Jim Bronskill

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 Jim Bronskill.

New laws against blocking access to places of worship, schools coming, Fraser says

New laws against blocking access to places of worship, schools coming, Fraser says

Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the Liberal government will press ahead with plans for new criminal provisions against blocking access to places or worship, schools and community centres. The measures, promised during the recent federal election campaign, would also create a criminal offence of wilfully intimidating or threatening people attending events at these venues. The minister's statement comes as civil...

New laws against blocking access to places of worship, schools coming, Fraser says

New laws against blocking access to places of worship, schools coming, Fraser says

OTTAWA -- Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the Liberal government will press ahead with plans for new criminal provisions against blocking access to places of worship, schools and community centres.

Newly launched Access to Information review is flawed, transparency advocates say

Newly launched Access to Information review is flawed, transparency advocates say

OTTAWA -- A newly launched federal review of the Access to Information system is being greeted with deep skepticism by transparency advocates.

CSIS says it took steps against dozens of employees over misconduct last year

CSIS says it took steps against dozens of employees over misconduct last year

OTTAWA -- Canada's spy service says it closed 34 misconduct cases last year and concluded the allegations were founded in 33 of the cases.

Federal Court of Appeal overturns decision requiring action on judicial vacancies

Federal Court of Appeal overturns decision requiring action on judicial vacancies

OTTAWA -- A panel of judges has overturned a Federal Court ruling that directed the federal government to step up the pace of judicial appointments to address an "untenable" number of vacancies.

Hundreds of groups call on Ottawa to scrap border bill over privacy, rights concerns

Hundreds of groups call on Ottawa to scrap border bill over privacy, rights concerns

OTTAWA -- More than 300 civil society organizations are calling on the Liberal government to withdraw its new border bill, saying the legislation threatens liberties, refugee and migrant rights and the privacy of all Canadians.

Lack of appropriate safeguards led to 23andMe data breach, joint investigation finds

Lack of appropriate safeguards led to 23andMe data breach, joint investigation finds

OTTAWA -- Canada's privacy watchdog says inadequate security measures opened the door to a data breach discovered two years ago at genetic testing company 23andMe.

Border bill raises questions about expanded data sharing with U.S.: Citizen Lab

Border bill raises questions about expanded data sharing with U.S.: Citizen Lab

OTTAWA -- An organization that monitors the effect of information flows on human rights says the new federal border security bill appears to "roll out a welcome mat" for expanded data-sharing agreements with the United States and other foreign authorities.

Fentanyl czar says government's border bill will help in fight against lethal drug

Fentanyl czar says government's border bill will help in fight against lethal drug

OTTAWA -- Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill.

Supreme Court of Canada to hear appeal in long-running Facebook privacy case

Supreme Court of Canada to hear appeal in long-running Facebook privacy case

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to review a ruling that concluded Facebook broke federal privacy law by failing to adequately inform users of risks to their data when using the popular social media platform.

Supreme Court of Canada to hear Facebook privacy case

Supreme Court of Canada to hear Facebook privacy case

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to review a ruling that concluded Facebook broke federal privacy law by failing to adequately inform users of risks to their data when using the popular social media platform.

Rule of law, judges 'under attack' in many countries, Canada's chief justice says

Rule of law, judges 'under attack' in many countries, Canada's chief justice says

OTTAWA -- Chief Justice Richard Wagner says the rule of law and judicial independence are "under attack" in many countries around the world -- but Canadians have reasons to be optimistic.

Transparency advocates call for independent review of Access to Information Act

Transparency advocates call for independent review of Access to Information Act

OTTAWA -- Transparency advocates say a coming federal review of the Access to Information Act should be overseen by an independent panel, not the government, to avoid the pitfalls of the last such exercise.

Lost RCMP memory key with informant details was offered for sale by criminals: report

Lost RCMP memory key with informant details was offered for sale by criminals: report

OTTAWA -- The federal privacy watchdog says the RCMP lost a memory key containing personal information about victims, witnesses and informants, and later learned it was being offered for sale by criminals.

Supreme Court of Canada says babysitter must be acquitted in toddler's death

Supreme Court of Canada says babysitter must be acquitted in toddler's death

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada says an acquittal is the appropriate outcome for a British Columbia woman whose conviction in the drowning death of a toddler was set aside two years ago.

Liberal border security bill poses serious threat to rights, coalition warns

Liberal border security bill poses serious threat to rights, coalition warns

OTTAWA -- A national coalition of civil society groups says the Liberal government's new border security bill poses a serious risk to liberties and human rights.

Liberal border security bill poses serious risk to rights, liberties, coalition warns

Liberal border security bill poses serious risk to rights, liberties, coalition warns

OTTAWA -- A national coalition of civil society groups says the Liberal government's new border security bill poses a serious risk to human rights and liberties.

Canadian men, children held in Syria pursue human rights complaints against Ottawa

Canadian men, children held in Syria pursue human rights complaints against Ottawa

OTTAWA -- A dozen Canadian men and children detained in Syria are complaining to the Canadian Human Rights Commission that Ottawa is discriminating against them by not assisting their return to Canada.

Federal bill includes new security powers to tighten border, immigration system

Federal bill includes new security powers to tighten border, immigration system

OTTAWA -- Proposed federal legislation would give authorities new powers to search mail, make it easier for officials to pause or cancel immigration applications and expand the Canadian Coast Guard's role to include security activities.

Bill includes array of new security powers to tighten border, immigration system

Bill includes array of new security powers to tighten border, immigration system

OTTAWA -- Newly tabled legislation would give authorities new powers to search mail, allow officials to pause or cancel immigration applications more easily and expand the Canadian Coast Guard's role to include security activities.

Liberal government legislation to further tighten Canada-U.S. border expected today

Liberal government legislation to further tighten Canada-U.S. border expected today

OTTAWA -- Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is expected to introduce a bill today spelling out the federal government's next steps on border security.

Liberal government legislation to further tighten Canada-U.S. border expected today

Liberal government legislation to further tighten Canada-U.S. border expected today

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is expected to introduce a bill today spelling out the federal government's next steps on border security. The recent throne speech promised legislation to bolster security at Canada's borders and new tools for police and intelligence agencies to help them stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and its precursors.

Federal bill to bolster border security expected early next week

Federal bill to bolster border security expected early next week

OTTAWA -- The Liberal government plans to introduce legislation soon to strengthen border security in response to continuing pressure from the United States.

Quebec private security law doesn't apply to firms working in federal areas: court

Quebec private security law doesn't apply to firms working in federal areas: court

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada says a Quebec law governing private security activities does not apply to two firms involved in work that falls under federal responsibility.

Halting spy operation placed CSIS team in unnecessary danger, watchdog report says

Halting spy operation placed CSIS team in unnecessary danger, watchdog report says

OTTAWA -- A new spy watchdog report says an overseas Canadian Security Intelligence Service operation was suddenly halted by government officials, "creating unnecessary danger for the CSIS team" and raising questions about ministerial accountability.

King Charles to follow in mother's footsteps in delivering throne speech

King Charles to follow in mother's footsteps in delivering throne speech

OTTAWA -- King Charles is set to open a new session of Parliament on Tuesday, seated in a throne that incorporates a piece of English walnut from Windsor Great Park, a preserve of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

Supreme Court of Canada to examine role of rape shield law in sexual services case

Supreme Court of Canada to examine role of rape shield law in sexual services case

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada will look at the application of the rape shield law in the case of two individuals accused of acting as pimps for a woman who worked from a house they rented.

Supreme Court won't review decision to send seized material to U.S. authorities

Supreme Court won't review decision to send seized material to U.S. authorities

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada will not review a decision to send information to U.S. authorities investigating commercial espionage allegations.

Eco-friendly transportation a condition of planned Ottawa Senators arena: agreement

Eco-friendly transportation a condition of planned Ottawa Senators arena: agreement

OTTAWA -- Public transit, cycling and walking will be the "primary and preferred modes" of getting fans to and from the Ottawa Senators' planned downtown arena, says a newly disclosed agreement on the project.

Gun control group urges PM Carney to ensure 'timely delivery' on firearm commitments

Gun control group urges PM Carney to ensure 'timely delivery' on firearm commitments

OTTAWA -- A prominent gun control group is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to act swiftly to implement key Liberal election commitments on firearms.

