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Bhagwant Sandhu

Bhagwant Sandhu is a retired director general from the federal government. Between 2002-21 he held senior roles in several departments, including Fisheries and Ocean Canada, Infrastructure Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, and Public Works Canada. He has also held executive positions in the governments of Ontario and British Columbia.

Can Poilievre capitalize on Carney’s weak spots?

  • To derail Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upsurge, Conservatives must adjust their strategy—focusing on unity, the social safety net, and practical policies that confront America
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 19, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s team should adopt an approach that takes stock of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strengths and why he is clicking with Canadians, and then adjust their strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia

Can Poilievre capitalize on Carney’s weak spots?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 19, 2025
  • To derail Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upsurge, Conservatives must adjust their strategy—focusing on unity, the social safety net, and practical policies that confront America

Can Poilievre capitalize on Carney’s weak spots?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 19, 2025
  • To derail Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upsurge, Conservatives must adjust their strategy—focusing on unity, the social safety net, and practical policies that confront America
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s team should adopt an approach that takes stock of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strengths and why he is clicking with Canadians, and then adjust their strategy, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Sam Garcia

Carney vs. Poilievre: who will restore Canada’s global independence?

  • As U.S. President Donald Trump abandons Western alliances, our next prime minister must act decisively to secure Canada’s autonomy, and restore our global influence.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 5, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney need to offer vision and foresight—qualities that seem to be in short supply in Canada’s hyper-partisan politics these days, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Carney vs. Poilievre: who will restore Canada’s global independence?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 5, 2025
  • As U.S. President Donald Trump abandons Western alliances, our next prime minister must act decisively to secure Canada’s autonomy, and restore our global influence.

Carney vs. Poilievre: who will restore Canada’s global independence?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 5, 2025
  • As U.S. President Donald Trump abandons Western alliances, our next prime minister must act decisively to secure Canada’s autonomy, and restore our global influence.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney need to offer vision and foresight—qualities that seem to be in short supply in Canada’s hyper-partisan politics these days, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Party leaders should shift gears as Liberal popularity surges

  • Even with his ’Canada First’ rebrand, Pierre Poilievre’s clock is ticking. If he doesn’t shift gears soon, he might find himself watching the Liberals
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 19, 2025
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. A wholesale change in party leadership would be good for Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Party leaders should shift gears as Liberal popularity surges

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 19, 2025
  • Even with his ’Canada First’ rebrand, Pierre Poilievre’s clock is ticking. If he doesn’t shift gears soon, he might find himself watching the Liberals

Party leaders should shift gears as Liberal popularity surges

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 19, 2025
  • Even with his ’Canada First’ rebrand, Pierre Poilievre’s clock is ticking. If he doesn’t shift gears soon, he might find himself watching the Liberals
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. A wholesale change in party leadership would be good for Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Civil servants the unsung heroes steadying the ship against Trump’s tariff waves

  • OTTAWA—With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, Parliament in prorogation, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre struggling to define a cohesive narrative for why
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 5, 2025
Union members picket the old post office on April 25, 2023. Often-overlooked, public servants have kept the country’s public administration running smoothly with solid policy proposals to mitigate against shockwaves from the United States, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Civil servants the unsung heroes steadying the ship against Trump’s tariff waves

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 5, 2025
  • OTTAWA—With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, Parliament in prorogation, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre struggling to define a cohesive narrative for why

Civil servants the unsung heroes steadying the ship against Trump’s tariff waves

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | February 5, 2025
  • OTTAWA—With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, Parliament in prorogation, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre struggling to define a cohesive narrative for why
Union members picket the old post office on April 25, 2023. Often-overlooked, public servants have kept the country’s public administration running smoothly with solid policy proposals to mitigate against shockwaves from the United States, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Liberal race is on, so where’s Poilievre?

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre appears stuck in a twilight zone, locked in a bubble with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leadership candidates
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 23, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, needs to adjust his talking points with Liberal leadership front-runners Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland now in the mix, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade, and illustration by Joey Sabourin

The Liberal race is on, so where’s Poilievre?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 23, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre appears stuck in a twilight zone, locked in a bubble with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leadership candidates

The Liberal race is on, so where’s Poilievre?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 23, 2025
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre appears stuck in a twilight zone, locked in a bubble with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leadership candidates
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, needs to adjust his talking points with Liberal leadership front-runners Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland now in the mix, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia, Andrew Meade, and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Leadership race positions Liberals to own coming news cycles about Donald Trump

  • Tight timelines, rigid rules, and a big-ticket entry fee will force most Liberal leadership lightweights to bow out.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 10, 2025
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
By invoking U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised the stakes for the Liberal leadership race, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Leadership race positions Liberals to own coming news cycles about Donald Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 10, 2025
  • Tight timelines, rigid rules, and a big-ticket entry fee will force most Liberal leadership lightweights to bow out.

