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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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Time to clean up our language 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to clean up our language 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of

Time to clean up our language 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The summer of our disconnect 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The summer of our disconnect 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,

The summer of our disconnect 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
Why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Canada Strong and Free Network's debate in Ottawa, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP,

Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP,
Why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Canada Strong and Free Network's debate in Ottawa, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the incoherence of federal climate ambition hurt national unity? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Well, that didn’t take long. Mere weeks after the federal budget offered a generous tax credit to help oil and gas companies create
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
In a recent interview on the popular Herle Burly podcast, Natural Resources Minister Wilkinson, pictured, justified his recent decision to allow the oil patch to increase production by 300,000 barrels a day—allegedly to replace the Russian oil that keeps European homes warm. Asked if this extra production doesn’t upend federal emissions reduction targets, Wilkinson insisted: 'You can actually do both.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the incoherence of federal climate ambition hurt national unity? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Well, that didn’t take long. Mere weeks after the federal budget offered a generous tax credit to help oil and gas companies create

Will the incoherence of federal climate ambition hurt national unity? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Well, that didn’t take long. Mere weeks after the federal budget offered a generous tax credit to help oil and gas companies create
In a recent interview on the popular Herle Burly podcast, Natural Resources Minister Wilkinson, pictured, justified his recent decision to allow the oil patch to increase production by 300,000 barrels a day—allegedly to replace the Russian oil that keeps European homes warm. Asked if this extra production doesn’t upend federal emissions reduction targets, Wilkinson insisted: 'You can actually do both.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Child care is Trudeau Liberals’ greatest legacy, but everyone appears to have moved on

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on his way to a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be celebrated as the country’s most important social and economic reform since medicare. If it survives, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Child care is Trudeau Liberals’ greatest legacy, but everyone appears to have moved on

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be

Child care is Trudeau Liberals’ greatest legacy, but everyone appears to have moved on

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on his way to a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be celebrated as the country’s most important social and economic reform since medicare. If it survives, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Unexciting federal budget a flimsy smokescreen for climate capitulation 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—According to the not-so-subtle Liberal communications plan, the few progressive and chewy morsels in last week’s federal budget should overshadow Justin Trudeau’s most
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill on budget day, April 7, 2022. Why is a government so far off its Paris Accord commitments even contemplating new fossil fuel projects? For the jobs, supposedly, but those jobs are less plentiful than they once were, and, given the finite future of oil, less permanent, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Unexciting federal budget a flimsy smokescreen for climate capitulation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—According to the not-so-subtle Liberal communications plan, the few progressive and chewy morsels in last week’s federal budget should overshadow Justin Trudeau’s most

Unexciting federal budget a flimsy smokescreen for climate capitulation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—According to the not-so-subtle Liberal communications plan, the few progressive and chewy morsels in last week’s federal budget should overshadow Justin Trudeau’s most
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill on budget day, April 7, 2022. Why is a government so far off its Paris Accord commitments even contemplating new fossil fuel projects? For the jobs, supposedly, but those jobs are less plentiful than they once were, and, given the finite future of oil, less permanent, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

While politicos fret, a tsunami of relief floods the nation

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Away from the snark, crackle and pop of the Ottawa bubble, a national sigh of relief may be building as news of the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both pictured at separate press conferences on the Hill on March 22, 2022, after the prime minister officially announced that the New Democrats have agreed to tentatively support the Liberal government on confidence votes until the next fixed election in October 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

While politicos fret, a tsunami of relief floods the nation

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Away from the snark, crackle and pop of the Ottawa bubble, a national sigh of relief may be building as news of the

While politicos fret, a tsunami of relief floods the nation

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Away from the snark, crackle and pop of the Ottawa bubble, a national sigh of relief may be building as news of the
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both pictured at separate press conferences on the Hill on March 22, 2022, after the prime minister officially announced that the New Democrats have agreed to tentatively support the Liberal government on confidence votes until the next fixed election in October 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Time to take Poilievre seriously, no matter how unserious he seems 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop. Political Twitter
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 14, 2022
This is me: Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured Feb. 14, 2022, speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons before Question Period. Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to take Poilievre seriously, no matter how unserious he seems 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop. Political Twitter

