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Gerry Nicholls

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant.

Poilievre’s backseat drivers

  • It’s easy to say things like a campaign should change its messaging or alter its tone, but to do this during an election campaign
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 17, 2025
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Kory Teneycke, former campaign manager for Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Teneycke recently accused the federal Conservatives of 'campaign malpractice.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson

Poilievre’s backseat drivers

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 17, 2025
  • It’s easy to say things like a campaign should change its messaging or alter its tone, but to do this during an election campaign

Poilievre’s backseat drivers

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 17, 2025
  • It’s easy to say things like a campaign should change its messaging or alter its tone, but to do this during an election campaign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Kory Teneycke, former campaign manager for Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Teneycke recently accused the federal Conservatives of 'campaign malpractice.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Stuart Benson

The theatre of leaders’ debates

  • The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2025
It's showtime: Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault will face off this week in Montreal for the English and French-language televised leaders' debates. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The theatre of leaders’ debates

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2025
  • The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points

The theatre of leaders’ debates

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 14, 2025
  • The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points
It's showtime: Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault will face off this week in Montreal for the English and French-language televised leaders' debates. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Controlling the campaign message

  • One of the more interesting battles that occur during elections is the one between politicians and journalists over who is going to control the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2025
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, top left, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, bottom left, Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, Green Co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, top right, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Controlling the campaign message

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2025
  • One of the more interesting battles that occur during elections is the one between politicians and journalists over who is going to control the

Controlling the campaign message

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 7, 2025
  • One of the more interesting battles that occur during elections is the one between politicians and journalists over who is going to control the
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, top left, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, bottom left, Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, Green Co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, top right, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Joey Sabourin

Good vibrations: why vibes matter in this election campaign

  • Social media puts emotion much more front and centre. Unfortunately, for Pierre Poilievre, the vibes surrounding him for the past few weeks have been largely
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2025
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Thanks to the emergence of social media platforms, 'vibe politics' is more important than ever, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Wikimedia Commons, and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

Good vibrations: why vibes matter in this election campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2025
  • Social media puts emotion much more front and centre. Unfortunately, for Pierre Poilievre, the vibes surrounding him for the past few weeks have been largely

Good vibrations: why vibes matter in this election campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 31, 2025
  • Social media puts emotion much more front and centre. Unfortunately, for Pierre Poilievre, the vibes surrounding him for the past few weeks have been largely
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Thanks to the emergence of social media platforms, 'vibe politics' is more important than ever, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, Wikimedia Commons, and illustration by Naomi Wildeboer

The Liberal Constanza strategy: do the opposite of usual practice

  • The Liberals have done a 180-degree shift; they’ve ditched the politics of pizzazz and personality and replaced it with the politics of mundane political
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberals have picked boring over sparkle, but it could work, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The Liberal Constanza strategy: do the opposite of usual practice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2025
  • The Liberals have done a 180-degree shift; they’ve ditched the politics of pizzazz and personality and replaced it with the politics of mundane political

The Liberal Constanza strategy: do the opposite of usual practice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 24, 2025
  • The Liberals have done a 180-degree shift; they’ve ditched the politics of pizzazz and personality and replaced it with the politics of mundane political
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberals have picked boring over sparkle, but it could work, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Conservative attack ad lacks authenticity

  • Most political consumers will reject the Conservative ad attacking Mark Carney as helping Donald Trump by driving jobs south because it won’t seem rooted
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2025
The Conservative Party's recent attack ad, called 'Trump wants our jobs.' Image courtesy of the Conservative Party of Canada

Conservative attack ad lacks authenticity

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2025
  • Most political consumers will reject the Conservative ad attacking Mark Carney as helping Donald Trump by driving jobs south because it won’t seem rooted

Conservative attack ad lacks authenticity

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 17, 2025
  • Most political consumers will reject the Conservative ad attacking Mark Carney as helping Donald Trump by driving jobs south because it won’t seem rooted
The Conservative Party's recent attack ad, called 'Trump wants our jobs.' Image courtesy of the Conservative Party of Canada

