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Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Susan Riley

Susan Riley is a veteran political columnist and regular contributor to The Hill Times.

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
The good news is that Donald Trump, pictured, will be gone for good in four years. It will be up to the next U.S. government to repair the devastation he leaves, or not, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold
Donald Trump
The good news is that Donald Trump, pictured, will be gone for good in four years. It will be up to the next U.S. government to repair the devastation he leaves, or not, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
The good news is that Donald Trump, pictured, will be gone for good in four years. It will be up to the next U.S. government to repair the devastation he leaves, or not, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold

Trump, Trudeau and an ominous thunder

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 11, 2024
  • Donald Trump’s return will only make things worse. He's called climate change 'a scam,' EVs useless, and boasted that America 'has more liquid gold
Donald Trump
The good news is that Donald Trump, pictured, will be gone for good in four years. It will be up to the next U.S. government to repair the devastation he leaves, or not, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Meanwhile, on a planet far, far away

  • The enemy without—climate change, of course—is scratching at the window, unheard and ignored. In one way or another it’s coming for us all.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 28, 2024
David Eby, left, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, David Rustad, Pierre Poilievre, and Danielle Smith. Politics is a thankless business, so perhaps we shouldn’t begrudge our leaders the fun they are having with issues like foreign interference, Trump’s admiration for Hitler, Rustad’s flirtations with crazy conspiracies, writes Riley. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Flickr/British Columbia Government and The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, illustration by Neena Singhal

Meanwhile, on a planet far, far away

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 28, 2024
  • The enemy without—climate change, of course—is scratching at the window, unheard and ignored. In one way or another it’s coming for us all.

Meanwhile, on a planet far, far away

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 28, 2024
  • The enemy without—climate change, of course—is scratching at the window, unheard and ignored. In one way or another it’s coming for us all.
David Eby, left, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, David Rustad, Pierre Poilievre, and Danielle Smith. Politics is a thankless business, so perhaps we shouldn’t begrudge our leaders the fun they are having with issues like foreign interference, Trump’s admiration for Hitler, Rustad’s flirtations with crazy conspiracies, writes Riley. Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Flickr/British Columbia Government and The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, illustration by Neena Singhal

Can we talk about Poilievre? Whether his harshness is impulsive or strategic, it’s invidious

  • Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, who faced Poilievre in the Commons for 10 years, recalled: 'He has only one pitch: a hardball to the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 14, 2024
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, left, is the latest public figure to face Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s lacerating criticism, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Can we talk about Poilievre? Whether his harshness is impulsive or strategic, it’s invidious

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 14, 2024
  • Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, who faced Poilievre in the Commons for 10 years, recalled: 'He has only one pitch: a hardball to the

Can we talk about Poilievre? Whether his harshness is impulsive or strategic, it’s invidious

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 14, 2024
  • Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, who faced Poilievre in the Commons for 10 years, recalled: 'He has only one pitch: a hardball to the
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, left, is the latest public figure to face Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s lacerating criticism, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. After years on the fringes of every consequential election in this country, perhaps the moment has finally come for 'none-of-the-above,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense

A diverse menu, but nothing appeals

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 30, 2024
  • The ideal prime minister would be someone with no political baggage, no embarrassing internet history, no ideological quirks, with razor-sharp debating skills, a sense
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. After years on the fringes of every consequential election in this country, perhaps the moment has finally come for 'none-of-the-above,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trade policy: where ideological purity goes to die

  • Protectionism is having a moment in the face of the off-shoring of jobs, shrinking middle-class incomes, growing inequality, and soaring corporate profits.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 26, 2024
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to follow the United States in placing a punishing tariff on affordable Chinese EVs, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trade policy: where ideological purity goes to die

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 26, 2024
  • Protectionism is having a moment in the face of the off-shoring of jobs, shrinking middle-class incomes, growing inequality, and soaring corporate profits.

