Sunday, April 20, 2025

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Copps’ Corner

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 14, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, top left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Co-Leaders Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May. The debates in French and English will be very important because if Carney stumbles, he will definitely curb the enthusiasm of his campaign. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 14, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 14, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, top left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Co-Leaders Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May. The debates in French and English will be very important because if Carney stumbles, he will definitely curb the enthusiasm of his campaign. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean, Ont., on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 7, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 7, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits the campaign office in his home riding of Nepean, Ont., on March 29, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 31, 2025
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa on April 12, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 31, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 31, 2025
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa on April 12, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 24, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. In an unprecedented political comeback, the Liberal Party has reached polling parity with the Conservatives since the election of Carney. Trump is not oblivious to the astonishing political upswing of the Liberals.  The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Neena Singhal
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 24, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 24, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. In an unprecedented political comeback, the Liberal Party has reached polling parity with the Conservatives since the election of Carney. Trump is not oblivious to the astonishing political upswing of the Liberals.  The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Neena Singhal
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 17, 2025
Mike Myers, pictured recently on Saturday Night Live, gestured, moved his left elbow up, pointing to it and mouthed the words, 'Elbows up!' The phrase is inspired by Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was known for throwing his elbows up to defend himself, and is now Canada's rallying cry against U.S. President Donald Trump. Screen shot courtesy of Saturday Night Live/YouTube
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 17, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 17, 2025
Mike Myers, pictured recently on Saturday Night Live, gestured, moved his left elbow up, pointing to it and mouthed the words, 'Elbows up!' The phrase is inspired by Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was known for throwing his elbows up to defend himself, and is now Canada's rallying cry against U.S. President Donald Trump. Screen shot courtesy of Saturday Night Live/YouTube
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 10, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference in West Block on March 4, 2025, in reaction to the levying of 25 per cent tariffs by the American government on Canadian exports. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 10, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 10, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference in West Block on March 4, 2025, in reaction to the levying of 25 per cent tariffs by the American government on Canadian exports. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 3, 2025
Karina Gould
Liberal MP and leadership candidate Karina Gould, pictured Feb. 25, 2025, at the leadership debate in Montreal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 3, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 3, 2025
Karina Gould
Liberal MP and leadership candidate Karina Gould, pictured Feb. 25, 2025, at the leadership debate in Montreal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 24, 2025
The only thing that will stop U.S. President Donald Trump is if he sees that his erratic leadership results in a downward stock market trajectory. The World Trade Organization warned us last week that tariff wars could trigger a global recession. For Trump, money talks, writes Sheila Copps. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 24, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 24, 2025
The only thing that will stop U.S. President Donald Trump is if he sees that his erratic leadership results in a downward stock market trajectory. The World Trade Organization warned us last week that tariff wars could trigger a global recession. For Trump, money talks, writes Sheila Copps. Image courtesy of Pixabay
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 17, 2025
Donald Trump also revealed earlier last week that when it comes to takeover of foreign lands, he believes he has the legal right to 'take over the Gaza Strip and occupy it.' Insert 'Canada' and we have an idea of what might be coming, writes Sheila Copps.   Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 17, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 17, 2025
Donald Trump also revealed earlier last week that when it comes to takeover of foreign lands, he believes he has the legal right to 'take over the Gaza Strip and occupy it.' Insert 'Canada' and we have an idea of what might be coming, writes Sheila Copps.   Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 10, 2025
Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford at the First Ministers' meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 15, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 10, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 10, 2025
Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford at the First Ministers' meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 15, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 3, 2025
Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong was completely exonerated by the final report of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference headed by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, writes Sheila Copps. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 3, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | February 3, 2025
Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong was completely exonerated by the final report of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference headed by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, writes Sheila Copps. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 27, 2025
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured in this file photo, marked his first day in office with executive orders on everything, including pardons for the instigators of the Jan. 6, 2021, riots. He also ordered that non-binary people cannot be identified as such, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 27, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 27, 2025
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured in this file photo, marked his first day in office with executive orders on everything, including pardons for the instigators of the Jan. 6, 2021, riots. He also ordered that non-binary people cannot be identified as such, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 15, 2025
