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Abbas Rana

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Abbas Rana.

With about 40 Liberal MPs and cabinet ministers heading to the Stampede, Conservatives say they see election strategy behind Calgary presence

With about 40 Liberal MPs and cabinet ministers heading to the Stampede, Conservatives say they see election strategy behind Calgary presence

With Alberta’s referendum only a couple of months away, and the expected presence of about 40 frontbench Liberals and government caucus members at this year’s Calgary Stampede, some senior Alberta Conservatives say the Liberals are using the annual event to begin laying the groundwork for gains in the province for the next federal election. Several Alberta political players say that...

  • 2026-07-06
  • — Hill Times
Cabinet government is back ‘at the moment,’ but unclear if it will continue after Carney faces many ‘political potholes’ down the road, say insiders

Cabinet government is back ‘at the moment,’ but unclear if it will continue after Carney faces many ‘political potholes’ down the road, say insiders

Cabinet ministers who once appeared relaxed and complacent under Justin Trudeau are now 'on their toes' under Prime Minister Mark Carney, say some Liberal MPs. Prime Minister Mark Carney appears to be running the first cabinet government in about 40 to 50 years, but it’s unclear if it will continue in the medium and long term, especially if and when...

  • 2026-06-29
  • — Hill Times
Carney should recruit star Quebec candidates to bolster federalist cause and prepare for potential referendum, say political players

Carney should recruit star Quebec candidates to bolster federalist cause and prepare for potential referendum, say political players

With Quebec’s provincial election approaching this fall, and the Parti Québécois pledging a separation referendum if it forms government, political insiders say Prime Minister Mark Carney should recruit high-profile candidates for three upcoming federal byelections in the province to make the federalist case to Quebecers. “You can sort of pre-position a couple of people who are able to play a...

  • 2026-06-28
  • — Hill Times
Carney demands much more from his MPs, but also shares more of his insights, strategy, tactics at weekly caucus meetings, say Liberal MPs

Carney demands much more from his MPs, but also shares more of his insights, strategy, tactics at weekly caucus meetings, say Liberal MPs

Prime Minister Mark Carney reads his briefing notes and is willing to engage and have a 'thoughtful conversation' with caucus members on any issue they like, says Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith.

  • 2026-06-15
  • — Hill Times
Four more former Conservative MPs want to separate from Canada and one wants to explore future with the United States

Four more former Conservative MPs want to separate from Canada and one wants to explore future with the United States

If Alberta were to gain independence, it should take a closer look at the potential possibility of a future with the United States, says former Conservative MP Rob Anders. Four more former Conservative MPs are backing the province’s potential separation from Canada and one wants Albertans to consider closer ties with the United States, arguing that the province should pursue...

  • 2026-06-15
  • — Hill Times
‘Not just a bunch of whiny cowboys’: at least four former Conservative MPs support Alberta’s separation from Canada

‘Not just a bunch of whiny cowboys’: at least four former Conservative MPs support Alberta’s separation from Canada

Alberta’s long-standing grievances will never be addressed within Canada, which means leaving is the only option, say four ex-Conservative MPs, including former Harper-era cabinet minister Jay Hill who now lives in Alberta. At least four former Conservative MPs, including a former chief government whip, are backing the Oct. 19 referendum in the hopes that a majority of Albertans will support...

  • 2026-06-08
  • — Hill Times
Parties can’t have it both ways: either appoint candidates or hold transparent nomination elections, say political players

Parties can’t have it both ways: either appoint candidates or hold transparent nomination elections, say political players

Political party leaders should make up their minds and either outright appoint candidates, or hold transparent nomination elections, because when parties manipulate the process to get the results they want, it dampens morale and undermines the confidence of grassroots members, say party players. In an interview with The Hill Times, former national director of the Liberal Party Jamie Carroll said...

  • 2026-06-07
  • — Hill Times
Carney needs a ‘team approach’ to deal with Alberta referendum, say political players

Carney needs a ‘team approach’ to deal with Alberta referendum, say political players

Ottawa also needs to urgently address misinformation and disinformation surrounding separation, including claims that Albertans would automatically be better off leaving Canada, says pollster Frank Graves.