Leadership race positions Liberals to own coming news cycles about Donald Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 10, 2025
  • Tight timelines, rigid rules, and a big-ticket entry fee will force most Liberal leadership lightweights to bow out.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
By invoking U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, left, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised the stakes for the Liberal leadership race, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Memo to Liberals: Canada needs another Trudeau, but without the baggage 

  • Liberal Party members have much to consider after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign as party leader and then as prime minister
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 6, 2025
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
After weeks of building pressure from his caucus to resign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his plan to step down as Liberal Party leader on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Memo to Liberals: Canada needs another Trudeau, but without the baggage 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 6, 2025
  • Liberal Party members have much to consider after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign as party leader and then as prime minister

Memo to Liberals: Canada needs another Trudeau, but without the baggage 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 6, 2025
  • Liberal Party members have much to consider after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign as party leader and then as prime minister
Justin Trudeau
After weeks of building pressure from his caucus to resign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his plan to step down as Liberal Party leader on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s opportunism on display in stunning resignation letter

  • Chrystia Freeland ought to be reminded that she's held the finance portfolio since 2020. Not one of her budgets was ever balanced.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 18, 2024
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Being booted from finance was likely a tough pill to swallow if you see yourself as smart and indispensable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s opportunism on display in stunning resignation letter

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 18, 2024
  • Chrystia Freeland ought to be reminded that she's held the finance portfolio since 2020. Not one of her budgets was ever balanced.

Freeland’s opportunism on display in stunning resignation letter

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 18, 2024
  • Chrystia Freeland ought to be reminded that she's held the finance portfolio since 2020. Not one of her budgets was ever balanced.
Chrystia Freeland
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Being booted from finance was likely a tough pill to swallow if you see yourself as smart and indispensable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau could offer change by proposing a bold, structural overhaul of Canada’s political system

  • These changes could address oversight of the federal public service, such as the seemingly political stances of Privy Council Clerk John Hannaford.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 2, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to prove that he grasps the psychology of why many voters feel let down by his government, and present a comprehensive package of reforms, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau could offer change by proposing a bold, structural overhaul of Canada’s political system

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 2, 2024
  • These changes could address oversight of the federal public service, such as the seemingly political stances of Privy Council Clerk John Hannaford.

Trudeau could offer change by proposing a bold, structural overhaul of Canada’s political system

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | December 2, 2024
  • These changes could address oversight of the federal public service, such as the seemingly political stances of Privy Council Clerk John Hannaford.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to prove that he grasps the psychology of why many voters feel let down by his government, and present a comprehensive package of reforms, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Parliament is a gong-show, MPs care more about their political parties

  • Real change will occur only if parliamentary reform is an election issue. It will force party leaders to unite to address emergent crises.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 18, 2024
Mashup
Mashup
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade/illustration by Neena Singhal

Parliament is a gong-show, MPs care more about their political parties

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 18, 2024
  • Real change will occur only if parliamentary reform is an election issue. It will force party leaders to unite to address emergent crises.

Parliament is a gong-show, MPs care more about their political parties

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 18, 2024
  • Real change will occur only if parliamentary reform is an election issue. It will force party leaders to unite to address emergent crises.
Mashup
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade/illustration by Neena Singhal

Bracing for a geopolitical shock with Trump

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hands-down best suited to take on Donald Trump, having a proven track-record dealing with the Republican's trade attacks and
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 7, 2024
Donald Trump, left, and President Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump, left, and President Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump, left, has a soft spot for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, like the incoming U.S. president, also exudes an air of despotic edginess. Trump has barely discussed foreign policy, making it very difficult to predict his plans, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Bracing for a geopolitical shock with Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 7, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hands-down best suited to take on Donald Trump, having a proven track-record dealing with the Republican's trade attacks and

Bracing for a geopolitical shock with Trump

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 7, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hands-down best suited to take on Donald Trump, having a proven track-record dealing with the Republican's trade attacks and
Donald Trump, left, and President Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump, left, has a soft spot for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, like the incoming U.S. president, also exudes an air of despotic edginess. Trump has barely discussed foreign policy, making it very difficult to predict his plans, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Canadian politicians should get real about India

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took too long to heed the warnings of India’s meddling, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been too quiet on
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 16, 2024
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
This week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada has expelled India's high commissioner and five diplomats who are all persons of interest in what the RCMP alleges is serious criminal activity. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian politicians should get real about India

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 16, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took too long to heed the warnings of India’s meddling, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been too quiet on

Canadian politicians should get real about India

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 16, 2024
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took too long to heed the warnings of India’s meddling, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been too quiet on
Justin Trudeau
This week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada has expelled India's high commissioner and five diplomats who are all persons of interest in what the RCMP alleges is serious criminal activity. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau and Poilievre playing politics with Middle East conflict

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not pressuring Canada to use multilateral diplomacy to stop the war in the Middle East. Instead, he’s sowing division.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 10, 2024
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, nor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are offering leadership amid a rising death toll and widening regional conflict in the Middle East, writes Bhagwant Sandu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau and Poilievre playing politics with Middle East conflict

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 10, 2024
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not pressuring Canada to use multilateral diplomacy to stop the war in the Middle East. Instead, he’s sowing division.

