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Jesse Cnockaert

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 Jesse Cnockaert.

Economic uncertainty mustn’t overshadow reconciliation commitments, say Indigenous advocates

Economic uncertainty mustn’t overshadow reconciliation commitments, say Indigenous advocates

Long-term, sustained funding and a “Building Canda strong” strategy that doesn’t neglect or overshadow Ottawa’s commitments to Indigenous Peoples are among the important steps towards reconciliation as the country faces a time of economic uncertainty, according to advocates. “In recent years, the federal focus may have shifted toward economic growth and our shared sovereignty, but the federal government must never...

  • 2026-09-30
  • — Hill Times
Carney ‘riding high,’ with elbows-up approach to trade war, but support could falter as economy feels impact, say pollsters

Carney ‘riding high,’ with elbows-up approach to trade war, but support could falter as economy feels impact, say pollsters

A majority of Canadians approve of how Prime Minister Mark Carney has handled trade negotiations with the United States, including recently walking away from a deal, but that support could waiver as economic damage from American tariffs starts setting in, according to pollsters. “Mark Carney has used war-type wording in terms of responding to Canada being attacked, and we’re at...

  • 2026-08-30
  • — Hill Times
Conservatives’ infighting damages chances of closing gap with Liberals: Poilievre dealing with ‘slow erosion with no defined endpoint,’ say political players

Conservatives’ infighting damages chances of closing gap with Liberals: Poilievre dealing with ‘slow erosion with no defined endpoint,’ say political players

'I think it'll persist until there's a time when there is either a new leader, federally, or there's a change in government, provincially,' said Conservative strategist Jeff Rutledge. Tensions and infighting among senior Conservatives recently with jabs on social media and in podcasts show little sign of abating, which could make it harder in the long run for the Conservatives...

  • 2026-08-24
  • — Hill Times
Liberal lead over Conservatives could show ‘crack in the armour’ depending on U.S. trade talks outcome, say strategists, pollsters

Liberal lead over Conservatives could show ‘crack in the armour’ depending on U.S. trade talks outcome, say strategists, pollsters

The clock is ticking down to an Aug. 19 deadline when U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose 50-per-cent duties on more than $20-billion worth of Canadian exports. The lead Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberals hold over the Conservatives is in part attributable to whom Canadians most trust to address looming tariff threats from the United States, although...

  • 2026-08-16
  • — Hill Times
New Strategic Exports Office a step forward in trade diversification, but Canada also faces infrastructure, price-competitiveness challenges, say trade experts

New Strategic Exports Office a step forward in trade diversification, but Canada also faces infrastructure, price-competitiveness challenges, say trade experts

A recently launched federal office mandated with helping domestic companies secure international contracts is a good start in helping reach a goal to double exports to non-U.S. markets, but other important factors in that uphill battle will include expanding trade infrastructure to make Canada’s goods price-competitive, according to trade experts.

  • 2026-08-10
  • — Hill Times
Small and medium-sized businesses warn of ‘entrepreneurial drought’ crisis, lobby feds for a reduction in small business tax rate

Small and medium-sized businesses warn of ‘entrepreneurial drought’ crisis, lobby feds for a reduction in small business tax rate

There is 'significant bleeding from the small business community across Canada' that has been underway for more than a year, says CFIB CEO Dan Kelly. Advocacy on economic issues dominated federal lobbying in the first half of 2026, with representatives of Canada’s small- and medium-sized business sector warning of an unprecedented “entrepreneurial drought” that could add up to big trouble...

  • 2026-08-10
  • — Hill Times
Conservative infighting could be trouble for Poilievre: ‘he just needs to demonstrate some wins,’ say party strategists

Conservative infighting could be trouble for Poilievre: ‘he just needs to demonstrate some wins,’ say party strategists

A wave of Conservative infighting erupted after the Calgary Stampede, and the fall could be tough for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, say some, but Conservative Dan Mader says Poilievre’s leadership is secure. Recent strife amongst senior Conservatives that includes sparring on social media between federal and provincial factions has drawn mixed reactions from party strategists, with some arguing that Conservative...

  • 2026-08-03
  • — Hill Times
Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada among most active lobbying in June, focused on CUSMA: ‘U.S. administration right now is a little unpredictable’

Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada among most active lobbying in June, focused on CUSMA: ‘U.S. administration right now is a little unpredictable’

Canada’s strained trade relationship with the United States was among the major advocacy issues at the federal level in June with the domestic fruit and vegetables sector holding out hope for a renewal of North America’s trilateral free trade pact, despite the deal’s future left in doubt by U.S. President Donald Trump. “[The Canada-United States-Mexico-Agreement] still exists. We are advocating...

