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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.

Stretch between potential April 2 U.S. tariffs and voting day will be ‘critical’ to the election outcome, say political players

Stretch between potential April 2 U.S. tariffs and voting day will be ‘critical’ to the election outcome, say political players

Seizing the momentum amid the United States’ trade war with Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney has called an early election—a...

  • 2025-03-26
  • — Hill Times
Federal election one of ‘most consequential’ in Canadian history, say political players

Federal election one of ‘most consequential’ in Canadian history, say political players

The winner of this election will be handed a list of issues that will be outside their control, says pollster...

  • 2025-03-24
  • — Hill Times
Ford-Carney relationship could provide federal Liberals with crucial boost in Ontario, says Coletto

Ford-Carney relationship could provide federal Liberals with crucial boost in Ontario, says Coletto

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s positive remarks about Prime Minister Mark Carney weaken Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s change narrative, says pollster...

  • 2025-03-21
  • — Hill Times
Carney Liberals reach out to prominent Tories and New Democrats to recruit ‘star’ candidates for next election

Carney Liberals reach out to prominent Tories and New Democrats to recruit ‘star’ candidates for next election

Sources told The Hill Times that Priti Obhrai-Martin, daughter of the late Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai, is seeking the Liberal...

  • 2025-03-16
  • — Hill Times
Liberals, Conservatives gripped in a tie, next election will be ‘like a knife fight in a telephone booth,’ with Trump as disruptor: Nanos

Liberals, Conservatives gripped in a tie, next election will be ‘like a knife fight in a telephone booth,’ with Trump as disruptor: Nanos

Newly minted Prime Minister Mark Carney—who was sworn in as prime minister on March 14—secured a convincing landslide victory in...

  • 2025-03-17
  • — Hill Times
Liberal caucus more focused on getting re-elected in a snap election than on who makes cabinet, say MPs

Liberal caucus more focused on getting re-elected in a snap election than on who makes cabinet, say MPs

Former B.C. premier Christy Clark says she has not made a final decision on whether she will run in the...

  • 2025-03-11
  • — Hill Times
NDP should be ‘very concerned’ about strategic voting as progressive voters shift to Liberals, say pollsters

NDP should be ‘very concerned’ about strategic voting as progressive voters shift to Liberals, say pollsters

With progressive voters shifting in large numbers to the Liberals to prevent a Pierre Poilievre-led Conservative government, according to the...

  • 2025-03-10
  • — Hill Times
Former central banker Carney takes Liberal leadership in landslide win on first ballot

Former central banker Carney takes Liberal leadership in landslide win on first ballot

Mark Carney dominates the results with 85.9 per cent of the vote ahead of former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland...

  • 2025-03-09
  • — Hill Times
With potential federal election on the horizon, MPs and candidates secure campaign offices, order signs, and assemble teams

With potential federal election on the horizon, MPs and candidates secure campaign offices, order signs, and assemble teams

But if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs this month, the governing Liberals may also find it challenging to call...

  • 2025-03-03
  • — Hill Times
Trump’s tariffs have ‘just freaked everybody out’: some senior Conservatives fear losing support to Liberals

Trump’s tariffs have ‘just freaked everybody out’: some senior Conservatives fear losing support to Liberals

As the federal Liberals continue to regain lost political ground, the Conservatives are increasingly concerned about their electoral prospects, and...

  • 2025-02-24
  • — Hill Times
During those two critical Feb. 3 calls, Trump and Trudeau talked tariffs, football, and Freeland’s Liberal leadership bid, according to sources

During those two critical Feb. 3 calls, Trump and Trudeau talked tariffs, football, and Freeland’s Liberal leadership bid, according to sources

U.S. President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Canada discriminates against the U.S. goods by imposing a sales tax, which Prime...

  • 2025-02-17
  • — Hill Times
‘High-risk poker’: new Liberal leader should trigger election before House returns on March 24, says Liberal MP Lamoureux

‘High-risk poker’: new Liberal leader should trigger election before House returns on March 24, says Liberal MP Lamoureux

Some Liberal MPs want the next election to be called shortly after the party’s new leader is chosen on March...