Karina Gould
Government House Leader Karina Gould on the Hill on Dec. 11, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 15, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 15, 2025
Karina Gould
Government House Leader Karina Gould on the Hill on Dec. 11, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 13, 2025
Donald Trump.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's joke about Canada joining the United States is turning deadly serious, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 13, 2025
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | January 13, 2025
Donald Trump.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's joke about Canada joining the United States is turning deadly serious, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 23, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Liberal National Caucus holiday party in Ottawa on Dec. 17, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 23, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 23, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Liberal National Caucus holiday party in Ottawa on Dec. 17, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 16, 2024
Former President of the United States Donald Trump
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump lost no time in poking fun at his favourite punching bag, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, writes Sheila Copps. Gage Skidmore photograph courtesy of Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 16, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 16, 2024
Former President of the United States Donald Trump
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump lost no time in poking fun at his favourite punching bag, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, writes Sheila Copps. Gage Skidmore photograph courtesy of Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 9, 2024
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government passed three bills last week limiting transgender rights.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 9, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 9, 2024
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government passed three bills last week limiting transgender rights.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 2, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured recently on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 2, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 2, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured recently on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 25, 2024
Then-employment minister Randy Boissonnault speaks with reporters in West Block on Oct. 29, 2024. He resigned from cabinet on Nov. 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 25, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 25, 2024
Then-employment minister Randy Boissonnault speaks with reporters in West Block on Oct. 29, 2024. He resigned from cabinet on Nov. 20. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 18, 2024
TAYLOR SWIFT
Taylor Swift is playing six shows in Toronto between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23. Perhaps her music won't last for a half-century like that of the iconic Beatles. But the Swiftie Moment is here to stay, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 18, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 18, 2024
TAYLOR SWIFT
Taylor Swift is playing six shows in Toronto between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23. Perhaps her music won't last for a half-century like that of the iconic Beatles. But the Swiftie Moment is here to stay, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 11, 2024
Kamala Harris
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris faced a double whammy. As a racialized woman, she fought prejudice against her gender and her race, writes Sheila Copps. Wikimedia Commons photograph
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 11, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 11, 2024
Kamala Harris
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris faced a double whammy. As a racialized woman, she fought prejudice against her gender and her race, writes Sheila Copps. Wikimedia Commons photograph
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 4, 2024
Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio (aka rapper Bad Bunny), top left, Ricky Martin, top right, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris. A comedian at a Trump rally called Puerto Rico a 'floating island of garbage' last week. Ocasio and Martin are both from Puerto Rico, have millions of followers, and subsequently endorsed Harris for president. Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons & Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 4, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 4, 2024
Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio (aka rapper Bad Bunny), top left, Ricky Martin, top right, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris. A comedian at a Trump rally called Puerto Rico a 'floating island of garbage' last week. Ocasio and Martin are both from Puerto Rico, have millions of followers, and subsequently endorsed Harris for president. Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons & Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 28, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Oct. 23, after the morning's caucus meeting where he was told that 24 Liberal MPs want him to go by Oct. 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 28, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 28, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Oct. 23, after the morning's caucus meeting where he was told that 24 Liberal MPs want him to go by Oct. 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 21, 2024
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. president Donald Trump, pictured on June 15, 2024. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 21, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 21, 2024
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. president Donald Trump, pictured on June 15, 2024. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 14, 2024
Marc Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, pictured recently on the Hill. The Canadian government could take the lead in the Americas to develop an economic-funded resettlement plan that would not cannibalize borders but would rather co-operate in the challenge of resettling the millions of global citizens, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 14, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 14, 2024
Marc Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, pictured recently on the Hill. The Canadian government could take the lead in the Americas to develop an economic-funded resettlement plan that would not cannibalize borders but would rather co-operate in the challenge of resettling the millions of global citizens, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 7, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left; Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently killed by Israeli bombs; Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; and Iran's Supreme Commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 7, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 7, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left; Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently killed by Israeli bombs; Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; and Iran's Supreme Commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 30, 2024