Ottawa looking for ways to mend tears in Canada's social fabric, document shows

Ottawa looking for ways to mend tears in Canada's social fabric, document shows

Senior federal officials have been looking quietly for ways to bring together Canadians who don't see eye to eye on the economy, immigration and social issues. With a general election looming, officials prepared to meet last November to brainstorm solutions to the problem of social fragmentation, according to an internal presentation drafted by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Ottawa looking for ways to mend tears in Canada's social fabric, document shows

Ottawa looking for ways to mend tears in Canada's social fabric, document shows

OTTAWA -- Senior federal officials have been looking quietly for ways to bring together Canadians who don't see eye to eye on the economy, immigration and social issues.

Canada's deepening dependence on U.S. has been a decades-long evolution, experts say

Canada's deepening dependence on U.S. has been a decades-long evolution, experts say

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly accused the Liberal government of entrenching Canada's economic dependence on the United States.

Top court to look at whether challenge of ethics ruling in Trudeau case can proceed

Top court to look at whether challenge of ethics ruling in Trudeau case can proceed

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada will look into whether a group's challenge of a federal ethics report on Justin Trudeau's involvement in a decision about WE Charity can proceed.

Federal party leaders work to drive home key messages as election day approaches

Federal party leaders work to drive home key messages as election day approaches

OTTAWA -- Party leaders emphasized familiar themes Thursday as they criss-crossed the country to shore up support in the final stretch of the federal election campaign.

Poilievre paints picture of gloomy future under Carney as election day draws closer

Poilievre paints picture of gloomy future under Carney as election day draws closer

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is predicting a gloomy future of more crime and higher inflation under a Liberal government led by Mark Carney.

Most Conservative voters say they don't trust media reports on party leaders: poll

Most Conservative voters say they don't trust media reports on party leaders: poll

A new poll suggests more than half of Conservative voters don't trust what they see or hear about federal party leaders in the media during the current election campaign. Fifty-six per cent of people who identified as Conservatives in the Leger poll said they had little trust — or none at all — in media reports about party leaders.

Supreme Court of Canada clarifies treatment of student loan debt under bankruptcy law

Supreme Court of Canada clarifies treatment of student loan debt under bankruptcy law

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada says a person must wait seven years after completely finishing their post-secondary studies before they may be released from student loan debt under the federal bankruptcy law.

Federal Court of Appeal dismisses challenge of federal firearms ban

Federal Court of Appeal dismisses challenge of federal firearms ban

OTTAWA -- The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed a challenge of a Liberal government ban on firearms the government considers fit only for the battlefield, not for hunting or sport shooting.

Feds proposing regular 'intelligence-informed briefings' for opposition leaders: memo

Feds proposing regular 'intelligence-informed briefings' for opposition leaders: memo

OTTAWA -- A newly released memo shows federal officials recommended almost a year ago that leaders of major opposition parties receive regular classified briefings -- not only on foreign interference but also violent extremism and overseas conflicts.

Nova Scotia men appeal judge's dismissal of their prorogation challenge

Nova Scotia men appeal judge's dismissal of their prorogation challenge

OTTAWA -- Two Nova Scotia men are appealing a judge's dismissal of their court challenge of then-prime minister Justin Trudeau's move to prorogue Parliament earlier this year.

Carney, Singh pledge support for CBC to defend sovereignty, fight misinformation

Carney, Singh pledge support for CBC to defend sovereignty, fight misinformation

OTTAWA -- Liberal Leader Mark Carney and the NDP's Jagmeet Singh expressed support Friday for federal spending to ensure a strong national public broadcaster, a notion Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre dismissed as something Canada simply can't afford.

CP NewsAlert: Carney suspending campaign to hold meetings on Trump tariffs

CP NewsAlert: Carney suspending campaign to hold meetings on Trump tariffs

OTTAWA -- Liberal Leader Mark Carney is pausing his campaign and returning to Ottawa for meetings ahead of Wednesday's announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on tariffs.

Liberal, Conservative parties lose candidates over controversies

Liberal, Conservative parties lose candidates over controversies

OTTAWA -- Controversial statements from the past came back to haunt two major parties on the federal election trail this week with the Liberals losing one candidate and Conservatives saying goodbye to two.

Liberal, Conservative parties each lose a candidate over controversies

Liberal, Conservative parties each lose a candidate over controversies

OTTAWA -- Controversial statements from the past came back to haunt two major parties on the federal election trail this week, costing each a candidate.