  • 2025-02-17
  • — Hill Times
‘Canada First rally’ expected to be major rebranding of Conservative campaign, say senior Tories

‘Canada First rally’ expected to be major rebranding of Conservative campaign, say senior Tories

The Conservative Party’s upcoming rally in Ottawa is expected to serve as a major rebranding effort, shifting the focus from...

  • 2025-02-07
  • — Hill Times
Liberal MPs Battiste and Kelloway spar over nomination for same Nova Scotia seat

Liberal MPs Battiste and Kelloway spar over nomination for same Nova Scotia seat

A war of words is raging between Nova Scotia Liberal MPs Mike Kelloway and Jaime Battiste over who should be...

  • 2025-02-08
  • — Hill Times
Trudeau’s exit, Trump’s rhetoric, and plan to scrap carbon tax tighten polls, say pollsters

Trudeau’s exit, Trump’s rhetoric, and plan to scrap carbon tax tighten polls, say pollsters

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s early January announcement that he will step down as party leader, U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric...

  • 2025-02-03
  • — Hill Times
Jan. 30 deadline for $50,000 non-refundable deposit could shrink Liberal leadership field, say party insiders

Jan. 30 deadline for $50,000 non-refundable deposit could shrink Liberal leadership field, say party insiders

After today’s deadline, leadership candidates must pay an additional non-refundable $250,000 to the party, as required by leadership election rules.

  • 2025-01-30
  • — Hill Times
Some Liberals want election called before House returns on March 24

Some Liberals want election called before House returns on March 24

The success and failure of a potential Liberal call for an early election will depend on where the U.S. tariff...

  • 2025-01-27
  • — Hill Times
To succeed Trudeau, Liberal leadership race winner must secure 17,151 points across 343 ridings

To succeed Trudeau, Liberal leadership race winner must secure 17,151 points across 343 ridings

The Liberals will elect Justin Trudeau’s successor across 343 reconstituted federal ridings, with each riding equally weighted at 100 points...

  • 2025-01-20
  • — Hill Times
With an election looming, Liberal MPs to return to Ottawa to plot election readiness

With an election looming, Liberal MPs to return to Ottawa to plot election readiness

The national Liberal caucus is meeting on Thursday and Friday on the Hill, with regional caucus meetings to start on...

  • 2025-01-17
  • — Hill Times
Carney expected to launch Liberal leadership bid in Edmonton Thursday: sources

Carney expected to launch Liberal leadership bid in Edmonton Thursday: sources

Barring a major surprise to shift his plans, Mark Carney is expected to launch his Liberal leadership campaign on Jan...

  • 2025-01-13
  • — Hill Times
‘Anything’s possible now’: Liberal MPs shift from ‘hopelessness to optimism’ after Trudeau bows out, though this could fade without the ‘right’ leader

‘Anything’s possible now’: Liberal MPs shift from ‘hopelessness to optimism’ after Trudeau bows out, though this could fade without the ‘right’ leader

Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement last week that he would not lead the party in the next election, Liberal...

  • 2025-01-13
  • — Hill Times
Liberal leadership candidates can pay $350,000 entry fee in instalments, but unclear if any portion is refundable

Liberal leadership candidates can pay $350,000 entry fee in instalments, but unclear if any portion is refundable

The Liberal Party has set the highest entry fee for a leadership election in Canadian history, which can be paid...

  • 2025-01-11
  • — Hill Times
‘He’s our best bet’: several Liberal MPs urging Finance Minister LeBlanc to rethink decision not to seek Liberal leadership

‘He’s our best bet’: several Liberal MPs urging Finance Minister LeBlanc to rethink decision not to seek Liberal leadership

Liberal MP Judy Sgro says she's 'doing everything' she can to get a 'draft Dominic' LeBlanc movement going to change...

  • 2025-01-08
  • — Hill Times
PM Trudeau, Liberal HQ undecided on whether sitting cabinet ministers can run for leadership

PM Trudeau, Liberal HQ undecided on whether sitting cabinet ministers can run for leadership

Several senior cabinet ministers in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government are considering running for the Liberal leadership as he prepares...

  • 2025-01-07
  • — Hill Times
Businessman and former Grit MP Baylis first out of the gate to announce bid for Liberal leadership

Businessman and former Grit MP Baylis first out of the gate to announce bid for Liberal leadership

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s much-anticipated announcement on the morning of Jan. 6 that he will resign as prime minister...