  • 2026-06-01
  • — Hill Times
High-profile Ontario Liberals return fire, say Erskine-Smith’s style of politics rubs them ‘the wrong way’

High-profile Ontario Liberals return fire, say Erskine-Smith’s style of politics rubs them ‘the wrong way’

A three-member Ontario Liberal Party arbitration committee is scheduled to meet May 20 to review Nathaniel Erskine-Smith’s appeal against the provincial Scarborough-Southwest nomination election result, according to Liberal sources. In the meantime, Ontario Liberals are pushing back. In the meantime, Ontario Liberals are pushing back. After losing the provincial party nomination contest in Scarborough-Southwest last weekend, Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith—who...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Canadian Press
‘Risk-averse’ Carney avoiding stronger stance on Iran war over fears of Trump backlash and CUSMA fallout, say some Liberal MPs

‘Risk-averse’ Carney avoiding stronger stance on Iran war over fears of Trump backlash and CUSMA fallout, say some Liberal MPs

Most caucus members are not pressing the issue, recognizing that Canada has limited leverage and little ability to meaningfully influence the U.S. position, say some Liberal MPs. With the high-stakes Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement up for renewal this summer—a deal that impacts hundreds of thousands of Canadian jobs—some Liberal MPs are saying one key reason that Prime Minister Mark Carney has...

  • 2026-05-04
  • — Hill Times
‘Rushed return’: with Liberals now in a majority, former cabinet staffers and past Grit MPs ‘want back in’

‘Rushed return’: with Liberals now in a majority, former cabinet staffers and past Grit MPs ‘want back in’

Former B.C. Liberal MP John Aldag wants his party to begin nominating candidates as soon as possible so they can start campaigning and fundraising for the next election. A significant number of exempt ministerial and MP staffers who left in 2024 expecting a Liberal defeat are now returning to Parliament Hill, as the party now holds a majority and Prime...

  • 2026-04-27
  • — Hill Times
After Terrebonne byelection win, Carney Liberals eye Quebec’s lone NDP riding when Boulerice exits for provincial run

After Terrebonne byelection win, Carney Liberals eye Quebec’s lone NDP riding when Boulerice exits for provincial run

With ongoing momentum and the Conservative and NDP vote collapse in Terrebonne, pollster Greg Lyle says the Liberals have a good shot at winning in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, a riding represented by the same NDP MP for the last 15 years. After recently winning the challenging Quebec riding of Terrebonne, the Liberals are feeling bullish and are now eyeing the Montreal...

  • 2026-04-25
  • — Hill Times
‘Breaking down the doors’: Carney’s Liberals draw strong nomination buzz, but critics flag appointment trend

‘Breaking down the doors’: Carney’s Liberals draw strong nomination buzz, but critics flag appointment trend

Mark Carney's Liberals risk repeating the Pierre Poilievre Conservatives’ past mistake by bypassing contested nominations, say Liberal sources. With Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals now in a majority government and holding a double-digit lead in public opinion polls, the governing party is drawing strong interest from potential nomination candidates for the next election cycle. But some long-time Liberals are concerned...

  • 2026-04-20
  • — Hill Times
Carney’s high-speed rail ‘very perilous territory’ for Liberals, say some pundits and pollsters

Carney’s high-speed rail ‘very perilous territory’ for Liberals, say some pundits and pollsters

Prime Minister Mark Carney government’s much-touted high-speed rail project, with an estimated cost of $60–$90 billion, carries significant political risk, according to political insiders, who say that instead of prioritizing this large-scale mega project, billed as one of Carney’s “nation-building” projects, the government should focus on intra-city transit initiatives that are more immediately relevant to Canadians. “When you sit down...

  • 2026-04-13
  • — Hill Times
‘We’re an open party’: Liberals kick off Montreal convention praising floor crossers and eyeing a majority

‘We’re an open party’: Liberals kick off Montreal convention praising floor crossers and eyeing a majority

Liberal MPs gathering among 4,000-plus party faithful in Montreal say they are “energized” after the latest floor crossing to their “big tent” puts them in majority territory—and a far cry from the pre-2025 election days when Liberals were “headed to nowhere.” Greeted by a clamouring, cheering group of volunteers and conventiongoers in the upper level of the Palais de congrès...

