Time to look back, and ahead

It ‘remains to be seen’ what will prove relevant in 2026 from this past year, but there’s plenty to from which to choose.
Every vote counts: how the House Speaker factors in Carney’s majority math

By parliamentary convention, the Speaker only votes in the event of a tie. At the moment, after two floor crossers to the Liberals, the government holds 171 votes, and the opposition collectively has 172.
Quebec MPs noncommittal on support for province’s controversial constitution bill

Bloc MP Alexis Deschênes called the bill ‘a good exercise,’ but said the question of a constitution is ‘really up to the people of Quebec.’
New directors on deck for ministers Thompson, Ali

Additions include Jeff Woodland as issues management and parliamentary affairs director to the fisheries minister, and Adhil Hussain as director of labour relations to the Treasury Board president.
The door’s wide open for a re-invigorated NDP, and Parliament and Canada need it

Avi Lewis’ daring, refreshing campaign may come to nothing; end of discussion. Or maybe, if New Democrats are feeling frisky, beginning of discussion. The country could use it.
Budget bill waits for House’s January return as ‘slow’ session comes to a close

The Liberals’ budget implementation bill completed second reading on Dec. 10, and will be considered by the House Finance Committee after the House returns in the new year.
Bill calling for more serious punishment for assaulting first responders not fast-tracked despite Conservative MPs’ efforts

The Senate bill is identical to MP Todd Doherty’s bill, which nearly became law but died on the order paper when the election was called this past spring.
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem to talk about Canada’s economy on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Montreal

MONDAY, DEC. 15 House Schedule—The House of Commons adjourned last week until Jan. 26, 2026, and is scheduled to sit for 117 days in 2026. Here’s the schedule for 2026: it will sit Monday to Friday, Jan. 26-Feb. 13; Feb. 23-27; March 9-13; March 23-Thursday, March 26; April 13-May 8; May 25-June 19; Sept. 21-Oct. […]
Democracy, like a Christmas gift, is best unwrapped

The Prime Minister’s Office is taking a decidedly corporate approach. Then it should make sure that the essential piece of corporate governance is included by being transparent with the board of directors. In this country, the board is made up of voters.
Guilbeault’s departure from cabinet is unfortunate, but unavoidable collateral damage

Unlike Steven Guilbeault, Mark Carney doesn’t have the luxury of enforcing a green energy litmus test on the Alberta premier. He has a truculent president to face down, an economy to save and a country to unite. In this context, Guilbeault’s departure is unfortunate, but unavoidable collateral damage.