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These are the 30 most read items on National Newswatch, from the last seven days.

High-profile Ontario Liberals return fire, say Erskine-Smith’s style of politics rubs them ‘the wrong way’

High-profile Ontario Liberals return fire, say Erskine-Smith’s style of politics rubs them ‘the wrong way’

A three-member Ontario Liberal Party arbitration committee is scheduled to meet May 20 to review Nathaniel Erskine-Smith’s appeal against the provincial Scarborough-Southwest nomination election result, according to Liberal sources. In the meantime, Ontario Liberals are pushing back. In the meantime, Ontario Liberals are pushing back. After losing the provincial party nomination contest in Scarborough-Southwest last weekend, Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith—who...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta separatists threaten to oust Premier Danielle Smith over referendum question

Alberta separatists threaten to oust Premier Danielle Smith over referendum question

Political rhetoric is ramping up ahead of a planned fall referendum in Alberta. “Our view is Danielle (Smith) needs to make a decision: Is she going to support Mister Lukaszuk, or is she going to support her base? What we are saying is she needs to understand that if she abandons her base or betrays her base, there will likely...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — Global News
Shake-up in Poilievre's office as chief of staff Ian Todd announces retirement

Shake-up in Poilievre's office as chief of staff Ian Todd announces retirement

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s longtime chief of staff Ian Todd is retiring, marking the latest of several recent departures of senior staffers in his office. In a note sent to Conservative caucus members and Poilievre’s office, Todd said he would retire from his position at the end of this Parliamentary session. The House of Commons spring session is scheduled to...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — National Post
14 Liberal MPs pen letter to Carney raising concerns over environmental backslide

14 Liberal MPs pen letter to Carney raising concerns over environmental backslide

Letter was sent to PM prior to latest pipeline agreement with Alberta. Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault may be the most outspoken, but he's not the only member of his party unhappy with Prime Minister Mark Carney's environmental rollbacks. Carney signed a new agreement with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith last week that could see construction on an oil pipeline to the...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — CBC News
Conservative MP announces birth of grandson ‘Charlie Kirk Jansen’

Conservative MP announces birth of grandson ‘Charlie Kirk Jansen’

Tamara Jansen, the Conservative member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City in B.C., announced the birth of her newest grandchild on social media, who appeared to be named after the late U.S. political commentator Charlie Kirk. “Introducing the latest addition to our family! Little Charlie Kirk Jansen,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “He’s the 23rd grandchild in the...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — CTV News
Trump’s man in Ottawa doesn't understand why Canadians are so frustrated right now - tariffs are here to stay, and Canada needs to accept it

Trump’s man in Ottawa doesn't understand why Canadians are so frustrated right now - tariffs are here to stay, and Canada needs to accept it

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra says tariffs are here to stay, and Canada needs to accept it. Pete Hoekstra does not mince words. A close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, the 72-year-old Republican politician has developed a reputation for speaking bluntly, especially when it comes to the Canada-U.S. relationship. When he welcomed Radio-Canada to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa for...

  • 2026-05-24
  • — CBC News
Floor-crosser Marilyn Gladu reveals her conversation with Carney and the 'toxic environment' among Conservatives

Floor-crosser Marilyn Gladu reveals her conversation with Carney and the 'toxic environment' among Conservatives

Marilyn Gladu was planning to leave politics when she says a conversation with Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon changed her mind. Gladu had a few offers lined up as she contemplated exiting her role as a Conservative MP, one she had held since 2015, and was pondering a return to engineering, a field she had spent years working in before...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — National Post
Caroline Mulroney resigning from Ford’s cabinet, will step down as MPP next month

Caroline Mulroney resigning from Ford’s cabinet, will step down as MPP next month

PC MPP Caroline Mulroney will be resigning from Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet and will be vacating her seat in York-Simcoe, she said in a letter posted to social media. Mulroney, who serves as president of the Treasury Board and minister of Francophone Affairs, said she informed the premier on Sunday and will officially step down on Friday, June 5. “Serving...

