Dutch Princess Margriet visiting birthplace, attending tulip festival while in Ottawa
OTTAWA -- Princess Margriet of the Netherlands is in Ottawa this week, where she plans to visit her birthplace and attend the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Catherine Morrison
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Civil society leaders call for halt to Canada-Ecuador free trade agreement
OTTAWA -- Several Canadian organizations and civil society leaders are calling for a halt to a Canada-Ecuador free trade agreement, which they say will pose a risk to the environment and exacerbate a human rights crisis in Ecuador.
Senior diplomat skeptical of Carney's middle powers pitch
Malaysia's high commissioner in Canada says she is skeptical about Prime Minister Mark Carney's push to have middle powers band together against the great power of the world's dominant nations. Shazelina Abidin told the Canadian Global Affairs Institute's annual trade conference in Ottawa on Tuesday that Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum was profound, not because of its content...
Senior diplomat skeptical of Carney's middle powers pitch
OTTAWA -- Malaysia's high commissioner in Canada says she is skeptical about Prime Minister Mark Carney's push to have middle powers band together against the great power of the world's dominant nations.
Unions call for flexibility as executive federal staff return to the office full-time
Unions representing workers across the country were calling on governments to be flexible Monday after executives in the federal public service started a new work schedule that will see them on-site in the office five days a week. The Treasury Board announced the change to remote work rules in February and said all other employees will have to be in...
Unions call for flexibility as executive federal staff return to the office full-time
OTTAWA -- Unions representing workers across the country were calling on governments to be flexible Monday after executives in the federal public service started a new work schedule that will see them on-site in the office five days a week.
Federal public service union calls wage offers 'insulting' and 'unacceptable'
OTTAWA -- A union representing more than 120,000 federal public servants whose contracts are up for renegotiation says wage offers presented by the federal government are "insulting" and "unacceptable."
Auditor general reports on avian flu vaccines, First Nations funding
OTTAWA -- Two federal watchdogs released five audits Monday, including probes into federal workplace accessibility and avian flu.
Executive public servants returning to the office on a full-time basis today
OTTAWA -- Starting today, executives in the federal public service are expected to work on-site in the office five days a week.
Senator says growing list of vacancies signals 'the end of an era' for independence
Senators say they're concerned about the growing list of vacancies in the upper chamber, as the appointment process for new members remains unclear. There are currently nine vacant seats in the Senate, with six more senators due to retire by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney has not appointed any senators since taking office last spring.
Non-profit, union wary of federal plan to amend food inspection, pest control acts
OTTAWA -- A non-profit says it's concerned about the government's plan to amend food safety laws to take food security and affordability into account, and is arguing Ottawa is prioritizing trade over the health of Canadians.
Senator says growing list of vacancies signals 'the end of an era' for independence
OTTAWA -- Senators say they're concerned about the growing list of vacancies in the upper chamber, as the appointment process for new members remains unclear.
Canada looking to wrap a trio of trade deals this year: minister
Canada's international trade minister says the government is looking to sign three major trade deals before the end of the year -- with Mercosur, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India. Speaking with The Canadian Press this week, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Ottawa has teams of negotiators in different parts of the world almost every week. He...
Canada looking to wrap a trio of trade deals this year: minister
OTTAWA -- Canada's international trade minister says the government is looking to sign three major trade deals before the end of the year -- with Mercosur, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India.
Minister says Liberals want committees 'open' after Tories accuse them of secrecy
OTTAWA -- As the Conservatives accuse the government of abusing its new-found majority powers, government House leader Steven MacKinnon is saying the Liberals want to ensure committee meetings are "transparent" and "open."
Minister says Liberals want to keep committees 'transparent' and 'open'
OTTAWA -- As his party is roundly criticized for forcing committee debate behind closed doors, government House leader Steven MacKinnon says the Liberal government wants to ensure committee meetings are transparent and open.
Feds to announce funding for Canada Soccer national training centre: source
OTTAWA -- The federal government is set to make a major funding announcement for a Canada Soccer national training centre today.
Feds to announce funding for Canada Soccer national training centre: source
The federal government is set to make a major funding announcement for a Canada Soccer national training centre today. A government source, who did not disclose how much funding will be announced, says the money will go to plan, design and pre-construct the centre. The federal government announced in its spring economic update this week that it's setting aside $66...
New PBO says economic update lacks details on targets, results
Canada's new parliamentary budget officer says the government's spring economic update lacks details on spending targets and results. Annette Ryan, who appeared before the House of Commons government operations committee today, says the update provided some metrics on progress but few mentions of risks and specific objectives. She says it instead introduced a range of new and und
Liberals shut down committee debate on $6.6-billion IT project
Opposition MPs say the Liberals used their new power as a majority government today to shelve debate on demands the government provide documents about a $6.6 billion IT project that has gone far over budget. While the project to modernize the systems the government uses to deliver benefits to Canadians, such as old age security, launched in 2017 with a...