Trade policy: where ideological purity goes to die

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 26, 2024
  • Protectionism is having a moment in the face of the off-shoring of jobs, shrinking middle-class incomes, growing inequality, and soaring corporate profits.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to follow the United States in placing a punishing tariff on affordable Chinese EVs, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the Harris bounce jump the border? If only

  • Kamala Harris hasn’t just revived a fretful Democratic Party, in the opening weeks of her presidential campaign, in her own country. Her arrival has
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 12, 2024
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris is like a breath of fresh air, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Will the Harris bounce jump the border? If only

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 12, 2024
  • Kamala Harris hasn’t just revived a fretful Democratic Party, in the opening weeks of her presidential campaign, in her own country. Her arrival has

Will the Harris bounce jump the border? If only

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 12, 2024
  • Kamala Harris hasn’t just revived a fretful Democratic Party, in the opening weeks of her presidential campaign, in her own country. Her arrival has
Kamala Harris
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris is like a breath of fresh air, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Pumping more oil while the house burns down: how long will the fantasy last?

  • Fossil fuels still hugely contribute to provincial coffers and the federal treasury, but too so would green energy alternatives if given a chance to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 29, 2024
Last summer's forest fires in Alberta. With a few exceptions, our politicians are divided into two camps: the stout defenders of the oil and gas industry regardless of damage to the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions cause; or, those rhetorically committed to addressing climate change, but, maybe next decade, or in 2050. Photograph courtesy of Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc, DND Canada

Pumping more oil while the house burns down: how long will the fantasy last?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 29, 2024
  • Fossil fuels still hugely contribute to provincial coffers and the federal treasury, but too so would green energy alternatives if given a chance to

Pumping more oil while the house burns down: how long will the fantasy last?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 29, 2024
  • Fossil fuels still hugely contribute to provincial coffers and the federal treasury, but too so would green energy alternatives if given a chance to
Last summer's forest fires in Alberta. With a few exceptions, our politicians are divided into two camps: the stout defenders of the oil and gas industry regardless of damage to the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions cause; or, those rhetorically committed to addressing climate change, but, maybe next decade, or in 2050. Photograph courtesy of Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc, DND Canada

Who will be left standing in an uncertain political moment?

  • What does any leader do when the public mood is 'out with the old, in with the unthinkable'? And 'old' isn’t always a matter
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 15, 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a bilateral meeting in Ottawa on March 24, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who will be left standing in an uncertain political moment?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 15, 2024
  • What does any leader do when the public mood is 'out with the old, in with the unthinkable'? And 'old' isn’t always a matter

Who will be left standing in an uncertain political moment?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 15, 2024
  • What does any leader do when the public mood is 'out with the old, in with the unthinkable'? And 'old' isn’t always a matter
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a bilateral meeting in Ottawa on March 24, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Or is it?

  • This July 1 has some Canadians worried about the future and despondent about the present. 
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 1, 2024
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, pictured on the Hill on April 16, 2024, with some of his Conservative MPs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Or is it?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 1, 2024
  • This July 1 has some Canadians worried about the future and despondent about the present. 

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Or is it?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 1, 2024
  • This July 1 has some Canadians worried about the future and despondent about the present. 
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, pictured on the Hill on April 16, 2024, with some of his Conservative MPs. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Constituency? Maybe not

  • Elizabeth May's unexpected denouement left media, opposition parties, and the dysfunctional security apparatus looking like bit players in an Inspector Clouseau farce. The whole
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 17, 2024
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May told reporters last week that 'There is no list of MPs who have shown disloyalty to Canada,' but said one former unnamed MP was a willing tool of Beijing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Constituency? Maybe not

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 17, 2024
  • Elizabeth May's unexpected denouement left media, opposition parties, and the dysfunctional security apparatus looking like bit players in an Inspector Clouseau farce. The whole

Colonel Mustard with the knife in the Constituency? Maybe not

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 17, 2024
  • Elizabeth May's unexpected denouement left media, opposition parties, and the dysfunctional security apparatus looking like bit players in an Inspector Clouseau farce. The whole
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May told reporters last week that 'There is no list of MPs who have shown disloyalty to Canada,' but said one former unnamed MP was a willing tool of Beijing. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hey, Liberals! Why be shy? Isn’t it time to refute the disinformation?