Get ready for a clash of nationalisms 

  • My point is, given how the Liberals essentially 'own' anti-American-style nationalism, it’ll be difficult for the Conservatives to exploit anti-Trump feeling. Difficult, but not impossible.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 6, 2025
Watch for Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, to echo this argument in his efforts to push a 'Canada First' agenda. Already, Conservative TV ads are branding Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney as 'weak,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Get ready for a clash of nationalisms 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 6, 2025
  • My point is, given how the Liberals essentially 'own' anti-American-style nationalism, it’ll be difficult for the Conservatives to exploit anti-Trump feeling. Difficult, but not impossible.

Get ready for a clash of nationalisms 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 6, 2025
  • My point is, given how the Liberals essentially 'own' anti-American-style nationalism, it’ll be difficult for the Conservatives to exploit anti-Trump feeling. Difficult, but not impossible.
Watch for Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, to echo this argument in his efforts to push a 'Canada First' agenda. Already, Conservative TV ads are branding Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney as 'weak,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Singh’s no-win scenario

  • It’s hard to see how Jagmeet Singh can overcome this no-win scenario. Of course, Captain Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru test, but he cheated. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 3, 2025
No matter what strategy he employs in the next federal election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will fail to improve his party’s standing, predicts Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Singh’s no-win scenario

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 3, 2025
  • It’s hard to see how Jagmeet Singh can overcome this no-win scenario. Of course, Captain Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru test, but he cheated. 

Singh’s no-win scenario

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 3, 2025
  • It’s hard to see how Jagmeet Singh can overcome this no-win scenario. Of course, Captain Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru test, but he cheated. 
No matter what strategy he employs in the next federal election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will fail to improve his party’s standing, predicts Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Conservative course correction

  • Only time will tell if this new plan survives contact with the enemy. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 20, 2025
Pierre Poilievre and his son, Cruz, pictured Feb. 15, 2025, at the Conservative Party's rally in Ottawa at the Rogers Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The Conservative course correction

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 20, 2025
  • Only time will tell if this new plan survives contact with the enemy. 

The Conservative course correction

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 20, 2025
  • Only time will tell if this new plan survives contact with the enemy. 
Pierre Poilievre and his son, Cruz, pictured Feb. 15, 2025, at the Conservative Party's rally in Ottawa at the Rogers Centre. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The paradox of free trade

  • Bad economics sometimes makes for good politics. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2025
Canadians see Trump’s tariff threats as an attack on our country, a feeling which was further fuelled by his frightening rhetoric about absorbing Canada as America’s '51st state,' writes Gerry Nicholls.   Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

The paradox of free trade

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2025
  • Bad economics sometimes makes for good politics. 

The paradox of free trade

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 17, 2025
  • Bad economics sometimes makes for good politics. 
Canadians see Trump’s tariff threats as an attack on our country, a feeling which was further fuelled by his frightening rhetoric about absorbing Canada as America’s '51st state,' writes Gerry Nicholls.   Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia

Freeland’s flaws

  • Chrystia Freeland should have vacated the scene for a while, put some distance between herself and the prime minister, and then she could have
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2025
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s flaws

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2025
  • Chrystia Freeland should have vacated the scene for a while, put some distance between herself and the prime minister, and then she could have

Freeland’s flaws

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 10, 2025
  • Chrystia Freeland should have vacated the scene for a while, put some distance between herself and the prime minister, and then she could have
Chrystia Freeland
Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Guilbeault’s carbon tax pivot

  • This is why I always tell activists, if you want to stay true to your cause, stay out of partisan politics. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2025
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Nov. 7, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Nov. 7, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault recently admitted that he was open to implementing alternatives to the carbon tax.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Guilbeault’s carbon tax pivot

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2025
  • This is why I always tell activists, if you want to stay true to your cause, stay out of partisan politics. 