Trudeau and Poilievre playing politics with Middle East conflict

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 10, 2024
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not pressuring Canada to use multilateral diplomacy to stop the war in the Middle East. Instead, he’s sowing division.
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
Neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, nor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are offering leadership amid a rising death toll and widening regional conflict in the Middle East, writes Bhagwant Sandu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Joly’s Africa engagement strategy copies the American approach

  • If the Liberal government cared about engaging constructively with Africa, it would have developed the strategy in its first or second terms when it
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 25, 2024
Mélanie Joly
Mélanie Joly
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly's call for public consultation on Canada's approach to Africa emphasizes our 'feminist foreign policy' and 'engaging' African countries 'to build stronger, and more visible partnerships,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly’s Africa engagement strategy copies the American approach

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 25, 2024
  • If the Liberal government cared about engaging constructively with Africa, it would have developed the strategy in its first or second terms when it

Joly’s Africa engagement strategy copies the American approach

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 25, 2024
  • If the Liberal government cared about engaging constructively with Africa, it would have developed the strategy in its first or second terms when it
Mélanie Joly
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly's call for public consultation on Canada's approach to Africa emphasizes our 'feminist foreign policy' and 'engaging' African countries 'to build stronger, and more visible partnerships,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau needs a post-byelection game plan 

  • On the heels of the byelection collapse of a Liberal stronghold in June, a loss of another Liberal-held riding would be a big blow
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should be worried about the Bloc and the NDP, his chief rivals in the riding of Lasalle-Émard-Verdun, Que., writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau needs a post-byelection game plan 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2024
  • On the heels of the byelection collapse of a Liberal stronghold in June, a loss of another Liberal-held riding would be a big blow

Trudeau needs a post-byelection game plan 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2024
  • On the heels of the byelection collapse of a Liberal stronghold in June, a loss of another Liberal-held riding would be a big blow
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should be worried about the Bloc and the NDP, his chief rivals in the riding of Lasalle-Émard-Verdun, Que., writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau misses opportunity for brand reset ahead of cabinet retreat 

  • Celebrity is hard to sustain in Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau should shine the spotlight on the rest of his team—after a shakeup of his
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 26, 2024
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs a reset, and some ministers have held their files for far too long, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau misses opportunity for brand reset ahead of cabinet retreat 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 26, 2024
  • Celebrity is hard to sustain in Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau should shine the spotlight on the rest of his team—after a shakeup of his

Trudeau misses opportunity for brand reset ahead of cabinet retreat 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 26, 2024
  • Celebrity is hard to sustain in Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau should shine the spotlight on the rest of his team—after a shakeup of his
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs a reset, and some ministers have held their files for far too long, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It won’t be easy when the election rolls in

  • Political parties will exploit our hopes and fears by prepping candidates to ensure our choice is driven by reactionary emotions, not critical analysis. Luckily, we
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 15, 2024
Justin Trudeau, left, Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh, above left, and Elizabeth May. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

It won’t be easy when the election rolls in

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 15, 2024
  • Political parties will exploit our hopes and fears by prepping candidates to ensure our choice is driven by reactionary emotions, not critical analysis. Luckily, we

It won’t be easy when the election rolls in

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 15, 2024
  • Political parties will exploit our hopes and fears by prepping candidates to ensure our choice is driven by reactionary emotions, not critical analysis. Luckily, we
Justin Trudeau, left, Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh, above left, and Elizabeth May. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Dumbing down the electoral process

  • Instead of letting voters evaluate the merits of competing policies, political parties are steering us towards simplistic diversions and visceral reactions.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 24, 2024
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Political marketing machines intend to have voters react to ballot questions as consumers of celebrity, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and photographs courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Dumbing down the electoral process

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 24, 2024
  • Instead of letting voters evaluate the merits of competing policies, political parties are steering us towards simplistic diversions and visceral reactions.

Dumbing down the electoral process

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 24, 2024
  • Instead of letting voters evaluate the merits of competing policies, political parties are steering us towards simplistic diversions and visceral reactions.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Political marketing machines intend to have voters react to ballot questions as consumers of celebrity, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and photographs courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

If NATO is not useful for democracy or to win wars, what purpose does it serve?