  • Any attempts to dispute the cascade of falsehoods on X, many emanating from Pierre Poilievre, have been late, fitful and lost amid the background
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 3, 2024
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the Hill on April 16, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hey, Liberals! Why be shy? Isn’t it time to refute the disinformation?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 3, 2024
  • Any attempts to dispute the cascade of falsehoods on X, many emanating from Pierre Poilievre, have been late, fitful and lost amid the background

Hey, Liberals! Why be shy? Isn’t it time to refute the disinformation?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 3, 2024
  • Any attempts to dispute the cascade of falsehoods on X, many emanating from Pierre Poilievre, have been late, fitful and lost amid the background
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the Hill on April 16, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Workin’ 9 to 5, that’s no way to make a livin’

  • Sending public servants into action to save a city from decades of bad urban planning is like dispatching the military to fill sandbags, or
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 13, 2024
Public Service Alliance of Canada president Chris Aylward during PSAC's picket line in Ottawa on April 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Workin’ 9 to 5, that’s no way to make a livin’

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 13, 2024
  • Sending public servants into action to save a city from decades of bad urban planning is like dispatching the military to fill sandbags, or

Workin’ 9 to 5, that’s no way to make a livin’

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 13, 2024
  • Sending public servants into action to save a city from decades of bad urban planning is like dispatching the military to fill sandbags, or
Public Service Alliance of Canada president Chris Aylward during PSAC's picket line in Ottawa on April 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

First they came for the carbon tax, are electric vehicles next?

  • Canadian politicians at all levels have a choice: continue supporting a still-lucrative but damaging fossil fuel industry, or summon the courage and foresight to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 22, 2024
The slowing sale of EVs lends ballast to an indirect campaign by Big Oil, and its enablers, to undermine the transition away from gasoline, with torqued reports about the supposed unreliability of EVs in cold climates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

First they came for the carbon tax, are electric vehicles next?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 22, 2024
  • Canadian politicians at all levels have a choice: continue supporting a still-lucrative but damaging fossil fuel industry, or summon the courage and foresight to

First they came for the carbon tax, are electric vehicles next?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 22, 2024
  • Canadian politicians at all levels have a choice: continue supporting a still-lucrative but damaging fossil fuel industry, or summon the courage and foresight to
The slowing sale of EVs lends ballast to an indirect campaign by Big Oil, and its enablers, to undermine the transition away from gasoline, with torqued reports about the supposed unreliability of EVs in cold climates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How to navigate post-fact politics: skeptically, but attentively

  • Today’s politics is entirely personality and performances. The bickering plays out like an annoying soundtrack, and the temptation to tune it out can be
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 8, 2024
The oilsands in Fort McMurray, Alta. The delivery of federal climate measures has been so bungled and half-hearted that the fact-free enemies of climate action—various premiers, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—are winning the communications war, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

How to navigate post-fact politics: skeptically, but attentively

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 8, 2024
  • Today’s politics is entirely personality and performances. The bickering plays out like an annoying soundtrack, and the temptation to tune it out can be

How to navigate post-fact politics: skeptically, but attentively

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 8, 2024
  • Today’s politics is entirely personality and performances. The bickering plays out like an annoying soundtrack, and the temptation to tune it out can be
The oilsands in Fort McMurray, Alta. The delivery of federal climate measures has been so bungled and half-hearted that the fact-free enemies of climate action—various premiers, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—are winning the communications war, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

There are signs of resistance to the right-wing juggernaut, if you look hard enough

  • The election of Wab Kinew, the first modern-day Indigenous premier of Manitoba, signals a welcome departure from the usual fed-prov scenario: premiers fighting Ottawa
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
Wab Kinew, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, after winning the Manitoba election. In his first months, the new NDP premier has cheerfully accepted $664-million in federal money for health care and also welcomed the recent federal mini-pharmacare plan, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of X/Twitter

There are signs of resistance to the right-wing juggernaut, if you look hard enough