Guilbeault’s carbon tax pivot

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | February 3, 2025
  • This is why I always tell activists, if you want to stay true to your cause, stay out of partisan politics. 
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in the House of Commons foyer before Question Period on Nov. 7, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault recently admitted that he was open to implementing alternatives to the carbon tax.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to redefine liberalism

  • With Trump's return and the Liberals’ sagging poll numbers, that brand of progressivism seems to be a spent force. This is why the party will
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2025
Jean Chrétien
Jean Chrétien
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured on Jan. 10, 2024, once said: 'When ... the left says of you you’re a right winger, and when the people on the right say you’re a left winger, you’re a good Canadian Liberal.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to redefine liberalism

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2025
  • With Trump's return and the Liberals’ sagging poll numbers, that brand of progressivism seems to be a spent force. This is why the party will

Time to redefine liberalism

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 27, 2025
  • With Trump's return and the Liberals’ sagging poll numbers, that brand of progressivism seems to be a spent force. This is why the party will
Jean Chrétien
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, pictured on Jan. 10, 2024, once said: 'When ... the left says of you you’re a right winger, and when the people on the right say you’re a left winger, you’re a good Canadian Liberal.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of Trump’s Panama Canal gambit

  • Panama’s president met Trump’s threats with defiance, declaring 'we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.' That’s the way of politics: nationalism on one side
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 16, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
One of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's defining characters is that he's totally unpredictable, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia/Gage Skidmore

The politics of Trump’s Panama Canal gambit

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 16, 2025
  • Panama’s president met Trump’s threats with defiance, declaring 'we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.' That’s the way of politics: nationalism on one side

The politics of Trump’s Panama Canal gambit

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 16, 2025
  • Panama’s president met Trump’s threats with defiance, declaring 'we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.' That’s the way of politics: nationalism on one side
Donald Trump
One of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's defining characters is that he's totally unpredictable, writes Gerry Nicholls. Photograph courtesy of Commons Wikimedia/Gage Skidmore

Trudeau brought down by his political fragility

  • When anxiety is the population’s dominant emotion, voters want leaders who show strength instead of empathy, toughness instead of sensitivity. Trudeau’s political fragility is
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau brought down by his political fragility

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2025
  • When anxiety is the population’s dominant emotion, voters want leaders who show strength instead of empathy, toughness instead of sensitivity. Trudeau’s political fragility is

Trudeau brought down by his political fragility

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | January 13, 2025
  • When anxiety is the population’s dominant emotion, voters want leaders who show strength instead of empathy, toughness instead of sensitivity. Trudeau’s political fragility is
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

My crazy Christmas conspiracy

  • My Christmas conspiracy theory is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided—long before his dramatic split with former cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland—to resign his position,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2024
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in a Hill scrum on Oct. 29, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

My crazy Christmas conspiracy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2024
  • My Christmas conspiracy theory is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided—long before his dramatic split with former cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland—to resign his position,

My crazy Christmas conspiracy

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 19, 2024
  • My Christmas conspiracy theory is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided—long before his dramatic split with former cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland—to resign his position,
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in a Hill scrum on Oct. 29, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The importance of internal polls

  • Those public opinion polls you see on TV and in newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the polling action is actually
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau recently suggested Poilievre can’t 'unite Canadians' against president-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, which was likely based on internal polling, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The importance of internal polls

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2024
  • Those public opinion polls you see on TV and in newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the polling action is actually

The importance of internal polls

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 16, 2024
  • Those public opinion polls you see on TV and in newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the polling action is actually
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau recently suggested Poilievre can’t 'unite Canadians' against president-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, which was likely based on internal polling, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The politics of climate change are changing

  • Economists tell us such carbon taxes are the most efficient way to fight climate change. Yet, regular people will often see them as disproportionately harming
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 9, 2024
Canada's federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The politics of climate change are changing

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 9, 2024
  • Economists tell us such carbon taxes are the most efficient way to fight climate change. Yet, regular people will often see them as disproportionately harming

The politics of climate change are changing

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 9, 2024
  • Economists tell us such carbon taxes are the most efficient way to fight climate change. Yet, regular people will often see them as disproportionately harming
Canada's federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Trumpism change Canada’s political parties?