  • 2026-05-25
  • — CTV News
'Baffling': Reaction to Alberta's referendum on a separation referendum

'Baffling': Reaction to Alberta's referendum on a separation referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that a referendum on Oct. 19 will include a question about whether Albertans want, at a future date, to hold a binding referendum on the province quitting Canada. "Kicking the can down the road only prolongs a very emotional and important debate," Smith said in televised speech. "It's time to have a vote, understand...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta legislature committee eyes separation vote as meeting hits bizarre roadblock

Alberta legislature committee eyes separation vote as meeting hits bizarre roadblock

Alberta’s journey toward holding a fall referendum on separation took a bizarre turn Wednesday — straight into another roadblock. It occurred when the governing United Conservative members on a bipartisan legislature committee introduced a motion to formally ask Premier Danielle Smith and her cabinet to initiate a provincewide vote on Alberta's status in Confederation this October. The motion was expected...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Liberals hit highest point in the seat projection

Liberals hit highest point in the seat projection

It was a relatively quiet week on the polling front, but the new numbers that were published have pushed the Liberals to their highest point in The Writ’s Vote and Seat Projection. The Liberals are projected to be leading in 227 ridings across the country, a gain of three since last week and they highest the party has been in...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — The Writ
Alberta Separatist Group’s Controversial Voter ID App Has Links to US Ambassador, MAGA Influencers and Wealthy Michigan Republicans

Alberta Separatist Group’s Controversial Voter ID App Has Links to US Ambassador, MAGA Influencers and Wealthy Michigan Republicans

US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra says he was ‘not aware’ American-made app he previously promoted was used to help Alberta separatist group. Donald Trump’s top envoy to Canada says he was unaware a voter identification app that he previously endorsed and promoted was used by an Alberta separatist group at the centre of a major Canadian political scandal.

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Press Progress
Pentagon walks away from Canada-U.S. defence board

Pentagon walks away from Canada-U.S. defence board

Canada 'failed to make credible progress' on defence spending commitments, says Pentagon official. The Trump administration is walking away from a long-running body that works on Canada-U.S. defence initiatives, claiming Canada has failed to meet its commitments on defence spending. U.S. Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby announced Monday the Pentagon is "pausing" participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defence...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — CBC News
Inside Prime Minister Mark Carney's hunt for office art — and what he liked the most

Inside Prime Minister Mark Carney's hunt for office art — and what he liked the most

Less than a week after winning last year’s election and just days before he was set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mark Carney was looking for art to hang on his office walls. Staff who arrived at the National Gallery of Canada that Saturday morning had been instructed to dress casually: sport coats and dress pants...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — National Post
Pentagon gave Canada classified paper detailing defence priorities

Pentagon gave Canada classified paper detailing defence priorities

A high-ranking U.S. defence official says the Pentagon gave Ottawa a classified paper laying out priorities for a collective North American defence pact with Canada, but that Ottawa did not deliver a "credible" response. That lack of response is just one of several irritants the senior Pentagon official said is creating a rift in North American defence co-operation. Canada's delayed...

  • 2026-05-23
  • — Canadian Press
Dr. Strangelove diplomacy: How the Pentagon’s symbolic defence board freeze with Canada could backfire

Dr. Strangelove diplomacy: How the Pentagon’s symbolic defence board freeze with Canada could backfire

Washington's decision to pause bilateral body appears aimed at influencing Canada's military policy. Although greeted with a mixture of angst, anger and genuine confusion in this country, it is undeniable that the Pentagon’s move this week to freeze one of the oldest pillars of continental defence co-operation — ostensibly to punish Canada — carried with it notes of dark comedy...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — CBC News
Panel concludes Quebec energy deal is not good enough for Newfoundland and Labrador

Panel concludes Quebec energy deal is not good enough for Newfoundland and Labrador

A panel appointed by the Newfoundland and Labrador government says a proposed energy deal with Hydro-Quebec is not in the province's best interests. In a report expected to be released Tuesday, the three-person panel outlines several concerns with the non-binding framework agreement to share power from Labrador, which was signed by the provinces' hydroelectric utilities in 2024. In particular, the...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — Canadian Press
Who is Jamil Jivani — and why you should be paying attention to him

Who is Jamil Jivani — and why you should be paying attention to him

Aside from being a member of Parliament, Jamil Jivani has no official roles in Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative party. Elected to the House of Commons in a 2024 byelection, he possesses less political experience than most of his caucus colleagues.

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Toronto Star
Ottawa: Sutcliffe Leads Decided Voters; Tierney Opens at 11%

Ottawa: Sutcliffe Leads Decided Voters; Tierney Opens at 11%

The latest Capital Tracker from the Ottawa Compass and Liaison Strategies shows Mayor Mark Sutcliffe leading among decided and leaning voters in an early Ottawa mayoral ballot, while Tim Tierney would enter the race in double digits. Among decided and leaning voters, with Tierney included on the ballot, Sutcliffe leads with 37%, followed by Jeff Leiper at 32%, Alex Lawson...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — Liaison Strategies
Mark Carney Should Stop Trying to Impress His Progressive Flank