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
  • The election of Wab Kinew, the first modern-day Indigenous premier of Manitoba, signals a welcome departure from the usual fed-prov scenario: premiers fighting Ottawa

There are signs of resistance to the right-wing juggernaut, if you look hard enough

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 25, 2024
  • The election of Wab Kinew, the first modern-day Indigenous premier of Manitoba, signals a welcome departure from the usual fed-prov scenario: premiers fighting Ottawa
Wab Kinew, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, after winning the Manitoba election. In his first months, the new NDP premier has cheerfully accepted $664-million in federal money for health care and also welcomed the recent federal mini-pharmacare plan, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of X/Twitter

‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders

  • If the proposals survive, this national pharmacare intro-package should fill open gaps for many insulin-dependent diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. But there
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The final argument against what's otherwise a compassionate and affordable initiative from a reluctant federal government is that paying for medication for diabetics could be a slippery slope. But isn't that a slope we want to be on, asks Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
  • If the proposals survive, this national pharmacare intro-package should fill open gaps for many insulin-dependent diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. But there

‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 11, 2024
  • If the proposals survive, this national pharmacare intro-package should fill open gaps for many insulin-dependent diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. But there
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The final argument against what's otherwise a compassionate and affordable initiative from a reluctant federal government is that paying for medication for diabetics could be a slippery slope. But isn't that a slope we want to be on, asks Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

A rapidly changing climate and a glaring political disconnect

  • Climate change is on the agenda, but only sometimes, as one of several recurring issues. It might crop up when a town burns down,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
Long-time NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private member's bill that would ban deceptive advertising from the oil and gas sector, but you'd think he had proposed legalizing child pornography, so violent and dismissive was reaction to his bill. It doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Ottawa of surviving, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A rapidly changing climate and a glaring political disconnect

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
  • Climate change is on the agenda, but only sometimes, as one of several recurring issues. It might crop up when a town burns down,

A rapidly changing climate and a glaring political disconnect

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 26, 2024
  • Climate change is on the agenda, but only sometimes, as one of several recurring issues. It might crop up when a town burns down,
Long-time NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private member's bill that would ban deceptive advertising from the oil and gas sector, but you'd think he had proposed legalizing child pornography, so violent and dismissive was reaction to his bill. It doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in Ottawa of surviving, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For climate progress, maybe the rest of Canada should join Quebec

  • Plaudits to Quebec. It is more than carrying its weight when it comes to lowering national admissions and, unlike the federal government, gaining favourable
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
Quebec Premier François Legault in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. The premier is leaping to the front of a parade led by middle-class Quebecers—but it is a parade that leads away from oil and gas, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For climate progress, maybe the rest of Canada should join Quebec

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
  • Plaudits to Quebec. It is more than carrying its weight when it comes to lowering national admissions and, unlike the federal government, gaining favourable

For climate progress, maybe the rest of Canada should join Quebec

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 12, 2024
  • Plaudits to Quebec. It is more than carrying its weight when it comes to lowering national admissions and, unlike the federal government, gaining favourable
Quebec Premier François Legault in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. The premier is leaping to the front of a parade led by middle-class Quebecers—but it is a parade that leads away from oil and gas, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will Trudeau’s third act include a surprise ending?

  • Absent future careless misjudgments, bureaucratic boondoggles or mishandled global, domestic, or climate emergencies, Justin Trudeau could pull off a miracle recovery. Or at least
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Will Trudeau’s third act include a surprise ending?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
  • Absent future careless misjudgments, bureaucratic boondoggles or mishandled global, domestic, or climate emergencies, Justin Trudeau could pull off a miracle recovery. Or at least

Will Trudeau’s third act include a surprise ending?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 29, 2024
  • Absent future careless misjudgments, bureaucratic boondoggles or mishandled global, domestic, or climate emergencies, Justin Trudeau could pull off a miracle recovery. Or at least
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe

  • It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
  • It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They

How the Liberal Party can save itself, maybe

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 22, 2024
  • It may be too late. The Liberals are never going to win over Alberta’s political class, many voters out West, many angry men. They
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough, top left, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, above left, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tend to get things done, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