  • 2026-07-26
  • — Hill Times
Alberta separation issue draws ‘powerful’ voice in Jason Kenney, with Wab Kinew offering out-of-province view, say strategists

Alberta separation issue draws ‘powerful’ voice in Jason Kenney, with Wab Kinew offering out-of-province view, say strategists

Former Alberta premier and early ‘remain’ supporter Jason Kenney is a “powerful” voice in his ability to reach conservatives on the topic of Alberta separation, say party strategists, while the effectiveness of Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, another prominent anti-secession voice, is drawing mixed reactions. “I think there’s a lot of nuance in both Jason Kenney and Wab Kinew, and the...

  • 2026-06-21
  • — Hill Times
Carney can maintain lead by avoiding scandals, doesn’t need to ‘win’ in CUSMA review, but needs movement on trade, a major project by 2027, say top pollsters

Carney can maintain lead by avoiding scandals, doesn’t need to ‘win’ in CUSMA review, but needs movement on trade, a major project by 2027, say top pollsters

Mark Carney is currently in a 'sweet spot' because it's still relatively early in his government. The time when Canadians could start getting hungry to see results from the prime minister on major projects, such as oil pipelines, might not be until next year, says Nik Nanos. The Liberals’ double-digit lead in the polls is likely to hold in the...

  • 2026-05-11
  • — Hill Times
Carney needs Alberta and Quebec referendum questions ‘put to rest’ to focus on economic challenges, say politicos

Carney needs Alberta and Quebec referendum questions ‘put to rest’ to focus on economic challenges, say politicos

'Even if these votes don't pass, the uncertainty that the sentiment exists could impact the appetite for companies to invest in Canada,' says pollster Nik Nanos. Separatist sentiment in Alberta and Quebec pose risks to investor confidence that could damage Canada’s economy, presenting a challenge for Prime Minister Mark Carney as he tries to pursue a national unity agenda in...

  • 2026-04-26
  • — Hill Times
Former Liberal MP warns of unintended consequences to MP rights in Lobbying Act review: ‘if we continue down this road, you know where it ends? Ankle bracelets for lobbyists’

Former Liberal MP warns of unintended consequences to MP rights in Lobbying Act review: ‘if we continue down this road, you know where it ends? Ankle bracelets for lobbyists’

Proposed rule changes intended to increase transparency for federal lobbying may also result in an encroachment on MPs’ individual rights, warned a former MP speaking to the House Ethics Committee during its much-anticipated review of the Lobbying Act. “I think [designated public office holders’] rights are being eroded through stealth, and I think they need to put some light on...

  • 2026-04-24
  • — Hill Times
Anti-hate bill has some ambiguity, but won’t stop legitimate symbol displays, say lawyers

Anti-hate bill has some ambiguity, but won’t stop legitimate symbol displays, say lawyers

Critics of the government’s anti-hate bill now working its way through the Senate are concerned about possible infringement on “fundamental freedoms” due to vague wording, but legal experts argue the bill won’t criminalize Bible passages or legitimate displays of symbols. “The bill has some explicit removal of the ‘good faith’ defence in religious speech, but that doesn’t mean that there’s...

  • 2026-04-19
  • — Hill Times
Liberals see path forward for budget bill, but Conservatives still have ‘huge concerns’ with cabinet’s ‘regulatory sandbox’

Liberals see path forward for budget bill, but Conservatives still have ‘huge concerns’ with cabinet’s ‘regulatory sandbox’

Despite a slow start in late 2025, Liberal members of the House Finance Committee say they finally see signs of progress towards passing the government’s massive budget implementation bill, although opposition MPs continue to object to a clause in the legislation they argue would grant federal ministers unprecedented powers “like those of a king.”

  • 2026-02-15
  • — Hill Times
House winter session expected to be ‘very consequential’ with affordability issues, global trade, and possible referendums, say politicos

House winter session expected to be ‘very consequential’ with affordability issues, global trade, and possible referendums, say politicos

A “train wreck” of issues on the global stage and the looming question of sovereignty in both Alberta and Quebec are likely to make the winter session of Parliament “very consequential,” with many Canadians also looking to Prime Minister Mark Carney for strength in handling international issues like trade and domestic issues such as affordability, according to political pundits.

  • 2026-01-26
  • — Hill Times
Stalled legislation means Liberals ‘on the hunt’ for opposition MPs to cross over to achieve majority, say politicos

Stalled legislation means Liberals ‘on the hunt’ for opposition MPs to cross over to achieve majority, say politicos

Seven bills tabled since the start of the 45th Parliament began reached royal assent before the winter break, of which three, C-6, C-7 and C-17, were appropriation bills. Of the remaining bills still moving through the legislative process, several are 'core to the government’s overall agenda,' says Dan Arnold. Any legislation related to the border with the U.S. would be...

  • 2025-12-22
  • — Hill Times
As Canada feels the strain of U.S. trade war, pressure heats up on innovation sector

As Canada feels the strain of U.S. trade war, pressure heats up on innovation sector

Economic uncertainty due to the current trade war with the United States is putting some pressure on innovation and industry in Canada, and powering through will require a strategy involving emphasis on not just developing new products, but how to adopt new ideas, say experts. “I think that’s one of our big weaknesses in Canada; we fixate too much on...