  • 2026-04-10
  • — Hill Times
After April salary boost, Carney now earns $435,400, Poilievre $321,300, and Blanchet $291,100

After April salary boost, Carney now earns $435,400, Poilievre $321,300, and Blanchet $291,100

Conservative MP Mike Dawson is continuing his fight against accepting the annual pay raise, and says the issue will be discussed at this month’s Commons Board of Internal Economy meeting. Meanwhile, former Liberal MP Joe Jordan says competitive salaries are critical to attract top talent to Parliament.

  • 2026-04-07
  • — Hill Times
Grits ‘throwing everything at that seat’ as 48 candidates and ‘adapted ballot’ could influence result of nail-biter Terrebonne byelection, say pollsters and Liberal sources

Grits ‘throwing everything at that seat’ as 48 candidates and ‘adapted ballot’ could influence result of nail-biter Terrebonne byelection, say pollsters and Liberal sources

Two weeks before byelection day, pollsters Nik Nanos and Quito Maggi are predicting a Liberal advantage in the riding of Terrebonne, Que. The presence of 42 independent candidates and the use of a “write-in” or “adapted ballot” could prove decisive in the tightly contested April 13 byelection in Terrebonne, Que., say some Liberal sources and pollsters, adding that a close...

  • 2026-04-06
  • — Hill Times
Cabinet shuffle talk intensifies as Carney’s Liberals look to a majority

Cabinet shuffle talk intensifies as Carney’s Liberals look to a majority

Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet is due for an overhaul, say several Liberal MPs, cabinet staffers, and political insiders, and a potential shift to a majority government would significantly change the political dynamics and would likely be reflected in cabinet. As the Liberals surge to a comfortable double-digit lead in public opinion polls and edge closer to majority territory with...

  • 2026-03-30
  • — The Hill
‘From disaster to dominance’: Carney Liberals enjoy decade-high polling, but unpredictable events could undermine electoral fortunes, say political players

‘From disaster to dominance’: Carney Liberals enjoy decade-high polling, but unpredictable events could undermine electoral fortunes, say political players

As Mark Carney hits his one-year mark as prime minister and the Liberals reach their strongest levels of support in a decade, polls show the party could win more than 200 seats if an election were held now. But, pollsters caution that events such as a potential recession, rising gas prices linked to the United States-Israeli attack on Iran, and...

  • 2026-03-23
  • — Hill Times
Idlout’s floor-crossing to Liberals takes pressure off in Terrebonne byelection, but managing caucus could be challenging for Carney in a slim majority, say politicos

Idlout’s floor-crossing to Liberals takes pressure off in Terrebonne byelection, but managing caucus could be challenging for Carney in a slim majority, say politicos

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout’s defection from the NDP to the Liberal caucus has almost guaranteed a majority for Prime Minister Mark Carney, provided the Liberals win two of the three upcoming byelections. But governing with a slim majority would pose a significant challenge for the prime minister, as the loss of even one or two MPs could bring the government...

  • 2026-03-16
  • — Hill Times
Senior PMO staffers return to Liberal caucus meetings after eight-month hiatus: ‘a huge mistake’

Senior PMO staffers return to Liberal caucus meetings after eight-month hiatus: ‘a huge mistake’

PMO staffers Andrée-Lyne Hallé and Angad Dhillon now attend national caucus meetings every week to take notes for Prime Minister Mark Carney, say Liberal MPs. Less than a year after the Liberal caucus decided that senior staffers from the Prime Minister’s Office could not attend confidential weekly meetings, two senior staffers have been invited back at the request of Prime...

  • 2026-03-15
  • — Hill Times
Carney should have consulted Grit caucus before supporting U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, say some Liberal MPs: ‘what the hell’

Carney should have consulted Grit caucus before supporting U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, say some Liberal MPs: ‘what the hell’

Some Liberal MPs told The Hill Times that Prime Minister Mark Carney should have consulted his caucus before declaring Canada's support for the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. But B.C. Liberal MP Parm Bains says he's received positive feedback from Iranian-Canadians in his riding. Prime Minister Mark Carney declared his support for the deadly American-Israeli attack on Iran shortly after it...