For something completely different: a little good news

  • Despite the threat of a reversal of our halting progress on climate, reconciliation and social equity under a future Conservative government, continuing worry about
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
Housing minister Sean Fraser offered an eye-catching proposal just before Christmas: an updated version of an 80-year old federal housing program that offered small, simple, nearly-identical housing units to returning Second World War veterans, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Photograph by Andrew Meade

For something completely different: a little good news

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
  • Despite the threat of a reversal of our halting progress on climate, reconciliation and social equity under a future Conservative government, continuing worry about

For something completely different: a little good news

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 8, 2024
  • Despite the threat of a reversal of our halting progress on climate, reconciliation and social equity under a future Conservative government, continuing worry about
Housing minister Sean Fraser offered an eye-catching proposal just before Christmas: an updated version of an 80-year old federal housing program that offered small, simple, nearly-identical housing units to returning Second World War veterans, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Photograph by Andrew Meade

Oil and gas industry’s fancy foot-dragging wins the day, again

  • While the Conservative leader is busy trying to 'ruin' Trudeau’s holiday with procedural hi-jinks aimed at fighting the carbon tax, oil executives and their
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. The Trudeau government has abased itself to the fossil fuel industry leaders: buying a $30-billion money-losing pipeline, sending millions of dollar to the province to clean up abandoned wells, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Oil and gas industry’s fancy foot-dragging wins the day, again

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
  • While the Conservative leader is busy trying to 'ruin' Trudeau’s holiday with procedural hi-jinks aimed at fighting the carbon tax, oil executives and their

Oil and gas industry’s fancy foot-dragging wins the day, again

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 11, 2023
  • While the Conservative leader is busy trying to 'ruin' Trudeau’s holiday with procedural hi-jinks aimed at fighting the carbon tax, oil executives and their
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, left, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. The Trudeau government has abased itself to the fossil fuel industry leaders: buying a $30-billion money-losing pipeline, sending millions of dollar to the province to clean up abandoned wells, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

It’s always the economy, and we’re not stupid

  • While politicians hurl accusations and recycle old ideological claims, their lives are mostly untouched by current financial pressures; they, along with grocery store executives,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. Unfortunately for Poilievre, last week’s fall economic update was preceded by cheering news on inflation; the official rate has dropped from 3.8 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent last month and could be on its way further down, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s always the economy, and we’re not stupid

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
  • While politicians hurl accusations and recycle old ideological claims, their lives are mostly untouched by current financial pressures; they, along with grocery store executives,

It’s always the economy, and we’re not stupid

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 27, 2023
  • While politicians hurl accusations and recycle old ideological claims, their lives are mostly untouched by current financial pressures; they, along with grocery store executives,
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill. Unfortunately for Poilievre, last week’s fall economic update was preceded by cheering news on inflation; the official rate has dropped from 3.8 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent last month and could be on its way further down, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s climate policy, not just the carbon tax, is on a knife’s edge

  • The Liberal government seemed content to let the carbon tax do all the work until, magically, everyone buys electric vehicles, installs heat pumps, and
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
The saddest thing is that the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, are probably as good as it gets on climate since Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t take climate seriously, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Canada’s climate policy, not just the carbon tax, is on a knife’s edge

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
  • The Liberal government seemed content to let the carbon tax do all the work until, magically, everyone buys electric vehicles, installs heat pumps, and

Canada’s climate policy, not just the carbon tax, is on a knife’s edge

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 13, 2023
  • The Liberal government seemed content to let the carbon tax do all the work until, magically, everyone buys electric vehicles, installs heat pumps, and
The saddest thing is that the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, are probably as good as it gets on climate since Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre doesn’t take climate seriously, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

No country for old men

  • The health of any institution requires regular renewal, encouraging newcomers while bidding a respectful farewell to those who have served long and often well.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, age 80, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, age 51. Canada is blessed in the health, energy and work ethic of our political leaders, especially when compared to our southern neighbours, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No country for old men

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
  • The health of any institution requires regular renewal, encouraging newcomers while bidding a respectful farewell to those who have served long and often well.