Liberals shut down committee debate on $6.6-billion IT project
OTTAWA -- Opposition MPs say the Liberals used their new power as a majority government today to shelve debate on calls for the government to provide documents about a $6.6 billion IT project that has gone far over budget.
New PBO says economic update lacks details on targets, results
OTTAWA -- Canada's new parliamentary budget officer criticized the government's spring economic update on Thursday for lacking details on spending targets and results.
Liberals table first fiscal document in seven years that won't need opposition votes
OTTAWA -- The Liberal government released a spring economic update Tuesday closely focused on boosting investment and job training.
Spring economic update includes plans to cut spending on consultants, protect whales
OTTAWA -- The federal government tabled its spring economic update on Tuesday, projecting a $66.9 billion deficit for the fiscal year which ended on March 31.
NDP leader says he won't run in Quebec byelection after Boulerice announces departure
OTTAWA -- NDP Leader Avi Lewis said Monday he won't run in an upcoming Quebec byelection to fill a seat being left vacant by Alexandre Boulerice.
Canadian manufacturers call for tariffs on global imports of wood products
Canadian wood manufacturers are welcoming a trade inquiry into wood imports but say the investigation needs to be followed by immediate provisional tariffs on foreign-made goods entering the country. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the government had directed the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to launch an inquiry into global imports of wood cabinets and vanities, hardwood flooring...
Canadian manufacturers call for tariffs on global imports of wood products
OTTAWA -- Canadian wood manufacturers are welcoming a trade inquiry into wood imports but say the investigation needs to be followed by immediate provisional tariffs on foreign-made goods entering the country.
NDP leader says he won't run in Quebec byelection after Boulerice announces departure
NDP Leader Avi Lewis said Monday he won't run in an upcoming Quebec byelection to fill a seat being left vacant by Alexandre Boulerice. Boulerice officially announced Monday he is leaving Parliament to run provincially for the Quebec solidaire after spending 15 years as an MP. He will sit as an Independent until he formally resigns his seat in the...
NDP leader says he won't run in Quebec byelection as Boulerice announces departure
OTTAWA -- NDP Leader Avi Lewis said Monday he won't run in an upcoming Quebec byelection to fill a seat being left vacant by Alexandre Boulerice.
Federal government delays plan to shut down Quebec food allergy lab: union
OTTAWA -- A union representing Canadian Food Inspection Agency employees says the federal government is delaying a plan to shutter a food allergy testing lab in Quebec by two years.
Global Affairs staff exempt from return-to-office order due to lack of space
Most employees working at Global Affairs Canada won't have to return to the office four days a week this summer due to a lack of space. Treasury Board announced earlier this year that public service executives will have to work on-site five days per week starting May 4, and all other federal employees must be in the office four days...
Global Affairs staff exempt from return-to-office order due to lack of space
OTTAWA -- Most employees working at Global Affairs Canada won't have to return to the office four days a week this summer due to a lack of space.
RCMP charges consultant with fraudulently overbilling the federal government
OTTAWA -- The RCMP says it has charged a consultant with fraudulently overbilling the federal government.
Liberals move to take control of House committees now that they've secured majority
The Liberals are moving to take control of House of Commons committees now that they've secured a majority government. House leader Steven MacKinnon says in a social media post that the Liberals will seek to change the standing orders, the rules that govern the Commons, to ensure they have the most votes on committees. Majority governments traditionally hold a majority...
MPs approve Annette Ryan as the next Parliamentary Budget Officer in House vote
OTTAWA -- Members of Parliament voted today to approve the appointment of Annette Ryan as Canada's next Parliamentary Budget Officer.
MPs approve Annette Ryan as the next Parliamentary Budget Officer in House vote
Members of Parliament voted today to approve the appointment of Annette Ryan as Canada's next Parliamentary Budget Officer. MPs approved her appointment in a 164 to 153 vote, with Bloc Quebecois and Conservatives voting against her nomination. Ryan, a longtime public servant and the current deputy director at Canada's financial intelligence agency, Fintrac, was named as cabinet's pick to lead...
Canada Post reports record $1.57-billion loss in 2025
Canada Post has released its annual report, detailing a $1.57-billion loss before tax for 2025. The Crown corporation said in a news release the record loss highlights the need to transform and move away from cash injections. The report said the company’s annual loss widened by $728 million, or 86.7 per cent, compared to a loss of $841 million the...
Poilievre says Carney 'pushing fear' in address to Canadians on U.S. relations
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Prime Minister Mark Carney was "pushing fear" in a recent address to Canadians on the relationship with the U.S. In a 10-minute video posted to social media on Sunday, Carney said Canada's deep economic ties with the U.S. used to be a major strength, but are now a source of weakness. The prime minister said...
Canada Post reports record $1.57-billion loss in 2025
OTTAWA -- Canada Post has released its annual report, detailing a $1.57-billion loss before tax for 2025.
Poilievre says Carney 'pushing fear' in address to Canadians on U.S. relations
OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of "pushing fear" in a recent address to Canadians on the relationship with the U.S.