  • 2026-03-09
  • — Hill Times
Prime Minister Carney and his cabinet should rely on deputy ministers—not political staff—for fearless policy advice, say leading governance experts

Prime Minister Carney and his cabinet should rely on deputy ministers—not political staff—for fearless policy advice, say leading governance experts

Ongoing public service cuts—and the fear senior officials have about their own job security—are throwing a wrench into the Liberal government’s ability to receive evidence-based and fearless public policy advice, say some public policy experts who also say this advice should be coming from deputy ministers and not political staff. “Politicians will turn to that source [political staff] of advice...

  • 2026-03-02
  • — Hill Times
‘Everyone should feel the hit’: ministerial offices and PMO should be cut, too, say some leading public policy experts

‘Everyone should feel the hit’: ministerial offices and PMO should be cut, too, say some leading public policy experts

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government has eliminated thousands of positions from the public service, but no cuts have been made to political staff in ministers’ offices or in the Prime Minister’s Office. Some with expert knowledge in the mechanics of government say that, in the interest of fairness, civil service cuts should be matched with reductions in the PMO...

  • 2026-02-23
  • — Hill Times
A snap election still possible, despite potential Liberal byelections wins and more rumoured floor-crossings, say some pollsters

A snap election still possible, despite potential Liberal byelections wins and more rumoured floor-crossings, say some pollsters

Even if Prime Minister Mark Carney secures a slim majority through more floor-crossings and upcoming byelection wins, the governing Liberals could still call an early election this year in an effort to obtain a stronger mandate to deal with challenges such as the ongoing trade war with the United States, say pollsters. “The longer they wait for an election, the...

  • 2026-02-22
  • — Hill Times
Preparing for a possible early election, Conservatives closing first batch of 16 riding nominations this month: sources

Preparing for a possible early election, Conservatives closing first batch of 16 riding nominations this month: sources

In preparation for a potential early election, the Conservative Party recently sent notices to 16 ridings in five provinces informing them that anyone interested in seeking the party’s nomination should file their papers by Feb. 25, according to Conservative sources. Of these, nine are in Ontario, three in Nova Scotia, one in New Brunswick, two in British Columbia, and one...

  • 2026-02-16
  • — Hill Times
Alberta Conservative MPs ‘walking a fine line’ on politically explosive referendum issue, and don’t want to give it more oxygen, say politicos

Alberta Conservative MPs ‘walking a fine line’ on politically explosive referendum issue, and don’t want to give it more oxygen, say politicos

Nearly all Alberta Conservative MPs are declining to comment on the province's separation talk, saying they do not want to give it more oxygen, and don't want to undermine Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's chances of forming government in the next election. Pollsters say the issue should be taken very seriously. Most Alberta Conservative MPs aren’t talking publicly about a push...

  • 2026-02-09
  • — Hill Times
Election buzz ramps up with Liberals poaching candidates from opposition parties and Conservatives starting nomination process

Election buzz ramps up with Liberals poaching candidates from opposition parties and Conservatives starting nomination process

The Conservative Party of Canada has started the candidate nomination process across the country, according to an internal memo. Ottawa is buzzing with election speculation as Elections Canada lines up offices and recruits staff, Liberals poach candidates and MPs from opposition parties, and the Conservatives have formally launched nomination contests. “In a minority government context, the election could be called...

  • 2026-02-06
  • — Hill Times
With Liberals trying to ‘manufacture’ a reason for a snap spring election, election readiness top of mind for Conservatives, says campaign director Outhouse

With Liberals trying to ‘manufacture’ a reason for a snap spring election, election readiness top of mind for Conservatives, says campaign director Outhouse

After receiving a “strong mandate” from the rank-and-file party members in yesterday’s leadership review, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will be making election readiness a top priority in the event the governing Liberals trigger a spring election, says the Conservative Party’s national campaign director. “Right now, the Liberals are looking for an excuse to call a spring election,” said Steve Outhouse...

  • 2026-02-01
  • — Hill Times
Conservatives to elect members of powerful national council today: Canada needs ‘Pierre Poilievre as the next prime minister, we’re united’

Conservatives to elect members of powerful national council today: Canada needs ‘Pierre Poilievre as the next prime minister, we’re united’

The more than 2,600 delegates congregating in Calgary for the party’s three day convention will elect the powerful 20-member national council today and the newly elected councillors will elect the party president tomorrow. The Conservative Party’s biennial policy conference, which began on Jan. 29, wraps up this evening after three days of policy debates, a vote on Pierre Poilievre’s (Battle...