No country for old men

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 30, 2023
  • The health of any institution requires regular renewal, encouraging newcomers while bidding a respectful farewell to those who have served long and often well.
U.S. President Joe Biden, age 80, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, age 51. Canada is blessed in the health, energy and work ethic of our political leaders, especially when compared to our southern neighbours, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All our puny sorrows: plea for perspective in an anguished world

  • While Israelis and Palestinians alike reckon with the aftermath of the barbarism unleashed by Hamas last week, one Canadian leader has invoked the notwithstanding
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invoked the notwithstanding clause to allow him to override the rights of young people questioning their gender identity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

All our puny sorrows: plea for perspective in an anguished world

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
  • While Israelis and Palestinians alike reckon with the aftermath of the barbarism unleashed by Hamas last week, one Canadian leader has invoked the notwithstanding

All our puny sorrows: plea for perspective in an anguished world

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 16, 2023
  • While Israelis and Palestinians alike reckon with the aftermath of the barbarism unleashed by Hamas last week, one Canadian leader has invoked the notwithstanding
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invoked the notwithstanding clause to allow him to override the rights of young people questioning their gender identity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Just what we need: another national unity crisis

  • If Alberta premier Danielle Smith manifests such disregard for the rest of the country, she shouldn't be surprised if the rest of Canada reacts
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to exit the Canada Pension Plan and take more than half its assets with her. But there's the little matter of the greenhouse gas emissions emanating from Alberta's primary industry, and the costly damage they continue to cause every province and territory in the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Just what we need: another national unity crisis

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
  • If Alberta premier Danielle Smith manifests such disregard for the rest of the country, she shouldn't be surprised if the rest of Canada reacts

Just what we need: another national unity crisis

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 2, 2023
  • If Alberta premier Danielle Smith manifests such disregard for the rest of the country, she shouldn't be surprised if the rest of Canada reacts
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to exit the Canada Pension Plan and take more than half its assets with her. But there's the little matter of the greenhouse gas emissions emanating from Alberta's primary industry, and the costly damage they continue to cause every province and territory in the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller’s leadership ambitions, if they even exist, exist primarily in the realm of idle speculation, particularly since Trudeau’s successor has already been anointed by many Liberals and media: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller’s leadership ambitions, if they even exist, exist primarily in the realm of idle speculation, particularly since Trudeau’s successor has already been anointed by many Liberals and media: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

An old war over climate change, a new phase

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
The Emissions Reduction Fund, as originally conceived, was clearly a Liberal bail-out to oil and gas, dressed up as a win-win; introduced in April 2020, near the start of the pandemic, as a way of addressing soaring unemployment in Alberta while cleaning up the environment. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

An old war over climate change, a new phase

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its

An old war over climate change, a new phase

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its
The Emissions Reduction Fund, as originally conceived, was clearly a Liberal bail-out to oil and gas, dressed up as a win-win; introduced in April 2020, near the start of the pandemic, as a way of addressing soaring unemployment in Alberta while cleaning up the environment. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Let the games….stop 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Oct. 5, 2021, leaving the Conservative caucus meeting held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, is considered one of his party's stars in the House, known for his over-the-top style. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Let the games….stop 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust

Let the games….stop 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Oct. 5, 2021, leaving the Conservative caucus meeting held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, is considered one of his party's stars in the House, known for his over-the-top style. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
Anti-vaxxers' signs, pictured in White Rock, B.C., in 2021. Time to stop rewarding the refuseniks. Time to start governing for the reasonable, rather than catering to an unhinged rump. Call their bluff, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Ted McGrath

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering
Anti-vaxxers' signs, pictured in White Rock, B.C., in 2021. Time to stop rewarding the refuseniks. Time to start governing for the reasonable, rather than catering to an unhinged rump. Call their bluff, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Ted McGrath