Stephen Colbert, left, and Pierre Poilievre
Stephen Colbert, left, called Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre a 'Canadian Trump' during his interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 30, 2024
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 30, 2024
Stephen Colbert, left, and Pierre Poilievre
Stephen Colbert, left, called Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre a 'Canadian Trump' during his interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 31, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 31, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 31, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 24, 2022
British Prime Minister Liz Truss, pictured, tendered her resignation after pressure from her Conservative caucus, and now the Brits are facing a fifth Conservative leadership in six years. In British Columbia’s case, current Premier John Horgan has enjoyed longevity of leadership, but the B.C. NDP caucus have all but coronated the next leader. Photograph courtesy of Twitter
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 24, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 24, 2022
British Prime Minister Liz Truss, pictured, tendered her resignation after pressure from her Conservative caucus, and now the Brits are facing a fifth Conservative leadership in six years. In British Columbia’s case, current Premier John Horgan has enjoyed longevity of leadership, but the B.C. NDP caucus have all but coronated the next leader. Photograph courtesy of Twitter
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 17, 2022
New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith may be able to harness the power of conservatism in Alberta to win, but given the missteps of her first few days in office, that seems unlikely, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 17, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 17, 2022
New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith may be able to harness the power of conservatism in Alberta to win, but given the missteps of her first few days in office, that seems unlikely, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times file photograph by Jake Wright
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 10, 2022
Scott Smith, president of Hockey Canada, pictured on July 27, 2022, speaking with reporters after appearing before the House Canadian Heritage Committee to answer questions about the investigation of sexual misconduct scandal plaguing Hockey Canada. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 10, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 10, 2022
Scott Smith, president of Hockey Canada, pictured on July 27, 2022, speaking with reporters after appearing before the House Canadian Heritage Committee to answer questions about the investigation of sexual misconduct scandal plaguing Hockey Canada. The Hill Times Photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 3, 2022
Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, pictured Sept. 28, 2022, in his Cardigan, P.E.I., riding. 'This morning I dropped by Laureen Steadman's to check in on her and see the damage to her place. This morning, 10 neighbours showed up to help—without being asked! The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me,' MacAulay tweeted. Photograph courtesy of Lawrence MacAulay's Twitter handle
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 3, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 3, 2022
Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, pictured Sept. 28, 2022, in his Cardigan, P.E.I., riding. 'This morning I dropped by Laureen Steadman's to check in on her and see the damage to her place. This morning, 10 neighbours showed up to help—without being asked! The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me,' MacAulay tweeted. Photograph courtesy of Lawrence MacAulay's Twitter handle
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 26, 2022
Charles and Camilla, pictured in Ottawa on May 18, 2022, touring the ByWard Market on their royal visit. King Charles III will no longer be involved in the kind of public policy pronouncements that characterized his work as a prince. But his foresight, vision, and capacity to care for those least able to care for themselves is a good sign of the kind of reign he might have, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 26, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 26, 2022
Charles and Camilla, pictured in Ottawa on May 18, 2022, touring the ByWard Market on their royal visit. King Charles III will no longer be involved in the kind of public policy pronouncements that characterized his work as a prince. But his foresight, vision, and capacity to care for those least able to care for themselves is a good sign of the kind of reign he might have, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 19, 2022
Eric Duncan, Luc Berthold, Pierre Paul-Hus, Andrew Scheer, Melissa Landsman, Pierre Poilievre, Tim Uppal, Kerri-Lynne Findlay, Chris Warkentin, and Jake Stewart, pictured outside the West Block on the Hill. Image courtesy of Pierre Poilievre's Twitter
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 19, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 19, 2022
Eric Duncan, Luc Berthold, Pierre Paul-Hus, Andrew Scheer, Melissa Landsman, Pierre Poilievre, Tim Uppal, Kerri-Lynne Findlay, Chris Warkentin, and Jake Stewart, pictured outside the West Block on the Hill. Image courtesy of Pierre Poilievre's Twitter
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in Ottawa on Aug. 31, 2022, has carved out a tremendous personal legacy in the areas of Indigenous reconciliation and the battle to lift kids out of poverty. Unfortunately, people don’t vote for what happened yesterday. They vote on what will happen tomorrow. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 12, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in Ottawa on Aug. 31, 2022, has carved out a tremendous personal legacy in the areas of Indigenous reconciliation and the battle to lift kids out of poverty. Unfortunately, people don’t vote for what happened yesterday. They vote on what will happen tomorrow. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 15, 2022
Doug Ford, pictured, has promised to review all options in tackling health-care problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 15, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 15, 2022
Doug Ford, pictured, has promised to review all options in tackling health-care problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 8, 2022
Jean Charest, pictured on May 5, 2022, at the Conservative party of Canada’s first leadership debate, held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa. Charest stands the best chance of all Tory candidates of defeating the current government. He is seen as capable, moderate, and appeals to those in the centre who have kept the Tories out of power for years, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 8, 2022
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 8, 2022
Jean Charest, pictured on May 5, 2022, at the Conservative party of Canada’s first leadership debate, held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa. Charest stands the best chance of all Tory candidates of defeating the current government. He is seen as capable, moderate, and appeals to those in the centre who have kept the Tories out of power for years, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade