Priorities for Canada as 2026 gets underway

This government would flunk any test for transparency. Why are new programs, such as Build Canada Homes, the Major Projects Office and the Defence procurement office being established as ‘special operating agencies’ under the Treasury Board’s cloak of confidentiality?
Who’s Tory now? It’s complicated

If traditional conservative voters, and others, are looking for an effective, intelligent and nimble centre-right leader, they already have one in Mark Carney. We’ll see how long this lasts.
The independent Senate in 2026: an anchor of stability

For the Senate to contribute effectively in 2026, Parliament must recognize that the Senate’s independence is essential to effective decision-making and to the strength of Canada’s democratic system.
Health workforce, toxic drug crisis on health critics’ agendas this winter

Conservative health critic Dan Mazier says an upcoming committee report on immigration and health care will include ‘damning evidence’ that will surprise people.
Make federal funding permanent for Canada’s suicide crisis helpline, say Conservative and NDP critics

Long-time mental health advocates Conservative MP Todd Doherty and NDP MP Gord Johns say their passion for the subject is personal.
Carney did in Davos what other world leaders should be doing: rebuking the U.S. bully

U.S. President Donald Trump didn’t like what Mark Carney said in his speech in Davos. You can be sure that payback is coming. The key for Canadians is to be as brave as their prime minister, no matter how Trump tries to punish this country for taking the higher road.
Ontario national councillor Mitas expected to challenge Barber for Conservative Party presidency

Senior Conservative sources tell The Hill Times that current party president Stephen Barber and Christina Mitas have been strategizing and reaching out to potential supporters ahead of the national council election at the end of this month.
Liberal MPs shrug off Trump’s latest tariff threat if Canada pursues trade agreement with China

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, said there is ‘no pursuit’ of a free trade deal with China.
Public service watchdog sounds alarm over funding shortfall to investigate whistleblower complaints

Canada’s Public Sector Integrity Commissioner says the office is struggling to handle ‘unprecedented numbers’ of wrongdoing and reprisal cases, and ‘resources have not kept pace, causing detrimental delays to investigations.’
Lack of pre-sitting cabinet shuffle doesn’t take it off the table for the winter, say political strategists

Although a cabinet shuffle isn’t in the cards before the House resumes after winter break, it could still be a possibility as byelections create opportunity for fresh blood to get elected to Parliament, say politicos.