  • NATO may have lost all of its actual, on-the-ground wars, but armed with its scare tactics and access to top political decision-makers, it is
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 11, 2024
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Some argue that NATO is no more than a lobbyist for defence manufacturing based on its persistent pressure to squeeze out two per cent of the GDP of its 32 members, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

If NATO is not useful for democracy or to win wars, what purpose does it serve?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 11, 2024
  • NATO may have lost all of its actual, on-the-ground wars, but armed with its scare tactics and access to top political decision-makers, it is

If NATO is not useful for democracy or to win wars, what purpose does it serve?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 11, 2024
  • NATO may have lost all of its actual, on-the-ground wars, but armed with its scare tactics and access to top political decision-makers, it is
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Some argue that NATO is no more than a lobbyist for defence manufacturing based on its persistent pressure to squeeze out two per cent of the GDP of its 32 members, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Haiti needs home-grown bottom-up solutions, not top-down foreign interference

  • Many Canadian prime ministers have meddled in Haiti before, but this time, we’ve outsourced the solution to Kenyan soldiers.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 4, 2024
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau truly cared about the Haitian people, he would end the flawed Transitional Council, and replace it with a national reconciliation project, writes Bhagwant Sandhu.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Haiti needs home-grown bottom-up solutions, not top-down foreign interference

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 4, 2024
  • Many Canadian prime ministers have meddled in Haiti before, but this time, we’ve outsourced the solution to Kenyan soldiers.

Haiti needs home-grown bottom-up solutions, not top-down foreign interference

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 4, 2024
  • Many Canadian prime ministers have meddled in Haiti before, but this time, we’ve outsourced the solution to Kenyan soldiers.
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau truly cared about the Haitian people, he would end the flawed Transitional Council, and replace it with a national reconciliation project, writes Bhagwant Sandhu.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians want authenticity in their political candidates

  • Political candidates who come across as caricatures fashioned by consultants and marketing machines will lose. Canadians are tired of it.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 26, 2024
The surprise win by Conservative Don Stewart in downtown Toronto likely suggests the party's on the right track to win the general election, as long as Leader Pierre Poilievre stays the course, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photograph courtesy of X

Canadians want authenticity in their political candidates

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 26, 2024
  • Political candidates who come across as caricatures fashioned by consultants and marketing machines will lose. Canadians are tired of it.

Canadians want authenticity in their political candidates

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 26, 2024
  • Political candidates who come across as caricatures fashioned by consultants and marketing machines will lose. Canadians are tired of it.
The surprise win by Conservative Don Stewart in downtown Toronto likely suggests the party's on the right track to win the general election, as long as Leader Pierre Poilievre stays the course, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Photograph courtesy of X

G7 faces legitimacy crisis as new players gain influence

  • Trudeau can take the G7 to a new policy outlook, one which uses peace and diplomacy and makes NATO the tool of last resort,
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 20, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, holds a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Ottawa in April 2018. Stoltenberg was again in Ottawa on April 19. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

G7 faces legitimacy crisis as new players gain influence

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 20, 2024
  • Trudeau can take the G7 to a new policy outlook, one which uses peace and diplomacy and makes NATO the tool of last resort,

G7 faces legitimacy crisis as new players gain influence

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 20, 2024
  • Trudeau can take the G7 to a new policy outlook, one which uses peace and diplomacy and makes NATO the tool of last resort,
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, holds a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Ottawa in April 2018. Stoltenberg was again in Ottawa on April 19. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre, Trudeau choose partisan politicking over action on NSICOP report

  • Rather than act expeditiously on the advice of intelligence agencies, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plays partisan games, and has politicized the foreign interference file. 
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 12, 2024
Following the stunning NSICOP report, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, is on the attack while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tries to hold the line, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Poilievre, Trudeau choose partisan politicking over action on NSICOP report

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 12, 2024
  • Rather than act expeditiously on the advice of intelligence agencies, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plays partisan games, and has politicized the foreign interference file. 

Poilievre, Trudeau choose partisan politicking over action on NSICOP report

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 12, 2024
  • Rather than act expeditiously on the advice of intelligence agencies, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plays partisan games, and has politicized the foreign interference file. 
Following the stunning NSICOP report, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, is on the attack while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tries to hold the line, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s messaging signals plans for an austerity agenda

  • Poilievre’s credentials as a member of the proletariat are lacking, but his skill in political scheming is not. He’s steering the discourse away from
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre peddles empty ideas like ‘freedom’ instead of hard policies to help workers, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s messaging signals plans for an austerity agenda

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2024
  • Poilievre’s credentials as a member of the proletariat are lacking, but his skill in political scheming is not. He’s steering the discourse away from

Poilievre’s messaging signals plans for an austerity agenda

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 5, 2024
  • Poilievre’s credentials as a member of the proletariat are lacking, but his skill in political scheming is not. He’s steering the discourse away from
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre peddles empty ideas like ‘freedom’ instead of hard policies to help workers, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s climate strategy a master class in greenwashing 

  • On climate change, Canada’s politicians have created a culture of excuses, blame games, outright denials, and fatalistic calls for adaptation strategies. Except for Green
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 29, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has enshrined a net-zero goal by 2050 into law, but the data suggests that won’t be met, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s climate strategy a master class in greenwashing 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 29, 2024
  • On climate change, Canada’s politicians have created a culture of excuses, blame games, outright denials, and fatalistic calls for adaptation strategies. Except for Green