  • In the years ahead, we can expect Conservative populism, Liberal pragmatism, and NDP contemplation. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 2, 2024
Donald Trump.
Donald Trump.
Some questions about how Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory will impact Canadian politics are easier to answer than others, writes Gerry Nicholls. Caricature courtesy of DonkeyHotey/Wikimedia Commons

Will Trumpism change Canada’s political parties?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 2, 2024
  • In the years ahead, we can expect Conservative populism, Liberal pragmatism, and NDP contemplation. 

Will Trumpism change Canada’s political parties?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 2, 2024
  • In the years ahead, we can expect Conservative populism, Liberal pragmatism, and NDP contemplation. 
Donald Trump.
Some questions about how Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory will impact Canadian politics are easier to answer than others, writes Gerry Nicholls. Caricature courtesy of DonkeyHotey/Wikimedia Commons

The anger versus joy election

  • What does all this joy-versus-anger stuff teach us? If you’re going to campaign solely on emotion, make sure that it's in sync with the public
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2024
Donald Trump, left, and Kamala Harris. In the U.S. election campaign, the vibe Harris chose to emphasize was 'joy,' whereas Trump chose 'anger.' Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Flickr

The anger versus joy election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2024
  • What does all this joy-versus-anger stuff teach us? If you’re going to campaign solely on emotion, make sure that it's in sync with the public

The anger versus joy election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2024
  • What does all this joy-versus-anger stuff teach us? If you’re going to campaign solely on emotion, make sure that it's in sync with the public
Donald Trump, left, and Kamala Harris. In the U.S. election campaign, the vibe Harris chose to emphasize was 'joy,' whereas Trump chose 'anger.' Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Flickr

Trump’s win is bad for news for Trudeau

  • Just as Americans seemed determined to punish the Biden administration, Canadians seem ready to topple the Trudeau regime. Just as Americans had a populist
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 18, 2024
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters before the Liberal caucus meeting in West Block on Nov. 6, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump’s win is bad for news for Trudeau

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 18, 2024
  • Just as Americans seemed determined to punish the Biden administration, Canadians seem ready to topple the Trudeau regime. Just as Americans had a populist

Trump’s win is bad for news for Trudeau

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 18, 2024
  • Just as Americans seemed determined to punish the Biden administration, Canadians seem ready to topple the Trudeau regime. Just as Americans had a populist
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters before the Liberal caucus meeting in West Block on Nov. 6, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The coming ad war

  • If the Conservatives see their poll numbers dropping, they’ll quickly respond by increasing their own ad buys and intensifying their attacks on the Liberals.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 11, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Given the huge advantage the Conservatives have for raising money, it’ll be hard for the Liberals to match them dollar for dollar when it comes to duking it out in an all-out advertising war, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The coming ad war

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 11, 2024
  • If the Conservatives see their poll numbers dropping, they’ll quickly respond by increasing their own ad buys and intensifying their attacks on the Liberals.

The coming ad war

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 11, 2024
  • If the Conservatives see their poll numbers dropping, they’ll quickly respond by increasing their own ad buys and intensifying their attacks on the Liberals.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Given the huge advantage the Conservatives have for raising money, it’ll be hard for the Liberals to match them dollar for dollar when it comes to duking it out in an all-out advertising war, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The problem of political homelessness

  • According to Nik Nanos, 'more than four in 10 people likely consider themselves (politically) homeless in Canada.' So, what’s causing this to happen and
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2024
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The politically homeless won't necessarily be attracted to the main parties if they move to the centre, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia/illustration by Neena Singhal

The problem of political homelessness

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2024
  • According to Nik Nanos, 'more than four in 10 people likely consider themselves (politically) homeless in Canada.' So, what’s causing this to happen and

The problem of political homelessness

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2024
  • According to Nik Nanos, 'more than four in 10 people likely consider themselves (politically) homeless in Canada.' So, what’s causing this to happen and
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet, left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The politically homeless won't necessarily be attracted to the main parties if they move to the centre, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia/illustration by Neena Singhal

U.S. election offers Liberals a glimmer of hope

  • In short, the U.S. election results may help the Liberals, but it won’t be their political salvation. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 24, 2024
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and photographs courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

U.S. election offers Liberals a glimmer of hope

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 24, 2024
  • In short, the U.S. election results may help the Liberals, but it won’t be their political salvation. 