  • 2025-01-06
  • — Hill Times
If Trudeau announces he’s stepping down, expect another cabinet shuffle, say Liberal sources

If Trudeau announces he’s stepping down, expect another cabinet shuffle, say Liberal sources

If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces he will step down when Liberals meet for a special caucus meeting this coming...

  • 2025-01-04
  • — Hill Times
‘He knows it just as we do’: internal emails show Liberal MPs speculating about Trudeau’s expected resignation and the roadmap ahead

‘He knows it just as we do’: internal emails show Liberal MPs speculating about Trudeau’s expected resignation and the roadmap ahead

Stepping down as Liberal leader is the 'only way forward' for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, says Liberal MP Judy Sgro...

  • 2024-12-30
  • — Hill Times
Liberal MP Chahal urges Trudeau to stop ‘needless reflection’ and resign, accusing ‘cabal’ around Trudeau of a ‘reckless strategy’ of ‘mutual political destruction’

Liberal MP Chahal urges Trudeau to stop ‘needless reflection’ and resign, accusing ‘cabal’ around Trudeau of a ‘reckless strategy’ of ‘mutual political destruction’

Alberta Liberal MP George Chahal has sent a letter to his 152 caucus colleagues urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to...

  • 2024-12-27
  • — Hill Times
As Trudeau reflects on his political future, a flurry of post-Trudeau leadership politics already unfolding behind the scenes

As Trudeau reflects on his political future, a flurry of post-Trudeau leadership politics already unfolding behind the scenes

Some Liberals are already ‘jockeying’ for the interim leader’s position, say Liberal MPs. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflects on...

  • 2024-12-26
  • — Hill Times
With Trudeau reflecting on his future, some senior cabinet ministers, including national campaign co-chair Ferrada, said to be exploring other options, say Liberal sources

With Trudeau reflecting on his future, some senior cabinet ministers, including national campaign co-chair Ferrada, said to be exploring other options, say Liberal sources

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is consulting his most trusted political aides about his future, say some Liberal sources. Following Chrystia...

  • 2024-12-18
  • — Hill Times
‘He’s in big trouble,’ and after Monday evening’s emergency caucus meeting, all eyes are on Trudeau’s next move, say some Liberal MPs

‘He’s in big trouble,’ and after Monday evening’s emergency caucus meeting, all eyes are on Trudeau’s next move, say some Liberal MPs

Following Monday evening’s emergency national caucus meeting where Liberal MPs expressed their concerns about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership and...

  • 2024-12-18
  • — Hill Times
PM Trudeau appears to have reached a decision about his future, but he’s not yet prepared to announce it, say some Liberal MPs

PM Trudeau appears to have reached a decision about his future, but he’s not yet prepared to announce it, say some Liberal MPs

Unlike the Oct. 23 national Liberal caucus meeting, at Monday's national caucus meeting, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘absorbed the message’...

  • 2024-12-17
  • — Hill Times
PMO considers reviving Canada-U.S. relations war room, says a senior government source

PMO considers reviving Canada-U.S. relations war room, says a senior government source

Some PMO officials working on Canada-U.S. file include chief of staff Katie Telford, deputy chief of staff Brian Clow, senior...

  • 2024-12-16
  • — Hill Times
To address Trump’s border concerns, feds expected to spend more than $1-billion: senior government source

To address Trump’s border concerns, feds expected to spend more than $1-billion: senior government source

In the next cabinet shuffle expected later this month or next, U.S.-Canada relations will be a key factor in Prime...

  • 2024-12-09
  • — Hill Times
Some Liberal MPs upset with Trudeau for not consulting caucus or cabinet before announcing two-month GST holiday and $250 cheques

Some Liberal MPs upset with Trudeau for not consulting caucus or cabinet before announcing two-month GST holiday and $250 cheques

If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had consulted his caucus and cabinet before unveiling the two-month GST holiday and $250 payments...

  • 2024-12-02
  • — Hill Times
PCO clerk subject of human rights complaint over Israeli-Palestinian conflict

PCO clerk subject of human rights complaint over Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Some members of the federal public service have questioned Privy Council Office Clerk John Hannaford’s neutrality following his decision to...