  • 2025-10-19
  • — Hill Times
Middle-class tax cut and trade barriers to form top priorities in early Carney government

Middle-class tax cut and trade barriers to form top priorities in early Carney government

Prime Minister Mark Carney set a goal of removing federal barriers to internal trade by July 1, along with implementing a middle-class tax cut that he said would save two-income families up to $825 a year.

  • 2025-05-24
  • — Hill Times
Liberals’ lead could change if domestic concerns surpass U.S. tensions, says pundits, pollster

Liberals’ lead could change if domestic concerns surpass U.S. tensions, says pundits, pollster

The Liberals have been boosted in the polls because of public concern about how Canada should deal with the United States, but a shift in focus to more domestic policy issues could make the outcome of the election much harder to predict, say lobbyists and pundits. “The way I see it is, these last two weeks have been marred and...

  • 2025-04-12
  • — Hill Times
Trump’s lies are like ‘psychological warfare,’ say political experts

Trump’s lies are like ‘psychological warfare,’ say political experts

Lies spread by United States President Donald Trump intended to influence public opinion, including falsehoods about Russia’s war with Ukraine or about illegal activities along the Canada-U.S. border, could be called psychological warfare, according to the director of the Centre for Security, Armed Forces, and Society at the Royal Military College of Canada.

  • 2025-03-10
  • — Hill Times
Election priorities shifting to U.S. trade war, say pollsters, strategists: ‘it’s an existential crisis to our country’

Election priorities shifting to U.S. trade war, say pollsters, strategists: ‘it’s an existential crisis to our country’

Choosing a prime minister who can contend with U.S. President Donald Trump and the economic ramifications of a tariff war is expected to emerge as the top priority in Canada’s upcoming federal election, especially now that Liberal leadership candidates are backing away from the carbon tax, according to some pollsters and strategists.

  • 2025-01-27
  • — Hill Times
Closing housing gap ‘not going to happen’ by 2030, but steps being taken in right direction, says Canadian Home Builders’ Association CEO

Closing housing gap ‘not going to happen’ by 2030, but steps being taken in right direction, says Canadian Home Builders’ Association CEO

Canada is years behind in closing an estimated housing gap of 5.8 million new units needed by 2030, according to the CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, who adds that a recent call from the Conservatives to eliminate GST barriers on the sale of new homes is putting “even more focus” on housing affordability.

  • 2024-12-13
  • — Hill Times
‘Tense’ fall sitting begins, with Liberals under pressure from Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, say pollsters, lobbyists

‘Tense’ fall sitting begins, with Liberals under pressure from Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, say pollsters, lobbyists

Affordability and the economy will likely be top priorities in a tense fall sitting of Parliament, with the recently scrapped supply-and-confidence deal putting the Liberals under heightened pressure from the NDP and the Bloc Québécois, say pollsters and lobbyists.

  • 2024-09-16
  • — Hill Times
Lobbying change requiring more detail in comms reports draws concern about advocacy ‘chill’ from GRIC and PAAC

Lobbying change requiring more detail in comms reports draws concern about advocacy ‘chill’ from GRIC and PAAC

A rule change coming up in October requiring lobbyists to be more specific in reports about what they discuss with public office holders—a move intended by the lobbying commissioner to improve transparency—is raising concern among some government relations professionals who argue this could have a chilling affect on advocacy.

  • 2024-08-30
  • — Hill Times
Project 2025 could render trade and other agreements with U.S. uncertain, say political players

Project 2025 could render trade and other agreements with U.S. uncertain, say political players

Project 2025 and a proposed Republican party platform in the United States could have serious implications for Canada in terms of trade, energy, and other issues, depending on the outcome of the November presidential election, although the Liberal co-chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, and lobbyists and pollsters say many Canadians know very little about the more than 900-page document.

  • 2024-08-12
  • — Hill Times
Liberal leadership and policy choices post-byelection loss will shape advocacy strategies leading up to 2025 election, say lobbyists

Liberal leadership and policy choices post-byelection loss will shape advocacy strategies leading up to 2025 election, say lobbyists

The Liberals’ recent devastating byelection loss in a Toronto riding is prompting lobbyists to adjust their advocacy strategies in response to a government that could start scrambling for short-term policy wins or a possible shift in party leadership despite the prime minister’s insistence he isn’t going anywhere.

  • 2024-07-05
  • — Hill Times
‘Loose’ nominations need tightening to combat foreign interference, say political players

‘Loose’ nominations need tightening to combat foreign interference, say political players

Party leaders who have so far read the unredacted version of a recent bombshell foreign interference report are saying more tools are needed to help protect Canada’s democratic processes, with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May arguing solutions should include putting nominations and party leadership races under the purview of the Canada Elections Act.

  • 2024-06-17
  • — Hill Times