U.S. election offers Liberals a glimmer of hope

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 24, 2024
  • In short, the U.S. election results may help the Liberals, but it won’t be their political salvation. 
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and photographs courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Poilievre’s real ‘hidden’ agenda?

  • Conservatives talk like conservatives while in opposition, but govern like liberals when they’re in power. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 17, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, flanked by Conservative MPs Melissa Lantsman, left, Raquel Dancho and Don Stewart. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s real ‘hidden’ agenda?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 17, 2024
  • Conservatives talk like conservatives while in opposition, but govern like liberals when they’re in power. 

Poilievre’s real ‘hidden’ agenda?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 17, 2024
  • Conservatives talk like conservatives while in opposition, but govern like liberals when they’re in power. 
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, flanked by Conservative MPs Melissa Lantsman, left, Raquel Dancho and Don Stewart. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The decline and fall of the Liberal empire

  • On top of everything else, the Liberals are losing the ability to set the national agenda as the NDP and Bloc Québécois are continually
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 14, 2024
Under pressure: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Trudeau's getting it from all sides as his Liberals face a big loss in the next election, according to the public opinion polls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Neena Singhal

The decline and fall of the Liberal empire

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 14, 2024
  • On top of everything else, the Liberals are losing the ability to set the national agenda as the NDP and Bloc Québécois are continually

The decline and fall of the Liberal empire

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 14, 2024
  • On top of everything else, the Liberals are losing the ability to set the national agenda as the NDP and Bloc Québécois are continually
Under pressure: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Trudeau's getting it from all sides as his Liberals face a big loss in the next election, according to the public opinion polls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and illustration by Neena Singhal

It’s okay to judge politicians on how they play the game

  • Part of playing the game in politics is working to keep persuading the public about your policies' benefits. By the way, this is a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 7, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters before a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 2, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s okay to judge politicians on how they play the game

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 7, 2024
  • Part of playing the game in politics is working to keep persuading the public about your policies' benefits. By the way, this is a

It’s okay to judge politicians on how they play the game

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 7, 2024
  • Part of playing the game in politics is working to keep persuading the public about your policies' benefits. By the way, this is a
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters before a Liberal caucus meeting in the West Block on Oct. 2, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Pierre Poilievre, Conservative word warrior

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 13, 2021
As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal government over the issue of inflation show, he’s also capable of launching precise and devastating rhetorical surgical strikes, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative word warrior

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative word warrior

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal
As a debater, Conservative MP Pierre Polievre has the reputation of being a bludgeoning brawler, but, as his recent attacks on the Liberal government over the issue of inflation show, he’s also capable of launching precise and devastating rhetorical surgical strikes, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Solving Trudeau’s conundrum

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—“A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.” That advice, written more
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2021
'A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.' That advice, written more than 400 hundred years ago by Italian Renaissance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, is more relevant than ever to modern-day politicians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Nov. 30, 2021, arriving for Question Period. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Solving Trudeau’s conundrum

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—“A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.” That advice, written more

Solving Trudeau’s conundrum

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—“A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.” That advice, written more
'A wise ruler should rely on what’s under his control, not on what is under the control of others.' That advice, written more than 400 hundred years ago by Italian Renaissance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, is more relevant than ever to modern-day politicians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Nov. 30, 2021, arriving for Question Period. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Has O’Toole hired an enforcer?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It looks like Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole might be getting ready for a rumble. I say that because, according to a recent
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2021
Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, left, might be getting ready for a rumble. He's added Jeff Ballingall, creator of the right-wing social media network Canada Proud, to his 'election readiness' team, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia and courtesy Twitter