  • 2024-11-25
  • — Hill Times
Trudeau should be specific on government’s plans to address challenges posed by Trump administration, say political insiders

Trudeau should be specific on government’s plans to address challenges posed by Trump administration, say political insiders

As Canada braces for significant shifts in its relationship with its largest trading partner and neighbour following Donald Trump’s inauguration...

  • 2024-11-18
  • — Hill Times
Amid growing questions over his leadership, Trudeau looks ahead as PMO, PCO vet some MPs for cabinet and PS positions

Amid growing questions over his leadership, Trudeau looks ahead as PMO, PCO vet some MPs for cabinet and PS positions

As some Liberal caucus members push for a secret ballot on Justin Trudeau’s leadership, the Prime Minister’s Office and the...

  • 2024-11-04
  • — Hill Times
Impasse between PM Trudeau and dissidents frustrates Liberal grassroots, and a ‘distraction’ to governing, say insiders

Impasse between PM Trudeau and dissidents frustrates Liberal grassroots, and a ‘distraction’ to governing, say insiders

The attempt to oust the PM at caucus was ‘unorganized’ and ‘haphazard’ said ex-Liberal staffer Nick McRoberts, but other forms...

  • 2024-10-28
  • — Hill Times
B.C. Liberal MP Weiler read a letter to Trudeau and caucus on behalf of dissenting MPs, calling for the prime minister’s resignation

B.C. Liberal MP Weiler read a letter to Trudeau and caucus on behalf of dissenting MPs, calling for the prime minister’s resignation

Two-term B.C. Liberal MP Patrick Weiler read out a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the party’s national caucus...

  • 2024-10-23
  • — Hill Times
Liberal MPs say ‘anything is possible’ at caucus meeting ahead of expected leadership challenge

Liberal MPs say ‘anything is possible’ at caucus meeting ahead of expected leadership challenge

Some Liberal MPs say they are expecting a boisterous national caucus meeting discussing their leader’s future following a preview at...

  • 2024-10-22
  • — Hill Times
Liberal caucus should have adopted Reform Act for process to oust Trudeau, says MP Casey

Liberal caucus should have adopted Reform Act for process to oust Trudeau, says MP Casey

Having the mechanism would provide ‘more structure’ and make any decision ‘a bit more final,’ says Liberal MP John McKay...

  • 2024-10-22
  • — Hill Times
Expect an ‘ugly fight’ over Trudeau’s leadership at national Liberal caucus meeting, say Grit MPs

Expect an ‘ugly fight’ over Trudeau’s leadership at national Liberal caucus meeting, say Grit MPs

After nine years in power, and polling 20 points behind the Conservatives for more than a year, Prime Minister Justin...

  • 2024-10-18
  • — Hill Times
‘Making us look like fools’: Liberal MPs Naqvi and Arya rebuke public efforts to oust Trudeau

‘Making us look like fools’: Liberal MPs Naqvi and Arya rebuke public efforts to oust Trudeau

In response to reports that more than 20 Liberal MPs are readying an effort to call on Prime Minister Justin...

  • 2024-10-16
  • — Hill Times
‘Enough is enough’: nervous Liberal MPs push for Trudeau’s exit before the next election

‘Enough is enough’: nervous Liberal MPs push for Trudeau’s exit before the next election

As some in the Liberal caucus organize a call for the prime minister’s resignation, a number of former Liberal MPs...

  • 2024-10-12
  • — Hill Times
Despite plunging polling numbers, some Liberal MPs put on a brave face

Despite plunging polling numbers, some Liberal MPs put on a brave face

Meanwhile, Liberal pundit Scott Reid said on Sept. 29 on social media: 'If you're like me and you were wondering...

  • 2024-10-04
  • — Hill Times
Bloc Québécois gains at Liberals’ expense could ease path for Conservative majority in 2025, say political players

Bloc Québécois gains at Liberals’ expense could ease path for Conservative majority in 2025, say political players

The growing support for the Bloc Québécois poses a challenge for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals as it will pave...

  • 2024-09-23
  • — Hill Times
Rodriguez stepping down triggers speculation about cabinet shuffle

Rodriguez stepping down triggers speculation about cabinet shuffle

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Transport Minister and Quebec lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez is expected to resign his cabinet position on Thursday...