Mark Carney Should Stop Trying to Impress His Progressive Flank

I’M TRYING TO FIGURE out what Prime Minister Mark Carney thought he was doing at this year’s Global Progress Action Summit. The Global Progress Action Summit is an annual gathering of Canadian Liberals, United Kingdom Labour figures, United States Democrats, and assorted compatible figures from other countries. Carney spoke at this year’s summit on Saturday in Toronto, which took place...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — The Walrus
Canada taps Gen. Jennie Carignan for NATO's top military chair

Canada taps Gen. Jennie Carignan for NATO's top military chair

Defence chief hailed as an 'exceptional' leader and candidate for key alliance post. The Liberal government is nominating Canada's top military commander to be the next chair of the NATO military committee when the post becomes vacant next year. Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the candidacy of Gen. Jennie Carignan on Wednesday and said she'll continue in her current role...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — CBC News
We’re the closest we’ve ever been to fixing this outdated law. Carney needs to get us closer

We’re the closest we’ve ever been to fixing this outdated law. Carney needs to get us closer

Ottawa’s second crack at passing its big lawful access bill is going much worse than its first one did. Assailed by privacy advocates, Big Tech and bigwig Republicans in the United States, the Carney government faces a tough slog in trying to modernize the legal tools cops and spies use to do their jobs in the digital era. This is...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — Toronto Star
Smith says Alberta separatists should focus on fall vote rather than ousting her

Smith says Alberta separatists should focus on fall vote rather than ousting her

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says separatists who are upset that a binding vote on quitting Canada has been put off should focus on the province's fall referendum — rather than campaigning to force a review of her job. Smith announced in a televised address Thursday that a question on the Oct. 19 referendum will ask Albertans if they want to...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — Canadian Press
Referendum on a referendum: Albertans to vote on putting separation on another ballot

Referendum on a referendum: Albertans to vote on putting separation on another ballot

Premier Danielle Smith says Albertans will be going to the polls in October to cast their vote on separation - but they won't actually be voting on whether to separate. Instead, they'll be choosing whether or not it's time to hold a binding referendum on quitting Canada. Smith made the announcement in a televised address Thursday night, saying it's the...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — Canadian Press
Poilievre says all Conservatives will campaign for Alberta to stay part of Canada

Poilievre says all Conservatives will campaign for Alberta to stay part of Canada

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he and all Conservative MPs will press for Alberta to remain part of Canada in any separation referendum campaign in the province. "I'm a strong Canadian federalist, a proud Albertan and a proud Canadian. I want a strong Alberta within a united Canada, and all Conservatives will be campaigning for Canadian unity in Alberta," Poilievre...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — Canadian Press
Carney lays out pipeline conditions before talks with Eby on B.C.'s priorities

Carney lays out pipeline conditions before talks with Eby on B.C.'s priorities

Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby have agreed to enter negotiations on B.C.'s economic priorities and Ottawa's role in national development projects. Carney met with Eby in a closed-door meeting in Vancouver Wednesday, shortly after the prime minister spoke to B.C. business leaders at a separate event where he outlined prerequisites for a possible pipeline championed...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Feds didn't push carbon price backstop in Alberta in show of co-operation: Dabrusin

Feds didn't push carbon price backstop in Alberta in show of co-operation: Dabrusin

The government didn't enforce the federal standard on Alberta's industrial carbon price as a gesture of co-operation with the province, Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said Tuesday. "Fighting with our provinces, being tied up in courts … we're working to be in really a true co-operative federalism," Dabrusin told The Canadian Press when asked why Ottawa didn't enforce the federal...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Carney calls Israel's treatment of flotilla 'abominable,' as Ottawa summons envoy

Carney calls Israel's treatment of flotilla 'abominable,' as Ottawa summons envoy

Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling Israel's treatment of people aboard an intercepted flotilla "abominable" and "unacceptable," and says Ottawa is seeking assurances about the safety of Canadians involved.

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Carney says the world is facing an 'energy crisis' and Canada must help solve it

Carney says the world is facing an 'energy crisis' and Canada must help solve it

If development gets bogged down in B.C., PM says his government will be 'spending more time elsewhere.' In B.C. to meet with the province's premier who is skeptical of another oil pipeline, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the world is in the throes of an "energy crisis" and Canada must do its part to supply it with the natural resources...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — CBC News
Carney government approval at 67% as voters want a map for the future, not a rear view mirror.

Carney government approval at 67% as voters want a map for the future, not a rear view mirror.

In our latest Spark Insights nationwide survey (3450 cases, online, May 10-14) we found Carney government approval at 67%, similar to our results in April. A majority in every part of the country indicates approval, the lowest level being 61% in Alberta, and the highest in Quebec at 73%.

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Substack