  • 2026-01-31
  • — Hill Times
Amid election speculation and Liberals’ rise in polls, Poilievre’s Conservatives congregate in Calgary for high-stakes leadership review

Amid election speculation and Liberals’ rise in polls, Poilievre’s Conservatives congregate in Calgary for high-stakes leadership review

Against the backdrop of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals rise in public opinion polls following his recent Davos speech and ongoing federal election speculation, rank-and-file Conservatives from across the country are gathering in Calgary to conduct Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review, debate party policies, and elect a new national council, the most powerful elected decision-making body within the party...

  • 2026-01-29
  • — Hill Times
Ontario national councillor Mitas expected to challenge Barber for Conservative Party presidency

Ontario national councillor Mitas expected to challenge Barber for Conservative Party presidency

Senior Conservative sources tell The Hill Times that current party president Stephen Barber and Christina Mitas have been strategizing and reaching out to potential supporters ahead of the national council election at the end of this month. If re-elected for a second term at the Conservative Party’s Jan. 29-31 biennial policy convention in Calgary, Ontario national councillor Christina Mitas is...

  • 2026-01-25
  • — Hill Times
‘We’re in real trouble’: Carney faces historic crisis amid trade war, U.S. annexation threat, and two potential separatist referendums, say politicos

‘We’re in real trouble’: Carney faces historic crisis amid trade war, U.S. annexation threat, and two potential separatist referendums, say politicos

With the ongoing trade war with the United States, frequent annexation rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, and the potential for two separatist referendums at home, Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing some of the most serious challenges confronted by any prime minister. Still, his performance is receiving mixed reviews from some political players who say Carney’s handling of the...

  • 2026-01-19
  • — Hill Times
Conservative national council confirms Kurek as candidate in Battle River-Crowfoot, Poilievre to run in a different riding in next election

Conservative national council confirms Kurek as candidate in Battle River-Crowfoot, Poilievre to run in a different riding in next election

The Conservative Party’s national council chose to pass a motion formally declaring that the riding's former MP would return even though Damien Kurek had publicly stated that he planned to run in his home riding in the next federal election. In an unusual move, the Conservative Party’s powerful national council passed a motion at its December quarterly meeting confirming former...

  • 2026-01-18
  • — Hill Times
Holding two elected positions, B.C. Conservative MP Au is the highest paid backbencher in the House

Holding two elected positions, B.C. Conservative MP Au is the highest paid backbencher in the House

Conservative MP Chak Au is estimated to be earning a total of $314,757 as both an MP and British Columbia City Councillor. British Columbia Conservative MP Chak Au, the only person in the House of Commons holding two elected offices simultaneously—as an MP and a municipal councillor—is expected to earn $314,757 in his first year in federal office from both...

  • 2026-01-11
  • — Hill Times
To trigger a nomination election in a Conservative-held riding in the next election cycle, 51 per cent of the membership must vote for one, according to Conservative sources

To trigger a nomination election in a Conservative-held riding in the next election cycle, 51 per cent of the membership must vote for one, according to Conservative sources

According to new nomination rules, if a Conservative candidate lost two consecutive elections, they will no longer need a waiver from the party to take a third run, say Conservative sources. It would take the support of 51 per cent of local members to trigger a nomination contest in a Conservative-held riding, according to new nomination rules approved by the...

  • 2025-12-08
  • — Hill Times
In precarious economic times, Carney goes all in on oil pipeline, leaving some B.C. Liberal MPs nervous

In precarious economic times, Carney goes all in on oil pipeline, leaving some B.C. Liberal MPs nervous

With United States President Donald Trump threatening to end the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and imposing tariffs on goods and services from this country, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s high-stakes decision to sign a memorandum of understanding for an oil pipeline with Alberta is risky. It could also give a political opening to the federal NDP and Green Party in British Columbia...