Trudeau’s climate strategy a master class in greenwashing 

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 29, 2024
  • On climate change, Canada’s politicians have created a culture of excuses, blame games, outright denials, and fatalistic calls for adaptation strategies. Except for Green
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has enshrined a net-zero goal by 2050 into law, but the data suggests that won’t be met, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sanctions do nothing to promote democracy

  • What works in foreign policy is diplomacy, negotiations, and ethical consistency, which is hard to do when you are busy trying to topple governments.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 16, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has sanctioned over 2,100 Russian individuals and entities since the start of the war in Ukraine. Sanctions, it turns out, disenfranchise the poor, not the political elites, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sanctions do nothing to promote democracy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 16, 2024
  • What works in foreign policy is diplomacy, negotiations, and ethical consistency, which is hard to do when you are busy trying to topple governments.

Sanctions do nothing to promote democracy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 16, 2024
  • What works in foreign policy is diplomacy, negotiations, and ethical consistency, which is hard to do when you are busy trying to topple governments.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has sanctioned over 2,100 Russian individuals and entities since the start of the war in Ukraine. Sanctions, it turns out, disenfranchise the poor, not the political elites, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Disgruntled demagogue or holier-than-thou PM? These are your options, Canada

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre keeps digging himself into an ever-constricting corner as an extremist ideologue, motivated by derision and reactionary dogma.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 2, 2024
Lucky for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is trending even lower on personal likeability than he is The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Disgruntled demagogue or holier-than-thou PM? These are your options, Canada

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 2, 2024
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre keeps digging himself into an ever-constricting corner as an extremist ideologue, motivated by derision and reactionary dogma.

Disgruntled demagogue or holier-than-thou PM? These are your options, Canada

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 2, 2024
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre keeps digging himself into an ever-constricting corner as an extremist ideologue, motivated by derision and reactionary dogma.
Lucky for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is trending even lower on personal likeability than he is The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
More Stories

Trudeau’s Indo-Pacific plan offers Canadian stamp on an American strategy

  • The running theme in both the U.S. National Defence Strategy and Canada's recently-released strategy for the region is an 'us versus them' dichotomy. Them
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 30, 2022
U.S. President Joe Biden, pictured Feb. 23, 2021, delivering a joint press statement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the East Room of the White House. Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy is about the Trudeau’s Liberals propping up the U.S. Democrats on the one hand, and fighting off the Conservatives on the other, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times file photograph

Trudeau’s Indo-Pacific plan offers Canadian stamp on an American strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 30, 2022
  • The running theme in both the U.S. National Defence Strategy and Canada's recently-released strategy for the region is an 'us versus them' dichotomy. Them

Trudeau’s Indo-Pacific plan offers Canadian stamp on an American strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 30, 2022
  • The running theme in both the U.S. National Defence Strategy and Canada's recently-released strategy for the region is an 'us versus them' dichotomy. Them
U.S. President Joe Biden, pictured Feb. 23, 2021, delivering a joint press statement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the East Room of the White House. Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy is about the Trudeau’s Liberals propping up the U.S. Democrats on the one hand, and fighting off the Conservatives on the other, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times file photograph

Military must do its part to curb carbon emissions

  • It is not just the big industrial polluters or everyday consumers filling up their gas tanks that are poisoning the atmosphere, it is also
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 17, 2022
If Justin Trudeau's Liberals are unable to produce results after seven years in government, maybe we should look to the Conservatives and their new leader, Pierre Poilievre, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Military must do its part to curb carbon emissions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 17, 2022
  • It is not just the big industrial polluters or everyday consumers filling up their gas tanks that are poisoning the atmosphere, it is also

Military must do its part to curb carbon emissions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 17, 2022
  • It is not just the big industrial polluters or everyday consumers filling up their gas tanks that are poisoning the atmosphere, it is also
If Justin Trudeau's Liberals are unable to produce results after seven years in government, maybe we should look to the Conservatives and their new leader, Pierre Poilievre, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Haiti does not need gunboat diplomacy

  • It needs to be able to chart its own course, without being thwarted by unelected autocrats. It also needs Canada to mind its own
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 2, 2022
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hold a joint press conference on Oct. 27 in Ottawa. Canada doesn't have to support Blinken’s agenda. We could mediate a national reconciliation process, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Haiti does not need gunboat diplomacy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 2, 2022
  • It needs to be able to chart its own course, without being thwarted by unelected autocrats. It also needs Canada to mind its own

Haiti does not need gunboat diplomacy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | November 2, 2022
  • It needs to be able to chart its own course, without being thwarted by unelected autocrats. It also needs Canada to mind its own
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hold a joint press conference on Oct. 27 in Ottawa. Canada doesn't have to support Blinken’s agenda. We could mediate a national reconciliation process, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian politicians can learn from Truss’ rapid rise and fall