Has O’Toole hired an enforcer?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It looks like Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole might be getting ready for a rumble. I say that because, according to a recent

Has O’Toole hired an enforcer?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 25, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It looks like Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole might be getting ready for a rumble. I say that because, according to a recent
Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, left, might be getting ready for a rumble. He's added Jeff Ballingall, creator of the right-wing social media network Canada Proud, to his 'election readiness' team, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia and courtesy Twitter

Alberta’s champion strikes again

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Former prime minister Stephen Harper recently executed a vintage Stephen-Harperian-style move. While speaking to a think tank, he vigorously defended the interests of
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 19, 2021
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured. If Erin O’Toole ever decides to distance himself from Alberta in order to win votes in Ontario and Quebec, he’ll likely incur Harper’s wrath. And, given O’Toole’s current internal problems within his party, incurring Harper’s wrath is the last thing he needs, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Alberta’s champion strikes again

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 19, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Former prime minister Stephen Harper recently executed a vintage Stephen-Harperian-style move. While speaking to a think tank, he vigorously defended the interests of

Alberta’s champion strikes again

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 19, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Former prime minister Stephen Harper recently executed a vintage Stephen-Harperian-style move. While speaking to a think tank, he vigorously defended the interests of
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, pictured. If Erin O’Toole ever decides to distance himself from Alberta in order to win votes in Ontario and Quebec, he’ll likely incur Harper’s wrath. And, given O’Toole’s current internal problems within his party, incurring Harper’s wrath is the last thing he needs, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The dangers of subtlety in politics

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a group of experienced political consultants could ever act like a bunch of rank amateurs. But such a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 15, 2021
Anti-Trump Republican Lincoln Project demonstrators, pictured in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Oct. 29, dressed up as Unite the Right rallygoers with tiki torches outside a campaign event for Republican candidate for Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. Screen grab courtesy NBC29

The dangers of subtlety in politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 15, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a group of experienced political consultants could ever act like a bunch of rank amateurs. But such a

The dangers of subtlety in politics

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 15, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a group of experienced political consultants could ever act like a bunch of rank amateurs. But such a
Anti-Trump Republican Lincoln Project demonstrators, pictured in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Oct. 29, dressed up as Unite the Right rallygoers with tiki torches outside a campaign event for Republican candidate for Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. Screen grab courtesy NBC29

How to push for ideals in a pragmatic world

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Warning: if you’re an idealist who goes into politics armed with grand notions about changing the world for the better, the odds are
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2021
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured Oct. 27, 2021, in Ottawa. Here’s a man who was once an ardent 'green' activist, who joined a mainstream party and is now helping set the country’s environmental policies, but is likely not pleased about the fact that he’s part of a government that supports the Trans Mountain Pipeline, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to push for ideals in a pragmatic world

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Warning: if you’re an idealist who goes into politics armed with grand notions about changing the world for the better, the odds are

How to push for ideals in a pragmatic world

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Warning: if you’re an idealist who goes into politics armed with grand notions about changing the world for the better, the odds are
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured Oct. 27, 2021, in Ottawa. Here’s a man who was once an ardent 'green' activist, who joined a mainstream party and is now helping set the country’s environmental policies, but is likely not pleased about the fact that he’s part of a government that supports the Trans Mountain Pipeline, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

O’Toole’s fundraising challenge

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to the “horse race” aspect of politics, pundits don’t just focus on who’s ahead and who’s behind in the latest
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 27, 2021
Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Aug. 21, 2021, in Ottawa. Fundraising might be a serious challenge for all of Canada’s political parties in the upcoming months. With all the scary talk about a 'supply chain crisis' and soaring energy prices and 'hyperinflation,' we seem to be entering a period where economic anxiety will dominate the public consciousness. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

O’Toole’s fundraising challenge

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 27, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to the “horse race” aspect of politics, pundits don’t just focus on who’s ahead and who’s behind in the latest