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
For most of his time in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Oct. 21, 2021, in Ottawa, has tacitly supported a too-leisurely transition away from oil and gas, pushing climate action in speeches while, at the same time, buying the Trans-Mountain expansion pipeline to ensure a continued, even accelerated, flow of oil from Alberta’s oil patch to Vancouver harbour, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec
For most of his time in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Oct. 21, 2021, in Ottawa, has tacitly supported a too-leisurely transition away from oil and gas, pushing climate action in speeches while, at the same time, buying the Trans-Mountain expansion pipeline to ensure a continued, even accelerated, flow of oil from Alberta’s oil patch to Vancouver harbour, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
Hailed by Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, as 'the biggest export agreement in the history of Quebec,' the sale is a logical fit: Quebec has a surplus of clean electricity, while nearby U.S. states are under political and economic pressure to cut emissions by moving away from coal-generated electricity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill
Hailed by Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, as 'the biggest export agreement in the history of Quebec,' the sale is a logical fit: Quebec has a surplus of clean electricity, while nearby U.S. states are under political and economic pressure to cut emissions by moving away from coal-generated electricity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Look again: this election could be transformational 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, Annamie Paul, and Maxime Bernier. It remains to be seen, whether campaign 2021 will be transformational in another way, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Look again: this election could be transformational 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in

Look again: this election could be transformational 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in
Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, Annamie Paul, and Maxime Bernier. It remains to be seen, whether campaign 2021 will be transformational in another way, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for triggering a snap election. For most Canadians, an election is a minor inconvenience, and an important chance to have their say on how their country is governed, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for triggering a snap election. For most Canadians, an election is a minor inconvenience, and an important chance to have their say on how their country is governed, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, pictured March 11, 2021, on the Hill. While Ms. Paul is an articulate and intelligent debater, intent on expanding her party’s reach in urban ridings and among racialized communities—all good things—her focus on other issues, including a recent anti-Semitism conference and a roundtable on illicit drugs, leaves climate issues in the dust, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters
Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, pictured March 11, 2021, on the Hill. While Ms. Paul is an articulate and intelligent debater, intent on expanding her party’s reach in urban ridings and among racialized communities—all good things—her focus on other issues, including a recent anti-Semitism conference and a roundtable on illicit drugs, leaves climate issues in the dust, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
Senators Bernadette Clement, Paula Simons, and Mary Jane McCallum. As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may have escaped most voters’ notice. Indirectly—if not inadvertently—he has improved the quality of Canada’s Senate. Photographs courtesy of Facebook, Senate, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may
Senators Bernadette Clement, Paula Simons, and Mary Jane McCallum. As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may have escaped most voters’ notice. Indirectly—if not inadvertently—he has improved the quality of Canada’s Senate. Photographs courtesy of Facebook, Senate, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured June 22, 2021, at the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick/POOL

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured June 22, 2021, at the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick/POOL

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
People performing a drumming circle, June 3, 2021, on Parliament Hill to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found last month near the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the government that resolved to address longstanding injustice towards First Nations—that declared the Indigenous-settler relationship its top priority—is fighting repeated orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to end the discrimination against First Nations children who cannot access the same quality health and social services as non-Indigenous kids. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school
People performing a drumming circle, June 3, 2021, on Parliament Hill to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found last month near the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the government that resolved to address longstanding injustice towards First Nations—that declared the Indigenous-settler relationship its top priority—is fighting repeated orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to end the discrimination against First Nations children who cannot access the same quality health and social services as non-Indigenous kids. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
Filmmaker Avi Lewis, centre, has been nominated to run for the NDP in B.C., five years after causing a ruckus in the party over his Leap Manifesto. The Hill Times file photograph

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead
Filmmaker Avi Lewis, centre, has been nominated to run for the NDP in B.C., five years after causing a ruckus in the party over his Leap Manifesto. The Hill Times file photograph