  • OTTAWA—Aside from the perfunctory nod to our “shared history, values, and traditions,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Sept. 6 statement to congratulate Liz Truss, the
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 26, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets then-British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, at COP26 in November 2021. Just before resigning her post, Truss was still touting herself as 'a fighter, not a quitter,' self-characterizations reducing her to a caricature: strident, superficial, and predictable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. U.K. Government photograph by Karwai Tang

Canadian politicians can learn from Truss’ rapid rise and fall

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Aside from the perfunctory nod to our “shared history, values, and traditions,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Sept. 6 statement to congratulate Liz Truss, the

Canadian politicians can learn from Truss’ rapid rise and fall

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 26, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Aside from the perfunctory nod to our “shared history, values, and traditions,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Sept. 6 statement to congratulate Liz Truss, the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets then-British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, at COP26 in November 2021. Just before resigning her post, Truss was still touting herself as 'a fighter, not a quitter,' self-characterizations reducing her to a caricature: strident, superficial, and predictable, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. U.K. Government photograph by Karwai Tang

Feds need real feminist bonafides now to prevent backsliding later

  • OTTAWA—Two months before he became prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau declared: “I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist.” He was
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 13, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to crank up the feminist agenda to a pitch from which it can never be rolled back, by anyone, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds need real feminist bonafides now to prevent backsliding later

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 13, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Two months before he became prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau declared: “I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist.” He was

Feds need real feminist bonafides now to prevent backsliding later

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | October 13, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Two months before he became prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau declared: “I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist.” He was
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to crank up the feminist agenda to a pitch from which it can never be rolled back, by anyone, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau picks strong envoy to China after two missteps

  • OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of career diplomat Jennifer May as the ambassador to China indicates one of two things. It reveals
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 27, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s marching orders to his new ambassador to China are very direct. He wants her to advance 'Canadian priorities in the Canada-China relationship, including supporting the long-standing people-to-people, economic, and business ties between our two countries,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau picks strong envoy to China after two missteps

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 27, 2022
  • OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of career diplomat Jennifer May as the ambassador to China indicates one of two things. It reveals

Trudeau picks strong envoy to China after two missteps

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 27, 2022
  • OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of career diplomat Jennifer May as the ambassador to China indicates one of two things. It reveals
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s marching orders to his new ambassador to China are very direct. He wants her to advance 'Canadian priorities in the Canada-China relationship, including supporting the long-standing people-to-people, economic, and business ties between our two countries,' writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau-Poilievre match up will be a clash of personalities over policy substance

  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre has pivoted. He has shelved the crazy conspiracy theories which helped him win leadership of the Conservative Party for the more mundane
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 21, 2022
New Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. From these two, don't expect any meaningful debates to overhaul the way we do policy and run our institutions in Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau-Poilievre match up will be a clash of personalities over policy substance

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 21, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre has pivoted. He has shelved the crazy conspiracy theories which helped him win leadership of the Conservative Party for the more mundane

Trudeau-Poilievre match up will be a clash of personalities over policy substance

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 21, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Pierre Poilievre has pivoted. He has shelved the crazy conspiracy theories which helped him win leadership of the Conservative Party for the more mundane
New Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. From these two, don't expect any meaningful debates to overhaul the way we do policy and run our institutions in Canada, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy

  • OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2022
From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat, Jens Stoltenberg, pictured in 2018, was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the manner normally reserved for visiting heads of state, full of ceremonial-style military inspections, photo-ops, and joint press conferences. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the

Stoltenberg’s visit opens questions about Canada’s Arctic strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | September 12, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Jens Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada’s North was unprecedented. From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the
From Aug. 25-27, NATO’s top bureaucrat, Jens Stoltenberg, pictured in 2018, was fêted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the manner normally reserved for visiting heads of state, full of ceremonial-style military inspections, photo-ops, and joint press conferences. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

MP Oliphant the right choice to lead Canada’s new Africa strategy

  • The Liberal plan to develop a new African engagement strategy offers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an opportunity to turn things around on the foreign
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 29, 2022
Rob Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, was tapped to lead Canada in developing an Africa strategy. He has been a tenacious voice for the continent, but will face challenges, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

MP Oliphant the right choice to lead Canada’s new Africa strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 29, 2022
  • The Liberal plan to develop a new African engagement strategy offers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an opportunity to turn things around on the foreign

MP Oliphant the right choice to lead Canada’s new Africa strategy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 29, 2022
  • The Liberal plan to develop a new African engagement strategy offers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an opportunity to turn things around on the foreign
Rob Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, was tapped to lead Canada in developing an Africa strategy. He has been a tenacious voice for the continent, but will face challenges, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada giving Cuba the cold shoulder?

  • OTTAWA—Is Canada suddenly giving Cuba the cold shoulder? It sure seems like it. At the June 6 press conference with visiting Chilean President Gabriel
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 17, 2022
At the June 6 press conference with visiting Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked if he opposed the American decision to keep Cuba out of the Organization of American States meeting in Los Angeles. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada giving Cuba the cold shoulder?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 17, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Is Canada suddenly giving Cuba the cold shoulder? It sure seems like it. At the June 6 press conference with visiting Chilean President Gabriel

Is Canada giving Cuba the cold shoulder?

