changes to return-to-office order for public servants, as MPs debate ending hybrid Parliament
Liberal MP Jenna Sudds has called for ‘flexibility’ after fellow local caucus colleague Bruce Fanjoy criticized requirements that public servants work in-office four days a week starting in July, and executives five days a week starting in May.
Poilievre, the Super Bowl, and the cautionary tale of the Buffalo Bills
Pierre Poilievre will have to do much more than stand pat if he seriously plans on finally winning the Canadian political Super Bowl. Otherwise, he and his party may have to content themselves, like Buffalo Bills fans, with having come so close that one time.