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan Vance, earlier this year. But that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it, no matter how many other reputations are harmed in the process, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan
It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan Vance, earlier this year. But that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it, no matter how many other reputations are harmed in the process, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. The Ford government's belated, timid, half-measure on paid sick leave, embraced reluctantly, is being marketed as a 'game-changer,' 14 months and 8,000 Ontario lives later, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. The Ford government's belated, timid, half-measure on paid sick leave, embraced reluctantly, is being marketed as a 'game-changer,' 14 months and 8,000 Ontario lives later, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a prime offender, criticizing the federal government for not providing enough vaccines, then, when vaccines did arrive last week, boasting about how quickly and efficiently Albertans will be inoculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a prime offender, criticizing the federal government for not providing enough vaccines, then, when vaccines did arrive last week, boasting about how quickly and efficiently Albertans will be inoculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Another pipeline, another panic 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This season’s pipeline panic, something of a regular occurrence in national politics, centres on Enbridge’s Line 5—a 1,000-kilometre pipe that carries western Canadian
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 5, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage, pictured in a scrum on May 2, 2019, in the Senate Building in Ottawa, after appearing before the Senate's Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Another pipeline, another panic 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 5, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This season’s pipeline panic, something of a regular occurrence in national politics, centres on Enbridge’s Line 5—a 1,000-kilometre pipe that carries western Canadian

Another pipeline, another panic 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 5, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This season’s pipeline panic, something of a regular occurrence in national politics, centres on Enbridge’s Line 5—a 1,000-kilometre pipe that carries western Canadian
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage, pictured in a scrum on May 2, 2019, in the Senate Building in Ottawa, after appearing before the Senate's Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Goodbye Question Period and good riddance 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 22, 2021
MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House Chamber. Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative quiet that has descended on Parliament Hill in these pandemic times, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Goodbye Question Period and good riddance 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative

Goodbye Question Period and good riddance 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative
MPs, pictured May 13, 2020, in the House Chamber. Does anyone miss that riveting exchange of insults, half-truths, and fake outrage known as Question Period? Conversely, does anyone secretly enjoy the relative quiet that has descended on Parliament Hill in these pandemic times, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 8, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 3, 2021, in Ottawa. Effective communication, especially in the social media era, requires humility, humour and clarity. Instead, federal spokespeople—following the example of a leaden-footed prime minister—frequently deliver overly cautious and, ultimately, empty messages about everything from vaccines, to economic recovery. Even when this prime minister has nothing to hide, he manages to look shifty, writes Susan Riley.

Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with

Liberals have a strong story to sell, but weak delivery—starting at the top 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Fabulous news last week, from Statistics Canada of all places: national household income increased over the course of the last pandemic-ridden year, with
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 3, 2021, in Ottawa. Effective communication, especially in the social media era, requires humility, humour and clarity. Instead, federal spokespeople—following the example of a leaden-footed prime minister—frequently deliver overly cautious and, ultimately, empty messages about everything from vaccines, to economic recovery. Even when this prime minister has nothing to hide, he manages to look shifty, writes Susan Riley.

Who is Erin O’Toole? Too early to say 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In a recent podcast interview, former prime minister Joe Clark lamented the fact that contemporary political parties are no longer “instruments of reconciliation”
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 22, 2021
On his right flank, Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured Feb. 18, 2021, also has to beware of noisy critics like Maxime Bernier and the new, Western-based, right-wing Maverick Party, led by former Conservative MP Jay Hill. As well, social conservatives organized by Derek Sloan and others are competing for a significant presence at that upcoming policy conference and they are no friends of O’Toole’s, who some describe as Liberal-lite. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who is Erin O’Toole? Too early to say 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In a recent podcast interview, former prime minister Joe Clark lamented the fact that contemporary political parties are no longer “instruments of reconciliation”

Who is Erin O’Toole? Too early to say 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In a recent podcast interview, former prime minister Joe Clark lamented the fact that contemporary political parties are no longer “instruments of reconciliation”
On his right flank, Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole, pictured Feb. 18, 2021, also has to beware of noisy critics like Maxime Bernier and the new, Western-based, right-wing Maverick Party, led by former Conservative MP Jay Hill. As well, social conservatives organized by Derek Sloan and others are competing for a significant presence at that upcoming policy conference and they are no friends of O’Toole’s, who some describe as Liberal-lite. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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