Canada, Mercosur aiming to sign free trade deal this year: Brazilian official
Eight years after Canada launched free trade negotiations with the Mercosur bloc of nations, a Brazilian official says an agreement is on track to be signed by the end of the year. Paula Barboza, director for extra-regional negotiations and economic governance at Brazil's ministry of foreign affairs, told The Canadian Press the talks have been propelled by a "political push"...
Canada, Mercosur aiming to sign free trade deal this year: Brazilian official
OTTAWA -- Eight years after Canada launched free trade negotiations with the Mercosur bloc of nations, a Brazilian official says an agreement is on track to be signed by the end of the year.
'They suck': Lutnick criticizes Canada's trade strategy
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attacked Canada's trade strategy today, adding, "They suck." Lutnick was responding to a report in the Financial Post quoting Canada's former chief trade negotiator Steve Verheul saying time is on Canada's side in trade talks because the pressures on the U.S. will only increase. Lutnick said that is "the worst strategy" and the U.S. is...
'They suck': Lutnick criticizes Canada's trade strategy
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attacked Canada's trade strategy on Friday, adding, "They suck."
Federal government needs more desk space as public servants return to office: PSPC
OTTAWA -- In less than three months, the federal government's order requiring most public servants to attend the office four days a week -- up from the current benchmark of three days -- takes effect.
Fewer rejected ballots in Terrebonne byelection, despite adapted ballot
OTTAWA -- Elections Canada says there were fewer rejected ballots in the recent Terrebonne byelection than during the last general election, despite the use of an adapted ballot.
From hockey to the Arctic: Five things shared by Finland and Canada
OTTAWA -- Finland's President Alexander Stubb is in Ottawa this week.
What securing a majority would mean for Mark Carney's Liberal government
Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government is on the verge of securing a majority government ahead of three byelections next week. Here's what a majority government would mean for him and for Canada. What is a majority government? A majority government is formed when a political party has more than half of the seats in the House of Commons. Currently...
What securing a majority would mean for Mark Carney's Liberal government
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government is on the verge of securing a majority government ahead of three byelections next week.
Poilievre fires back at questions about his leadership after fourth floor crossing
Pierre Poilievre was defiant on Thursday in the face of questions about his leadership of the Conservative party after a fourth member of his caucus defected to the Liberals this week. He reminded reporters that a "record-smashing 8.3 million Canadians" voted Conservative last year. "Our mandate, and my leadership, does not come from dirty backroom deals. It comes from the...
Fourth floor-crossing weakens Poilievre's leadership, former Harper staffer says
A former top aide to Stephen Harper says Marilyn Gladu's decision to leave the Conservative party for the Liberals is raising questions about Pierre Poilievre's leadership. "I think this floor crosser, more than the previous ones, weakens his leadership," said Dimitri Soudas, who was former prime minister Stephen Harper's director of communications. "Not just because of the fact that it's...
Almost 4,000 federal public servants apply for early retirement program
Thousands of federal public servants have applied for early retirement since the program was launched late last month. Mohammad Kamal, spokesperson for the Office of the President of the Treasury Board, says 3,700 federal workers have applied for the program. The program, which was announced in the fall, is part of the government's efforts to reduce the number of public...
Almost 4,000 federal public servants apply for early retirement program
OTTAWA -- Thousands of federal public servants have applied for early retirement since the program was launched late last month.
Feds looking at how to 'cushion the blow' as gas prices rise amid Iran war: Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is looking at how to support Canadians as oil prices rise amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Feds looking at how to 'cushion the blow' as gas prices rise amid Iran war: Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is looking at how to support Canadians as oil prices rise amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, averaging more than $1.80 per litre across Canada today, compared with about $1.32 a year ago. Carney says his...
Alcohol, 'Buy Canadian' policy flagged by U.S. as trade irritants: report
Provincial rules around alcohol and the federal government's "Buy Canadian" policy have been flagged in a new report citing several trade irritants between Canada and the U.S. The annual document prepared by the Office of the United States Trade Representative said market access barriers imposed by provincial liquor control boards "greatly hamper" exports of U.S. wine, beer and spirits to...
Alcohol, 'Buy Canadian' policy flagged by U.S. as trade irritants: report
OTTAWA -- Provincial rules around alcohol and the federal government's "Buy Canadian" policy have been flagged in a new report citing several trade irritants between Canada and the U.S.
Poilievre calls for cancellation of multibillion-dollar high-speed rail project
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to cancel a proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City. Speaking to reporters in Peterborough, Ont., on Tuesday, Poilievre called the project a "boondoggle" that would waste taxpayer dollars. "Carney Liberals will confiscate farmland and private property, disrupting communities and harming the quality of life of local residents...
Poilievre calls for cancellation of multibillion-dollar high-speed rail project
OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to cancel a proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City.
Canada not worried U.S.-Mexico trade talks will upend trilateral deal, LeBlanc says
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he isn't worried Mexico will sign a trade agreement with the Americans that excludes Canada. LeBlanc says the Mexicans are also committed to a trilateral deal as the countries work to renew the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade. Mexico and the U.S. have started formal talks ahead of a July deadline, and earlier this month...