  • 2025-12-08
  • — Hill Times
New rules authorize Poilievre to appoint eight candidates next election in ‘substantially revamped nomination process,’ say Conservative sources

New rules authorize Poilievre to appoint eight candidates next election in ‘substantially revamped nomination process,’ say Conservative sources

In a break from its tradition, and for the first time in its history, the Conservative Party’s national council has authorized the party leader to appoint eight candidates in ridings across the country for the next election, say Conservative sources. “The council has agreed to eight appointments [by the leader],” a senior Conservative told The Hill Times. “Basically [there is]...

  • 2025-12-06
  • — Hill Times
Hundreds of application packages from prospective nomination candidates, actual candidates, and MPs said to be compromised in recent cyber hack, say Conservative sources

Hundreds of application packages from prospective nomination candidates, actual candidates, and MPs said to be compromised in recent cyber hack, say Conservative sources

The Conservative Party must release the findings of its internal investigation, including how the data breach occurred, who was responsible, and what accountability measures have been taken, say some victims of last month’s cyber security incident. Conservative sources say that a data breach initially reported to have impacted 15 MPs could actually extend to hundreds of potential nomination candidates and...

  • 2025-12-05
  • — Hill Times
Women hold powerful roles in Carney’s cabinet and PMO, but none are in prime minister’s inner circle, say some Liberals

Women hold powerful roles in Carney’s cabinet and PMO, but none are in prime minister’s inner circle, say some Liberals

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet and senior ministerial staff ranks include a significant number of women, but there aren’t any women in the prime minister’s inner circle on whom he relies for top-level, day-to-day strategic advice, say some Liberals. “It’s not as though there aren’t any women with senior-ish titles in the Prime Minister’s Office—of course [there are],” said Supriya...

  • 2025-12-01
  • — Hill Times
True representation of constituents requires MPs to take principled positions even if it risks caucus expulsion or floor crossing, says Bill Casey

True representation of constituents requires MPs to take principled positions even if it risks caucus expulsion or floor crossing, says Bill Casey

MPs are in the House of Commons to represent their constituents, and if they believe their party's positions run counter to those interests, they should speak up, even if it means leaving the party or being kicked out, says former Conservative-turned-Liberal MP Bill Casey. Crossing the floor, or even voting against one’s own party, is one of the hardest decisions...

  • 2025-11-24
  • — Hill Times
Bloc Leader Blanchet’s expletive about government’s budget negotiation strategy ‘not suitable for work,’ says Government House Leader MacKinnon

Bloc Leader Blanchet’s expletive about government’s budget negotiation strategy ‘not suitable for work,’ says Government House Leader MacKinnon

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet’s colourful characterization of the government’s strategy on last week’s budget vote was inappropriate and not suitable for a professional work environment, says the government House leader. “That’s not suitable for work, is it?” said Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon (Gatineau, Que.) in an interview with The Hill Times.

  • 2025-11-23
  • — Hill Times
Poilievre should take a page out of Brian Mulroney’s playbook on caucus management, say political players: ‘an absolute master,’ it was his ‘secret sauce’

Poilievre should take a page out of Brian Mulroney’s playbook on caucus management, say political players: ‘an absolute master,’ it was his ‘secret sauce’

David McLaughlin says building and maintaining trust requires two-way communication. It's also political capital that leaders can draw upon in tough times. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre needs to reach out to his MPs individually, rather than through the House leader and the whip.

  • 2025-11-17
  • — Hill Times
House Speaker Scarpaleggia residing at an Ottawa hotel instead of official residence, ‘The Farm,’ for family reasons

House Speaker Scarpaleggia residing at an Ottawa hotel instead of official residence, ‘The Farm,’ for family reasons

It’s more economical for the Speaker to live at a hotel than at the official residence in Gatineau Hills, says spokesman Olivier Duhaime. Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, who was elected as House Speaker in May following the last general election, has chosen not to reside at “The Farm,” the Speaker’s official residence in the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, opting instead...

  • 2025-11-16
  • — Hill Times
Conservative MP Bragdon ousts Liberal MP Duguid as co-chair of ‘influential’ Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group: Grits are ‘kicking ourselves’

Conservative MP Bragdon ousts Liberal MP Duguid as co-chair of ‘influential’ Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group: Grits are ‘kicking ourselves’

In a stunning upset that has left the Liberal caucus “kicking ourselves,” the Conservatives have ousted a senior Liberal MP as co-chair of the powerful Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group. At the Oct. 29 meeting held to elect a new co-chair, Conservative MP Richard Bragdon (Tobique-Mactaquac, N.B.) defeated four-term Liberal MP and cabinet minister Terry Duguid (Winnipeg-North, Man.) for the position. The...