Time to take Poilievre seriously, no matter how unserious he seems 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop. Political Twitter
This is me: Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured Feb. 14, 2022, speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons before Question Period. Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Red Tories: another species at risk? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The Red Tory, like many seasonal pests, tends to vanish from sight for long periods, only to re-emerge when conditions are right—in this
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 28, 2022
Conservative MPs Alain Rayes, Michelle Rempel Garner and Eric Duncan, pictured, are considered to be more centrist or Red Tory Conservatives. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Red Tories: another species at risk? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The Red Tory, like many seasonal pests, tends to vanish from sight for long periods, only to re-emerge when conditions are right—in this

Red Tories: another species at risk? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The Red Tory, like many seasonal pests, tends to vanish from sight for long periods, only to re-emerge when conditions are right—in this
Conservative MPs Alain Rayes, Michelle Rempel Garner and Eric Duncan, pictured, are considered to be more centrist or Red Tory Conservatives. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Help wanted: a courageous national leader to speak up for the rest of us 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is a gaping hole at the centre of our political life right now and no one—not the prime minister, opposition leaders or
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 14, 2022
'Freedom Trucker Convoy' protesters, pictured in Ottawa on Feb. 5, 2022. The whiteness of the protest, as many have pointed out, also explains the extraordinary courtesies extended to demonstrators. But the longer they stay, and stay, the weaker our elected leaders look, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Help wanted: a courageous national leader to speak up for the rest of us 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is a gaping hole at the centre of our political life right now and no one—not the prime minister, opposition leaders or

Help wanted: a courageous national leader to speak up for the rest of us 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is a gaping hole at the centre of our political life right now and no one—not the prime minister, opposition leaders or
'Freedom Trucker Convoy' protesters, pictured in Ottawa on Feb. 5, 2022. The whiteness of the protest, as many have pointed out, also explains the extraordinary courtesies extended to demonstrators. But the longer they stay, and stay, the weaker our elected leaders look, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trip-wires and trap doors abound as Parliament resumes

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As MPs re-assemble today—another hybrid sitting, for now—there is only one safe, if very general, prediction about the session to come: no one
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 31, 2022
Should Erin O'Toole fall through the trap door in the coming months, Pierre Poilievre could be the one taking the reins. If that happens, 'the Conservatives are destined to become a somewhat larger, equally bellicose, version of the People’s Party of Canada, still docked far from majority territory,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trip-wires and trap doors abound as Parliament resumes

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 31, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As MPs re-assemble today—another hybrid sitting, for now—there is only one safe, if very general, prediction about the session to come: no one

Trip-wires and trap doors abound as Parliament resumes

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 31, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As MPs re-assemble today—another hybrid sitting, for now—there is only one safe, if very general, prediction about the session to come: no one
Should Erin O'Toole fall through the trap door in the coming months, Pierre Poilievre could be the one taking the reins. If that happens, 'the Conservatives are destined to become a somewhat larger, equally bellicose, version of the People’s Party of Canada, still docked far from majority territory,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Something strange happening in Canadian politics

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Something strange has been happening in Canadian politics since the Trump contagion to the south. Voters elect a mostly reasonable, often affable, Member
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 17, 2022
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, PPC Leader Maxime Bernier, and Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole. Many voters would not want these harsh, angry men—no matter their politics—sitting on the local school board, never mind running the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Something strange happening in Canadian politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Something strange has been happening in Canadian politics since the Trump contagion to the south. Voters elect a mostly reasonable, often affable, Member

Something strange happening in Canadian politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Something strange has been happening in Canadian politics since the Trump contagion to the south. Voters elect a mostly reasonable, often affable, Member
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, PPC Leader Maxime Bernier, and Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole. Many voters would not want these harsh, angry men—no matter their politics—sitting on the local school board, never mind running the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
Federal departments have been shifting to a hybrid system—some office time mixed with continued remote work—but Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, pictured Nov. 16, 2021, arriving for a cabinet meeting in the West Block, is leaving it to individual departments and agencies to determine the blend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to
Federal departments have been shifting to a hybrid system—some office time mixed with continued remote work—but Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, pictured Nov. 16, 2021, arriving for a cabinet meeting in the West Block, is leaving it to individual departments and agencies to determine the blend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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