‘The time is now’: limit gatherings to avoid future lockdowns, says Tam, as federal data projects more spikes in cases
Canada’s chief public health officer is urging Canadians to avoid large gatherings to prevent further spikes in new COVID-19 cases and avoid another lockdown, saying federal modelling figures project the number of cases could climb to more than 155,000 within the next 10 days. Speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Theresa Tam shared data that […]
Feds’ priorities should include ‘green’ stimulus for small businesses
As we head into the fall, now more than six months into this pandemic, owners and operators of small businesses are anxious for some certainty, in this uncertain time. While government measures have helped to keep the lights on, and our economy has started to slowly find its footing, the future of Canada’s Main Street […]
Parliament: the reckoning episode
OTTAWA—To paraphrase Tennyson, in the immediate aftermath of a minority government Throne Speech, an old political hack’s fancy heavily turns to thoughts of elections. So, amid the chaos, confusion, and uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has sown, the second session of the 43rd Parliament of Canada will commence with a Speech from the Throne on Sept. […]
Why is the NDP failing to push the Liberals for climate action?
Recently, I joined other concerned citizens in sending a letter to NDP MPs expressing shock and disappointment at the New Democratic Party’s understating, and sometimes ignoring, of the climate crisis—even when given a chance to address a national radio audience. This was made clear on CBC Radio’s The House on both Aug. 22 and Sept. 5. In […]
Sharing few details, Trudeau eyes setting out ‘next steps’ in cabinet retreat, continues calls for ‘vigilance’ on COVID-19
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remained tight-lipped on details Monday before he headed up his government’s two-day virtual cabinet retreat, telling reporters his focus is on getting the country through a pandemic that is not yet over. “We need to get through this in order to be able to talk about next steps, so a lot […]
Children’s well-being should be a priority for the government
Sept. 23 will be an important day for Canada’s children and youth. The Governor General will deliver a new speech from the throne and the government’s priorities for this new session will be made clear. If we truly hope to “move forward together,” as was the promise of 2019, a firm commitment to improving the […]
Trudeau Liberals risk leaving ideological centre open by tilting further to the left in Throne Speech, say some Grit MPs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are expected to tilt further to the left in their high-stakes Sept. 23 Throne Speech, but some MPs and former candidates say they’re nervous that would leave an opening in the ideological centre, home to most Canadian voters and where the Conservatives can make gains in the next federal election. […]
Key chapter in Canada’s COVID story begins as kids return to school
OTTAWA—Yes, yes, the speech from the throne coming on Sept. 23 is fast approaching and we will see if, somehow, we get catapulted into an election. I still rate the odds of that slim, but 2020 has been the year when normal thinking does not apply. Speaking of normal, how intimate will it be for […]
O’Toole, other leaders to be tested in historic COVID-era political showdown
OTTAWA—The Conservatives have anointed a new leader at a moment when the currents of history are coalescing into a dramatic turning point for Canadians. Erin O’Toole and the heads of all federal parties will be put to the test over the next several months as the country comes to grips with Canada in the age […]
SoCons, alienated western Conservatives settle for O’Toole rather than MacKay
OTTAWA—Peter MacKay is no doubt very disappointed about losing the Conservative leadership race. But maybe he should actually be relieved. He at least will not be stuck trying to build a compelling, centre-right election case on an urgent basis for a party with apparently little or no interest in anything remotely progressive and beholden to […]