New Trump tariffs expected this week loom over the federal election campaign

New Trump tariffs expected this week loom over the federal election campaign

OTTAWA -- The prospect of another wave of U.S. tariffs this week loomed over the federal election Tuesday as another busy day of campaigning got underway.

Trump tariffs expected this week loom over Canada's election campaign

Trump tariffs expected this week loom over Canada's election campaign

OTTAWA -- The prospect of another wave of U.S. tariffs this week loomed over the federal election trail as another busy day of campaigning got underway.

Carney promises home building program, Poilievre pitches national energy corridor

Carney promises home building program, Poilievre pitches national energy corridor

Liberal Leader Mark Carney promised Monday to get the federal government back into the business of home building, while Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives pitched a national energy corridor to fast-track approval of key infrastructure. The two rival party leaders touted the plans as national projects to stand up to the United States as it menaces Canada's economy with a steady stream...

Carney promises home building program, Poilievre pitches national energy corridor

Carney promises home building program, Poilievre pitches national energy corridor

OTTAWA -- Liberal Leader Mark Carney promised Monday to get the federal government back into the business of home building, while Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives pitched a national energy corridor to fast-track approval of key infrastructure.

Eyes warily turn to next round of U.S. tariffs during second week of federal election

Eyes warily turn to next round of U.S. tariffs during second week of federal election

OTTAWA -- The second week of the federal election campaign is underway, with a fresh round of U.S. tariffs expected to soon reverberate on the hustings.

Poilievre shrugs off reports of campaign turmoil as he pitches tax relief

Poilievre shrugs off reports of campaign turmoil as he pitches tax relief

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre brushed off reports of campaign turmoil Sunday as he pitched his party as the best choice to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump. With the second week of the federal election campaign underway, another round of U.S. tariffs is expected to land on Wednesday -- tariffs that threaten to overtake the conversation in the federal...

Poilievre shrugs off reports of campaign turmoil as he pitches tax relief

Poilievre shrugs off reports of campaign turmoil as he pitches tax relief

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre brushed off reports of campaign turmoil Sunday as he pitched his party as the best choice to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Poilievre pitches Tories as best choice to stand up to Trump as Singh heads to B.C.

Poilievre pitches Tories as best choice to stand up to Trump as Singh heads to B.C.

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre brushed off suggestions of campaign turmoil today as he pitched his party as the best choice to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump.

RCMP unit that helps flag threats to PM faces 'numerous challenges': internal report

RCMP unit that helps flag threats to PM faces 'numerous challenges': internal report

OTTAWA -- Members of an RCMP unit that helps to protect the prime minister and other public figures face a risk of burnout due to a heavy workload and limited resources, says a newly released internal evaluation report.

Ottawa outlaws another 179 types of firearms, announces classification review

Ottawa outlaws another 179 types of firearms, announces classification review

OTTAWA -- The Liberal government has outlawed another 179 firearm varieties, adding to the list of prohibited guns it considers too dangerous for use by hunters or sport shooters.

Federal Court dismisses challenge of Trudeau's move to prorogue Parliament

Federal Court dismisses challenge of Trudeau's move to prorogue Parliament

OTTAWA -- A federal judge has dismissed a legal challenge of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's move to prorogue Parliament.

Canadians should expect AI-enabled foreign meddling in election: cybersecurity centre

Canadians should expect AI-enabled foreign meddling in election: cybersecurity centre

OTTAWA -- The federal cybersecurity centre says China, Russia and Iran are very likely to use tools enabled by artificial intelligence in attempts to meddle in the coming general election campaign.

More than 100 arrested in countrywide child exploitation operation, police say

More than 100 arrested in countrywide child exploitation operation, police say

OTTAWA -- Police say they have made more than 100 arrests and laid more than 300 charges in a major national child exploitation operation.

Don't bump Mounties from border patrol role, RCMP union tells Ottawa

Don't bump Mounties from border patrol role, RCMP union tells Ottawa

OTTAWA -- The union representing front-line Mounties wants Ottawa to dismiss any notion of shifting border security responsibilities away from the RCMP.

Adversaries see opportunities to exploit 'strategically valuable' Arctic, CSIS says

Adversaries see opportunities to exploit 'strategically valuable' Arctic, CSIS says

OTTAWA -- Canada's spy agency warns that colliding global developments make the Arctic an "attractive, strategic and vulnerable destination" for foreign adversaries seeking to establish a presence in Canada.