  • 2024-09-18
  • — Hill Times
Heritage Minister St-Onge makes history as first openly lesbian cabinet minister to take parental leave

Heritage Minister St-Onge makes history as first openly lesbian cabinet minister to take parental leave

In a historic step forward for LGBTQ+ representation and work-life balance in federal politics, Canada’s federal Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge...

  • 2024-09-14
  • — Hill Times
Liberal MPs unclear about party’s strategy for 2025 at final summer retreat before next federal election

Liberal MPs unclear about party’s strategy for 2025 at final summer retreat before next federal election

If the Liberals lose the Montreal byelection on Sept. 16, more MPs will speak up criticizing their leadership, say some...

  • 2024-09-13
  • — Hill Times
Only pushback from members will drive party leadership to loosen grip on nominations, say campaign veterans

Only pushback from members will drive party leadership to loosen grip on nominations, say campaign veterans

To ensure free, fair, and transparent nomination contests, rank-and-file party members must communicate an unequivocal message to their respective leadership...

  • 2024-09-06
  • — Hill Times
Liberal caucus off to B.C. for annual summer retreat to brainstorm fall parliamentary game plan

Liberal caucus off to B.C. for annual summer retreat to brainstorm fall parliamentary game plan

Liberal MP Marcus Powlowski says the caucus needs to discuss 'how to address people's dissatisfaction with our direction as the...

  • 2024-09-02
  • — Hill Times
Top Liberals internally temper expectations on high-stakes byelection in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Que.

Top Liberals internally temper expectations on high-stakes byelection in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Que.

Following the surprise loss of the Liberal stronghold of Toronto-St. Paul’s, Ont., back in June, top Liberals are now cautiously...

  • 2024-08-26
  • — Hill Times
Liberal-NDP supply-and-confidence deal and U.S. engagement top items on cabinet retreat agenda

Liberal-NDP supply-and-confidence deal and U.S. engagement top items on cabinet retreat agenda

Against the backdrop of a record number of Atlantic Canadians voicing dissatisfaction with the Liberal government’s performance, Prime Minister Justin...

  • 2024-08-24
  • — Hill Times
Halifax Liberal MP Fillmore not resigning seat until end of month, but NDP candidate Roberts campaigning for months

Halifax Liberal MP Fillmore not resigning seat until end of month, but NDP candidate Roberts campaigning for months

A closely contested byelection is expected in the swing riding of Halifax, N.S., when the seat becomes vacant this month...

  • 2024-08-19
  • — Hill Times
With Halifax cabinet retreat quickly approaching, MPs and staffers eagerly await for anticipated shuffle

With Halifax cabinet retreat quickly approaching, MPs and staffers eagerly await for anticipated shuffle

With the Aug. 25-27 Halifax, N.S., cabinet retreat around the corner, backbench Liberal MPs, staffers, and insiders say they are...

  • 2024-08-13
  • — Hill Times
Rodriguez’s speculative Quebec Liberal leadership bid not a question of if but when, say Liberal sources

Rodriguez’s speculative Quebec Liberal leadership bid not a question of if but when, say Liberal sources

Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez’s office is downplaying speculation that he’s seriously considering jumping into Quebec provincial politics, but sources...

  • 2024-08-09
  • — Hill Times
‘It could be a great night for the NDP’: potential byelection wins could trigger end of Lib-NDP agreement, say political players

‘It could be a great night for the NDP’: potential byelection wins could trigger end of Lib-NDP agreement, say political players

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called two byelections in vacant ridings in Quebec and Manitoba, and some are predicting the...

  • 2024-08-05
  • — Hill Times
Trudeau needs a compelling narrative on why he wants a fourth term, say political insiders

Trudeau needs a compelling narrative on why he wants a fourth term, say political insiders

Since the June 24 byelection loss, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left a communications vacuum that needs to be filled...

  • 2024-07-29
  • — Hill Times
Trudeau expected to shuffle his cabinet before retreat, say Liberal sources

Trudeau expected to shuffle his cabinet before retreat, say Liberal sources

With MPs demanding a change in the front bench, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to shuffle his cabinet before...

  • 2024-07-18
  • — Hill Times