  • 2025-11-10
  • — Hill Times
‘Things are crumbling’: changing caucus landscape, external pressures spell bad news for Poilievre’s leadership review, say Conservatives

‘Things are crumbling’: changing caucus landscape, external pressures spell bad news for Poilievre’s leadership review, say Conservatives

If the Liberals were to gain majority status amid the ongoing floor-crossing speculation, it would spell bad news for Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review, says Keith Beardsley, former deputy chief of staff to then-prime minister Stephen Harper. With one MP already gone to the Liberals, another one resigning, and more rumoured to be leaving the Conservative fold, the rapidly shifting political...

  • 2025-11-07
  • — Hill Times
If Poilievre goes down as party leader, it will be due to external pressure, not caucus dissent, say senior Conservatives

If Poilievre goes down as party leader, it will be due to external pressure, not caucus dissent, say senior Conservatives

To stop outside sniping, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will have to get more than 80-per-cent support in the upcoming leadership review, says Keith Beardsley, a former high-level staffer in Stephen Harper's PMO. If Pierre Poilievre is ever forced out of his role as Conservative leader, it won’t be due to internal caucus dissent, but rather mounting criticism from outside the...

  • 2025-11-03
  • — Hill Times
‘Game of chicken’ Amid ongoing election speculation, Liberal and Conservative MPs are preparing, just in case

‘Game of chicken’ Amid ongoing election speculation, Liberal and Conservative MPs are preparing, just in case

There’s no ‘appetite’ for a Christmas election, says Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux. With election speculation intensifying, some Liberal and Conservative MPs are preparing for the possibility that a vote could be called in the coming days if the government loses the confidence vote that will follow the reading of the budget on Nov. 4. “We can go into an election...

  • 2025-11-02
  • — Hill Times
Conservative B.C. riding association launches confidential survey to gauge Poilievre’s support

Conservative B.C. riding association launches confidential survey to gauge Poilievre’s support

The survey, launched three days after Pierre Poilievre’s controversial remarks, is ‘Just to confirm the support that I know is already there,’ EDA president James Barlow told The Hill Times. Amid criticism from both within and outside Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s caucus following an interview with a YouTube channel, the Conservative electoral district association of Abbotsford-Langley South in British Columbia...

  • 2025-10-27
  • — Hill Times
Most ministers still trying to navigate how to ‘keep their jobs’ in Carney’s cabinet: Liberal sources

Most ministers still trying to navigate how to ‘keep their jobs’ in Carney’s cabinet: Liberal sources

Ottawa lobbyists say ministerial staffers aren’t returning their calls, but Liberal sources say it’s because ministers and their political aides are still trying to find their footing and determine how to survive in the new prime minister’s cabinet. But if lobbyists want meetings, they should focus on the economy and the Canada-U.S. trade war. Five months after Mark Carney won...

  • 2025-10-20
  • — Hill Times
PM Carney risks trouble without loyal ‘palace guard,’ say political players

PM Carney risks trouble without loyal ‘palace guard,’ say political players

Every new prime minister eventually faces turbulence, and that’s when a strong and trusted palace guard is ‘essential,’ says political historian and former Liberal MP John English. But at a critical time in Canadian history, Carney’s team is going to have to learn fast. Like other prime ministers before him, Mark Carney needs a loyal ‘palace guard’ within his office—a...

  • 2025-10-13
  • — Hill Times
It would be ‘idiotic’ for any party to topple government on budget vote only seven months after election, say some Liberal MPs

It would be ‘idiotic’ for any party to topple government on budget vote only seven months after election, say some Liberal MPs

Barely seven months after the last federal election, it would be politically unwise for any party to topple Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government over its first budget, say Liberal MPs. “It would be idiotic for any party to try to bring down the government at this stage,” said Liberal MP Marcus Powlowski (Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Ont.), in an interview with...