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 17, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Is Canada suddenly giving Cuba the cold shoulder? It sure seems like it. At the June 6 press conference with visiting Chilean President Gabriel
At the June 6 press conference with visiting Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked if he opposed the American decision to keep Cuba out of the Organization of American States meeting in Los Angeles. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Get back to foreign policy basics, ditch faulty approach on Ukraine

  • OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is at the lowest point in the polls he’s ever been. According to a recent Abacus Data survey, only 31
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 10, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers, pictured on Feb. 24 announcing measures following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have alternated between wanting a regime change in Russia and strengthening the NATO alliance to consolidating democracy in Ukraine, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Get back to foreign policy basics, ditch faulty approach on Ukraine

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 10, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is at the lowest point in the polls he’s ever been. According to a recent Abacus Data survey, only 31

Get back to foreign policy basics, ditch faulty approach on Ukraine

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | August 10, 2022
  • OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is at the lowest point in the polls he’s ever been. According to a recent Abacus Data survey, only 31
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers, pictured on Feb. 24 announcing measures following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have alternated between wanting a regime change in Russia and strengthening the NATO alliance to consolidating democracy in Ukraine, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s platform offers scant details on foreign policy positions

  • OTTAWA—The problem for Conservative leadership candidate front-runner Pierre Poilievre—once he takes over the party after the race results are in and gets set to
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 20, 2022
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre answers a question during the party's first leadership contest debate, held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa on May 5, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s platform offers scant details on foreign policy positions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 20, 2022
  • OTTAWA—The problem for Conservative leadership candidate front-runner Pierre Poilievre—once he takes over the party after the race results are in and gets set to

Poilievre’s platform offers scant details on foreign policy positions

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 20, 2022
  • OTTAWA—The problem for Conservative leadership candidate front-runner Pierre Poilievre—once he takes over the party after the race results are in and gets set to
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre answers a question during the party's first leadership contest debate, held at the Canada Strong and Free Network’s conference in Ottawa on May 5, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau must make foreign policy course correction for South America

  • Canadian prime ministers have always exhibited an intense idiosyncratic hostility towards left-leaning governments in South America –with the possible exception of Cuba. This has
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 8, 2022
The election of social-democratic governments across South America puts Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his foreign policy postures in a tight spot, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau must make foreign policy course correction for South America

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 8, 2022
  • Canadian prime ministers have always exhibited an intense idiosyncratic hostility towards left-leaning governments in South America –with the possible exception of Cuba. This has

Trudeau must make foreign policy course correction for South America

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | July 8, 2022
  • Canadian prime ministers have always exhibited an intense idiosyncratic hostility towards left-leaning governments in South America –with the possible exception of Cuba. This has
The election of social-democratic governments across South America puts Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his foreign policy postures in a tight spot, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Global Affairs review a golden opportunity to shift gears on Canada’s incoherent foreign policy

  • It’s good Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has launched an operational review of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to modernize her department’s culture and its cadre.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 16, 2022
Mélanie Joly is the fifth minister to oversee foreign affairs since the Liberals swept to power in 2015. The problem is not the rank and file, nor the departmental culture. It is the lack of political leadership and informed policy direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph Andrew Meade

Global Affairs review a golden opportunity to shift gears on Canada’s incoherent foreign policy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 16, 2022
  • It’s good Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has launched an operational review of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to modernize her department’s culture and its cadre.

Global Affairs review a golden opportunity to shift gears on Canada’s incoherent foreign policy

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | June 16, 2022
  • It’s good Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has launched an operational review of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to modernize her department’s culture and its cadre.
Mélanie Joly is the fifth minister to oversee foreign affairs since the Liberals swept to power in 2015. The problem is not the rank and file, nor the departmental culture. It is the lack of political leadership and informed policy direction, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph Andrew Meade

Canada must push for peace in Ukraine

  • Where to next with Ukraine? If it were left to the ideological hawks, the answer would be more bombs, more death, more destruction. Three
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 12, 2022
On April 7, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said 'the world’s democracies—including our own—can be safe only once the Russian tyrant and his armies are entirely vanquished.' That's essentially urging for regime change in Russia, writes Bhagwant Sandhu, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada must push for peace in Ukraine

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 12, 2022
  • Where to next with Ukraine? If it were left to the ideological hawks, the answer would be more bombs, more death, more destruction. Three

Canada must push for peace in Ukraine

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | May 12, 2022
  • Where to next with Ukraine? If it were left to the ideological hawks, the answer would be more bombs, more death, more destruction. Three
On April 7, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said 'the world’s democracies—including our own—can be safe only once the Russian tyrant and his armies are entirely vanquished.' That's essentially urging for regime change in Russia, writes Bhagwant Sandhu, The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Joly rightly called Canada a convener, and it’s time to put her words into action

  • Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is right. During a recent CTV appearance, she offered a deep political insight, noting that Canada is “a middle-sized
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 13, 2022
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s assessments are accurate: middle-sized powers should stay away from the geo-political games of the big guns, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Joly rightly called Canada a convener, and it’s time to put her words into action

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 13, 2022
  • Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is right. During a recent CTV appearance, she offered a deep political insight, noting that Canada is “a middle-sized

Joly rightly called Canada a convener, and it’s time to put her words into action

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | April 13, 2022
  • Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is right. During a recent CTV appearance, she offered a deep political insight, noting that Canada is “a middle-sized
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s assessments are accurate: middle-sized powers should stay away from the geo-political games of the big guns, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Spike in NATO member defence spending warrants closer look

  • For decades, Western powers have promised Ukrainians a lifelong insurance policy by signing up with NATO. Ukraine fell for it, though that membership never
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 17, 2022
Defence Minister Anita Anand says she is looking at 'aggressive options' to increase Canada's military spending to address a NATO request that allied nations spend a minimum of two per cent. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Spike in NATO member defence spending warrants closer look

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 17, 2022
  • For decades, Western powers have promised Ukrainians a lifelong insurance policy by signing up with NATO. Ukraine fell for it, though that membership never

Spike in NATO member defence spending warrants closer look

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 17, 2022
  • For decades, Western powers have promised Ukrainians a lifelong insurance policy by signing up with NATO. Ukraine fell for it, though that membership never
Defence Minister Anita Anand says she is looking at 'aggressive options' to increase Canada's military spending to address a NATO request that allied nations spend a minimum of two per cent. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada must take ethical stance to stop bloodshed in Yemen

  • Canada’s foreign policy is now tethered to what the Trudeau government calls a “rules-based order.” At first glance, this sounds sensible and morally satisfying:
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 2, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should cancel our shipments of combat machinery to Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Ukrainians under attack by Russia, the Yemenis offer no domestic political capital to our well-disposed politicians. Yemen, unfortunately, is on its own, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada must take ethical stance to stop bloodshed in Yemen

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 2, 2022
  • Canada’s foreign policy is now tethered to what the Trudeau government calls a “rules-based order.” At first glance, this sounds sensible and morally satisfying:

Canada must take ethical stance to stop bloodshed in Yemen

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | March 2, 2022
  • Canada’s foreign policy is now tethered to what the Trudeau government calls a “rules-based order.” At first glance, this sounds sensible and morally satisfying:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should cancel our shipments of combat machinery to Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Ukrainians under attack by Russia, the Yemenis offer no domestic political capital to our well-disposed politicians. Yemen, unfortunately, is on its own, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Domestic politics in play in Canada’s posturing on Ukraine and Russia

  • The hard part of any war effort is to get the public on side. It takes a well co-ordinated messaging strategy and speaking points.
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 27, 2022
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly just spent a week in Ukraine meeting with the Ukrainian officials to demonstrate, as she put it, 'Canada’s unwavering solidarity in the ongoing crisis,' adding shortly thereafter that 'Canada’s position has not changed. We believe that Ukraine should be able to join NATO.' That last remark might have been an unintended slip, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Domestic politics in play in Canada’s posturing on Ukraine and Russia

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 27, 2022
  • The hard part of any war effort is to get the public on side. It takes a well co-ordinated messaging strategy and speaking points.

Domestic politics in play in Canada’s posturing on Ukraine and Russia

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 27, 2022
  • The hard part of any war effort is to get the public on side. It takes a well co-ordinated messaging strategy and speaking points.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly just spent a week in Ukraine meeting with the Ukrainian officials to demonstrate, as she put it, 'Canada’s unwavering solidarity in the ongoing crisis,' adding shortly thereafter that 'Canada’s position has not changed. We believe that Ukraine should be able to join NATO.' That last remark might have been an unintended slip, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau should proceed with caution on Indo-Pacific policy project

  • Historically Canada has been seen by the world as an independent, peaceful country with no known enemies and a cultural identity affixed to the
Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 19, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, left, and Minister of Sport Pascale St-Onge, right, on Dec. 8, 2021, to announce the government’s diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games. Trudeau should mandate Joly to normalize relations with China as a priority, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau should proceed with caution on Indo-Pacific policy project

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 19, 2022
  • Historically Canada has been seen by the world as an independent, peaceful country with no known enemies and a cultural identity affixed to the

Trudeau should proceed with caution on Indo-Pacific policy project

Opinion | BY BHAGWANT SANDHU | January 19, 2022
  • Historically Canada has been seen by the world as an independent, peaceful country with no known enemies and a cultural identity affixed to the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, left, and Minister of Sport Pascale St-Onge, right, on Dec. 8, 2021, to announce the government’s diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games. Trudeau should mandate Joly to normalize relations with China as a priority, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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