National Newswatch

Freeland stresses economic focus, while cabinet hears from housing experts on day two of retreat

Aug 22 2023 — Laura Ryckewaert — Day two of the federal cabinet retreat in Prince Edward Island was business heavy, as expert guest speakers presented to ministers on issues like housing, and as as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stressed to reporters, the focus was on “the economy, the economy, the economy.” “We have been having some really […]

Feds seek approval for additional $20.5-billion in spending

Jun 6 2023 — Laura Ryckewaert — The federal government is looking for Parliament’s approval for another $20.5-billion in spending through this year’s first set of supplementary estimates, including $4.4-billion to fulfill 15 measures announced in the 2023 budget, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Roughly 61.2 per cent, or $12.6-billion, of the total spending MPs will vote on in these […]

Via Rail holiday travel disruption prompts calls to explore rail passenger rights protections

Jan 10 2023 — Laura Ryckewaert — After the Christmas-time Via Rail service disruptions that saw dozens of trains cancelled and hundreds of passengers stranded overnight, an NDP MP and a transport advocate are calling for protections similar to those introduced for air travellers to be extended to rail passengers. Members of the House Transport Committee met on Jan. 9 to organize […]

Higher rate of government bills starting in Senate down to ‘ambitious agenda,’ says Holland

Nov 30 2022 — Laura Ryckewaert — A higher proportion of government bills—almost 23 per cent—have been introduced through the Senate so far this Parliament, a trend Government House Leader Mark Holland says comes down to efficiency and the Liberal government’s “very ambitious agenda.” “Both Chambers are going to be involved either way. This allows us to maximize our efficiency of moving […]

‘Second-class Senators’: McCallum pushing to empower non-affiliated Senators

Nov 2 2022 — Laura Ryckewaert — Non-affiliated Manitoba Senator Mary Jane McCallum is pushing for the Red Chamber to reconsider its rules and processes to enable unaffiliated Senators to participate more fully and equally in Senate business, without relying on the goodwill of recognized groups for speaking time or a seat on committees. “Despite being a modern Senate that supposedly values […]

Poilievre has potential to turn Tory tides in seat-rich Quebec, say strategists

Oct 20 2022 — Laura Ryckewaert — Recent public opinion polls point to Quebec as an electoral weak spot for the Tories, but while new Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre may have gotten off to a rocky start among Quebecers with the handling of former Quebec lieutenant Alain Rayes’ caucus exit, strategists argue Poilievre’s bilingualism, universal pitch, and decisions since—including naming two Quebecers […]

Survey suggests Translation Bureau’s existing interpretation resources could be better used, says AIIC

Aug 18 2022 — Laura Ryckewaert — Almost half of responding Translation Bureau-accredited freelance interpreters have taken zero or very few assignments with the bureau in the last six months, according to a new survey by the International Association of Conference Interpreters—findings rep Nicole Gagnon says show the House of Commons’ pilot project to test the use of external providers is “needlessly […]

From robocalls to a robust regime, elections commissioner Côté reflects on a decade of decisions

Jun 29 2022 — Laura Ryckewaert — After 10 years as commissioner of Canada elections, Yves Côté is leaving behind a bigger office with more teeth—one he says will have to grapple with the growing and nebulous threats of foreign interference and disinformation in Canadian elections. “The biggest things that we have now that we didn’t have before would be things linked […]

‘It’s only right’: Senate weighs options to support mental health of committee witnesses

Jun 1 2022 — Laura Ryckewaert — The Senate is weighing options to formalize a system to provide committee witnesses with mental health and counselling support, a move Senate Human Rights Committee chair Salma Ataullahjan says is “only right” for witnesses being asked to bare their personal stories. “It’s only right that we cover that cost [of any needed mental health or […]

🔔 We're about to launch our newsletter! Make sure you don't miss a beat. Sign up for our newsletter