National Newswatch

Doug Ford has learned co-operation with Justin Trudeau has benefits as Ontario election campaign begins

May 4 2022 — John Ibbitson — On Monday, one day before the formal launch of the Ontario election campaign, Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford stood together to announce federal and provincial support for a $3.6-billion investment in auto plants in Windsor and Brampton to produce electric vehicles. “What is Trudeau doing?” fumed Liberal strategist David Herle. Why, he wondered, would the […]

Will the standard Liberal tactics of accusing Conservatives of being pro-gun and anti-abortion work on Pierre Poilievre?

Apr 30 2022 — John Ibbitson — Earlier this week, Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre held a press conference and, once again, rubbished the Bank of Canada. The message was confusing – something about prohibiting the bank from establishing a digital currency and bringing in the auditor general. Informed heads shook disapprovingly. But Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin […]

For Donald Trump, Putin warrants praise and Trudeau’s a tyrant. This puts Canada’s Conservatives, and Pierre Poilievre, in a difficult spot

Mar 1 2022 — John Ibbitson — The performance art that passes for conservative political discourse in the United States these days has reached new heights, or depths. Donald Trump has long been an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin. When that suddenly became awkward, a few days ago, the former president and presumptive Republican nominee in 2024 crafted a new mantra: […]

Pierre Poilievre riding the populist wave that began as a protest against vaccine mandates

Feb 7 2022 — John Ibbitson — The thousands of protesters who gathered in downtown Ottawa for a second weekend were not part of a “nationwide insurrection,” as Diane Deans, chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board, alleged Saturday during an emergency meeting. But a new force has arrived in Canadian politics, the culmination of growing populist resentments over the inequality of […]

Split within the Conservative Party reflects division within the country

Jan 27 2022 — John Ibbitson — It’s no coincidence that the Foothills Conservative riding association in Alberta and the Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek riding association in Saskatchewan are the latest to push for an early review of Erin O’Toole’s leadership. It’s also no coincidence that Saskatchewan members defied Mr. O’Toole and kept dissident Senator Denise Batters in their caucus, or that deputy […]

If the next presidential election reveals the U.S. hurtling toward possible violence and autocracy, should Canada try to intervene?

Jan 2 2022 — John Ibbitson — If the next presidential election reveals the United States is hurtling toward political instability and even violence, what can Canada do? There are risks if our politicians speak up during the election and risks in staying silent. But Canadians must ready themselves for a future in which the United States is no longer our ally […]

Throne Speech suggests that Trudeau wants to establish his legacy – and hang the consequences

Nov 25 2021 — John Ibbitson — In the last federal election, the Liberal Party received the support of less than one-third of voters. No federal political party has formed government with a weaker public mandate. And yet the Liberals introduced a Throne Speech this week filled with ambitious and expensive commitments. Those commitments arrive on the heels of rising inflation and […]

Tofino trip may only hasten Trudeau’s departure

Oct 4 2021 — John Ibbitson — Justin Trudeau’s ill-considered trip to Tofino on the very first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation does more than remind us, yet again, of his sense of entitlement and his chronically poor judgment. It tells us that he may not be Prime Minister that much longer. A futile election, a lack of fresh initiatives and […]

Erin O’Toole is the most Liberal leader the Conservatives have ever had

Sep 9 2021 — John Ibbitson — On Aug. 15, the day Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau launched the federal election campaign, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole’s chief strategist made a prediction. “Once again, @erinotoole begins a campaign as the underdog,” Dan Robertson tweeted. “This isn’t the first time he’s been underestimated, but it will be the last.” No one is underestimating Mr. O’Toole […]

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