O’Toole’s fundraising challenge

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 27, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—When it comes to the “horse race” aspect of politics, pundits don’t just focus on who’s ahead and who’s behind in the latest
Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Aug. 21, 2021, in Ottawa. Fundraising might be a serious challenge for all of Canada’s political parties in the upcoming months. With all the scary talk about a 'supply chain crisis' and soaring energy prices and 'hyperinflation,' we seem to be entering a period where economic anxiety will dominate the public consciousness. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trudeau should put off that ‘walk in the snow’

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it’s time
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2021
Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it's time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pack it in. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trudeau should put off that ‘walk in the snow’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it’s time

Trudeau should put off that ‘walk in the snow’

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it’s time
Ever since he was denied a majority victory for a second straight time, there have been rumblings in some quarters suggesting it's time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pack it in. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Will O’Toole rethink his stance on carbon taxes?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I wonder if Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole is thinking about backtracking his support for carbon taxes? That’s the question I pondered this
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Oct. 5, 2021, at the Conservative national caucus meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Will O’Toole rethink his stance on carbon taxes?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I wonder if Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole is thinking about backtracking his support for carbon taxes? That’s the question I pondered this

Will O’Toole rethink his stance on carbon taxes?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—I wonder if Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole is thinking about backtracking his support for carbon taxes? That’s the question I pondered this
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured Oct. 5, 2021, at the Conservative national caucus meeting on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Explaining a fundraising folly

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2021
Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. About a month ago, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party landed in hot water after it sent out a fundraising letter in an envelope labelled 'important: invoice enclosed.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Explaining a fundraising folly

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago,

Explaining a fundraising folly

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 6, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It’s hard to believe that a single fundraising letter could cause a storm of controversy. But it actually happened. About a month ago,
Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. About a month ago, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party landed in hot water after it sent out a fundraising letter in an envelope labelled 'important: invoice enclosed.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Get ready for O’Toole 2.5 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Should he stay or should he go?  That’s the burning question people in political circles are asking these days about Conservative Party Leader
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 30, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca in Oshawa, Ont., in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the elections results were announced and after delivering his concession speech. Screengrab image courtesy of CBCNN

Get ready for O’Toole 2.5 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 30, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Should he stay or should he go?  That’s the burning question people in political circles are asking these days about Conservative Party Leader

Get ready for O’Toole 2.5 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 30, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Should he stay or should he go?  That’s the burning question people in political circles are asking these days about Conservative Party Leader
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca in Oshawa, Ont., in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the elections results were announced and after delivering his concession speech. Screengrab image courtesy of CBCNN

O’Toole’s flawed strategy was destined to fail

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s a commandment in the pundit’s playbook that says: “Thou Shalt Always Second Guess Political Party Strategists.” So, who am I, as a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca, and their children Mollie and Jack, in Oshawa, in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the election results were announced late on Sept. 20. Screen capture image photograph courtesy of CBC News

O’Toole’s flawed strategy was destined to fail

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s a commandment in the pundit’s playbook that says: “Thou Shalt Always Second Guess Political Party Strategists.” So, who am I, as a

O’Toole’s flawed strategy was destined to fail

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 22, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s a commandment in the pundit’s playbook that says: “Thou Shalt Always Second Guess Political Party Strategists.” So, who am I, as a
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, pictured with his wife Rebecca, and their children Mollie and Jack, in Oshawa, in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 21, 2021, after the election results were announced late on Sept. 20. Screen capture image photograph courtesy of CBC News

Trudeau should have ignored Rebel News

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows a thing or two about boxing, it makes me wonder why he recently made the tactical
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted Rebel News on Sept. 9, 2021, after the English-language televised debates, and said the organization was spreading 'disinformation and misinformation about vaccines, around how we’re actually going to get through this pandemic.' Image courtesy of Global News

Trudeau should have ignored Rebel News

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows a thing or two about boxing, it makes me wonder why he recently made the tactical

Trudeau should have ignored Rebel News

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Given that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau knows a thing or two about boxing, it makes me wonder why he recently made the tactical
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted Rebel News on Sept. 9, 2021, after the English-language televised debates, and said the organization was spreading 'disinformation and misinformation about vaccines, around how we’re actually going to get through this pandemic.' Image courtesy of Global News