  • 2025-10-12
  • — Hill Times
‘I doubt if I’ll ever cross the U.S. border again in my lifetime’: Trump’s annexation talk, Hoekstra’s remarks draw fire from former MPs, political players

‘I doubt if I’ll ever cross the U.S. border again in my lifetime’: Trump’s annexation talk, Hoekstra’s remarks draw fire from former MPs, political players

Former eight-term Liberal MP and chair of Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group Wayne Easter says he’s unsure if he will ever set foot into the U.S. ever again. United States President Donald Trump’s more recent comments last week about Canada being the 51st state, coupled with his envoy’s controversial remarks at a business conference in Banff, Alta., are drawing sharp criticism from...

  • 2025-10-06
  • — Hill Times
With confidence votes coming, it’s important to keep political strategist Pitfield in the PMO, say some top Liberals

With confidence votes coming, it’s important to keep political strategist Pitfield in the PMO, say some top Liberals

In a minority government, it is critical to have a senior strategist with regular, direct access to the prime minister, says Greg Lyle, president of Innovative Research. In this minority government and with the budget confidence vote approaching, Tom Pitfield has chosen to remain in the Prime Minister’s Office to steer political strategy, say some top Liberals. Between July and...

  • 2025-09-29
  • — Hill Times
Coming byelections in at least three safe Liberal ridings will mark first test of Carney government’s popularity, say political players

Coming byelections in at least three safe Liberal ridings will mark first test of Carney government’s popularity, say political players

With at least three safe Liberal ridings expected to open soon, any byelections after this fall’s “austerity budget” will serve as the earliest measure of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s standing with voters, say political players. “If we think back to it, where did Justin Trudeau’s situation really start [to take a serious threat] when he lost the Toronto-St. Paul’s byelection?”...

  • 2025-09-28
  • — Hill Times
At least three safe Liberal seats poised to open as high-profile contenders line up

At least three safe Liberal seats poised to open as high-profile contenders line up

Marco Mendicino, John Tory Jr., Mark Wiseman, and Liam Olsen are seen as some potential names to claim nominations in ridings soon to be vacated by Liberal MPs, say party sources. With at least three safe Liberal seats expected to become vacant in the coming weeks and months, prominent political figures are positioning themselves for the nominations and upcoming byelections...

  • 2025-09-22
  • — Hill Times
Ontario Conservative EDAs slam nomination process in last election at recent meeting, say party sources

Ontario Conservative EDAs slam nomination process in last election at recent meeting, say party sources

Kicking off the Sept. 11 meeting, Ontario national councillor Christina Mitas invited all EDA presidents to share things that went well in the nomination process and there was silence, according to Conservative sources.

  • 2025-09-21
  • — Hill Times
High-stakes fall sitting ‘first real test’ for Carney and cabinet who have ‘zero latitude for error,’ say Liberal MPs, political players

High-stakes fall sitting ‘first real test’ for Carney and cabinet who have ‘zero latitude for error,’ say Liberal MPs, political players

'Carney still hasn't defined himself in the House of Commons. His style, it's going to be interesting,' said one Liberal MP. With Pierre Poilievre returning to the House as official opposition leader and challenging Mark Carney and the government for the first time since the last election, the fall sitting of Parliament will mark the first real test for prime...

  • 2025-09-15
  • — Hill Times
Former Liberal MP Sorbara joins Finance Minister Champagne’s office

Former Liberal MP Sorbara joins Finance Minister Champagne’s office

Francesco Sorbara is expected to start his new job in Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office this week, according to Audrey Milette, Champagne's director of communications. Former three-term Ontario Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara has joined Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office as a senior exempt ministerial staffer. “His role is caucus relations and investments,” wrote Audrey Milette, director of communications to Champagne...

  • 2025-09-08
  • — Hill Times
Podcast interview not enough: campaign director Byrne should speak to national council about her future role with the party, say senior Conservatives

Podcast interview not enough: campaign director Byrne should speak to national council about her future role with the party, say senior Conservatives

After skipping two national council meetings, Jenni Byrne attended the Aug. 17 meeting where delegate selection rules were passed. Conservative campaign director Jenni Byrne spoke about the party’s April election campaign loss and her future plans in a podcast interview last month, but has yet to brief the national council or the caucus about the same subject. Some senior party...

  • 2025-09-01
  • — Hill Times