The problem with great expectations 

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 13, 2021
People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier, left, pictured April 15, 2021, with Ontario MPP Randy Hillier after a press conference on the Hill to protest provincial and federal restrictions in the fight against COVID-19. The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is over is Maxime Bernier.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The problem with great expectations 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is

The problem with great expectations 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 13, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is
People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier, left, pictured April 15, 2021, with Ontario MPP Randy Hillier after a press conference on the Hill to protest provincial and federal restrictions in the fight against COVID-19. The way things are going right now, the only federal political party leader who might be truly happy when this federal election is over is Maxime Bernier.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The importance of honest attacks

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re running the communications efforts of an election campaign you must never, ever lie about your opponents. That really should go without
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2021
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland tweeted a video of Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole early in the election campaign that was labelled 'manipulated media' by Twitter. The Conservatives should remind voters of that every time the Liberals attack them, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The importance of honest attacks

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re running the communications efforts of an election campaign you must never, ever lie about your opponents. That really should go without

The importance of honest attacks

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 1, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If you’re running the communications efforts of an election campaign you must never, ever lie about your opponents. That really should go without
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland tweeted a video of Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole early in the election campaign that was labelled 'manipulated media' by Twitter. The Conservatives should remind voters of that every time the Liberals attack them, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s wingless election

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 26, 2021
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are keeping their parties close to the ideological middle, which could make for a dull election campaign, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times file photographs

Canada’s wingless election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 26, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant,

Canada’s wingless election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 26, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—A former consultant colleague of mine was fond of saying “winged” candidates do better in elections than “non-winged” candidates. By that he meant,
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are keeping their parties close to the ideological middle, which could make for a dull election campaign, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times file photographs

Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2021
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney won the 1988 election after the campaign turned into a referendum on free trade with the United States. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political

Will anybody’s election plan survive the campaign?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—There’s an old military maxim that says, “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” The same, of course, can be said for political
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney won the 1988 election after the campaign turned into a referendum on free trade with the United States. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Erin O’Toole and the Harper paradox

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole has caught himself up in what I like to call the “Harper paradox.” That paradox is this: the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 12, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured on the Hill on Feb. 18, 2021. So how can O’Toole escape this paradox? Well, I suppose he could try to come across as both friendly and strong. But unless your name is Ronald Reagan, that’s a tough trick to pull off, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Erin O’Toole and the Harper paradox

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 12, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole has caught himself up in what I like to call the “Harper paradox.” That paradox is this: the

Erin O’Toole and the Harper paradox

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 12, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole has caught himself up in what I like to call the “Harper paradox.” That paradox is this: the
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured on the Hill on Feb. 18, 2021. So how can O’Toole escape this paradox? Well, I suppose he could try to come across as both friendly and strong. But unless your name is Ronald Reagan, that’s a tough trick to pull off, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sloan should ditch his party idea

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan wants to form his own political party—tentatively called “True North”—as a vehicle to promote his ideological
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2021
It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan, pictured, wants to form his own political party—tentatively called 'True North'—as a vehicle to promote his ideological values. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Sloan should ditch his party idea

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan wants to form his own political party—tentatively called “True North”—as a vehicle to promote his ideological

Sloan should ditch his party idea

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 4, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan wants to form his own political party—tentatively called “True North”—as a vehicle to promote his ideological
It seems former Conservative MP Derek Sloan, pictured, wants to form his own political party—tentatively called 'True North'—as a vehicle to promote his ideological values. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The need for politicians to state the problem

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Successful politicians are usually good at crisis management, by which I mean, they know how to manage it so that voters believe there’s
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

The need for politicians to state the problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Successful politicians are usually good at crisis management, by which I mean, they know how to manage it so that voters believe there’s

The need for politicians to state the problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 28, 2021
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—Successful politicians are usually good at crisis management, by which I mean, they know how to manage it so that voters believe there’s
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and Sam Garcia

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