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Susan Riley

Susan Riley is a veteran political columnist and regular contributor to The Hill Times.

Pierre Poilievre: a working-class hero in his own mind

  • In the face of the Conservative leader's passionate, energetic retailing of half-truths and venom, what can progressive parties do? They can continue to insist
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 22, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre scrums with reporters on the Hill on Feb. 3, 2023. The usually even-tempered leader of the NDP hit the mark last week when he challenged Poilievre’s devotion to the proletariat, noting Conservatives voted against an excess profit tax (aimed at grocers) The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pierre Poilievre: a working-class hero in his own mind

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 22, 2023
  • In the face of the Conservative leader's passionate, energetic retailing of half-truths and venom, what can progressive parties do? They can continue to insist

Pierre Poilievre: a working-class hero in his own mind

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 22, 2023
  • In the face of the Conservative leader's passionate, energetic retailing of half-truths and venom, what can progressive parties do? They can continue to insist
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre scrums with reporters on the Hill on Feb. 3, 2023. The usually even-tempered leader of the NDP hit the mark last week when he challenged Poilievre’s devotion to the proletariat, noting Conservatives voted against an excess profit tax (aimed at grocers) The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

While fake scandals roil Ottawa politics, the real ones continue

  • A tailings pond full of toxic effluent has been leaking out of Imperial Oil’s Kearl project since last May and the company never bothered
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The recent leak at Imperial's Kearl site, located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is only the tip of a much larger scandal: the power the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the country’s governments and regulators, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

While fake scandals roil Ottawa politics, the real ones continue

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
  • A tailings pond full of toxic effluent has been leaking out of Imperial Oil’s Kearl project since last May and the company never bothered

While fake scandals roil Ottawa politics, the real ones continue

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 20, 2023
  • A tailings pond full of toxic effluent has been leaking out of Imperial Oil’s Kearl project since last May and the company never bothered
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The recent leak at Imperial's Kearl site, located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, is only the tip of a much larger scandal: the power the fossil fuel industry continues to wield over the country’s governments and regulators, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ottawa plays Inspector Gadget

  • Some favour a formal, independent inquiry by an esteemed retired jurist into alleged Chinese interference in our last two federal elections but it, too,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Is Canadian democracy in imminent danger of being undermined by shadowy operatives reporting to China's president? Nonsense, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ottawa plays Inspector Gadget

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
  • Some favour a formal, independent inquiry by an esteemed retired jurist into alleged Chinese interference in our last two federal elections but it, too,

Ottawa plays Inspector Gadget

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 6, 2023
  • Some favour a formal, independent inquiry by an esteemed retired jurist into alleged Chinese interference in our last two federal elections but it, too,
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Is Canadian democracy in imminent danger of being undermined by shadowy operatives reporting to China's president? Nonsense, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Have they no shame? No, but they have excuses

  • Politicians are not all bottom-feeding sleazes out to feather their own nests, but some are just simply too important. Excuse us if we stop
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
John Tory’s revelation that he had an affair with a younger staffer provoked a widespread shudder of disgust, especially among women. Ethics breach, or creepy behaviour? Beyond the public betrayal of his wife of 45 years, there was also the power imbalance, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Have they no shame? No, but they have excuses

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
  • Politicians are not all bottom-feeding sleazes out to feather their own nests, but some are just simply too important. Excuse us if we stop

Have they no shame? No, but they have excuses

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 20, 2023
  • Politicians are not all bottom-feeding sleazes out to feather their own nests, but some are just simply too important. Excuse us if we stop
John Tory’s revelation that he had an affair with a younger staffer provoked a widespread shudder of disgust, especially among women. Ethics breach, or creepy behaviour? Beyond the public betrayal of his wife of 45 years, there was also the power imbalance, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

As election looms, a full-time pursuit of the trivial takes over federal politics

  • The instances of seat-of-the-pants management and failure to anticipate change are so numerous, they raise a pertinent question: can our parliamentary system serve the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, former ambassador Dominic Barton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all grabbed headlines last week in time-wasting controversies, writes Susan Riley. Welcome to Ottawa, where every disagreement ends up as ammunition for someone. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

As election looms, a full-time pursuit of the trivial takes over federal politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
  • The instances of seat-of-the-pants management and failure to anticipate change are so numerous, they raise a pertinent question: can our parliamentary system serve the

As election looms, a full-time pursuit of the trivial takes over federal politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 6, 2023
  • The instances of seat-of-the-pants management and failure to anticipate change are so numerous, they raise a pertinent question: can our parliamentary system serve the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, former ambassador Dominic Barton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet all grabbed headlines last week in time-wasting controversies, writes Susan Riley. Welcome to Ottawa, where every disagreement ends up as ammunition for someone. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Progressive Afghan women in dangerous limbo, while we wring our hands uselessly

  • Can Canada not, at least, rescue individual women, especially those who worked with Canadians on various women’s 'empowerment programs' during the war? You would
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
The group of MPs who have been working behind the scenes, includes Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, left, the Green Party's Elizabeth May, the NDP's Heather McPherson, the Conservatives' Alex Ruff and the Liberals' Marcus Powlowski and Leah Taylor Roy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Progressive Afghan women in dangerous limbo, while we wring our hands uselessly

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
  • Can Canada not, at least, rescue individual women, especially those who worked with Canadians on various women’s 'empowerment programs' during the war? You would

Progressive Afghan women in dangerous limbo, while we wring our hands uselessly

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 23, 2023
  • Can Canada not, at least, rescue individual women, especially those who worked with Canadians on various women’s 'empowerment programs' during the war? You would
The group of MPs who have been working behind the scenes, includes Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, left, the Green Party's Elizabeth May, the NDP's Heather McPherson, the Conservatives' Alex Ruff and the Liberals' Marcus Powlowski and Leah Taylor Roy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

One more year to stop talking, start acting, on reducing emissions

  • The ongoing war in Ukraine is a wrenching issue, so is the lack of affordable housing in major cities; and, the COVID crisis is
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, for instance, is supposed to be announcing the long-promised “just transition” plan in the coming months. This is intended to help oil and gas workers, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, move to equally lucrative and engaging jobs in the burgeoning green energy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

One more year to stop talking, start acting, on reducing emissions

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
  • The ongoing war in Ukraine is a wrenching issue, so is the lack of affordable housing in major cities; and, the COVID crisis is

One more year to stop talking, start acting, on reducing emissions

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 9, 2023
  • The ongoing war in Ukraine is a wrenching issue, so is the lack of affordable housing in major cities; and, the COVID crisis is
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, for instance, is supposed to be announcing the long-promised “just transition” plan in the coming months. This is intended to help oil and gas workers, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, move to equally lucrative and engaging jobs in the burgeoning green energy sector. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

If politicians weren’t so snarly, more collegial, ratings might rebound

  • Has Question Period always been so joyless? Even if the show is free, there is only so much vitriol audiences can tolerate. A little
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. While every Parliament features ferocious rivalries, harsh personal attacks and outlandish accusations, some have also offered moments of humour, good-natured teasing, or simple acknowledgement of humanity across the aisle, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

If politicians weren’t so snarly, more collegial, ratings might rebound

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
  • Has Question Period always been so joyless? Even if the show is free, there is only so much vitriol audiences can tolerate. A little

If politicians weren’t so snarly, more collegial, ratings might rebound

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 12, 2022
  • Has Question Period always been so joyless? Even if the show is free, there is only so much vitriol audiences can tolerate. A little
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. While every Parliament features ferocious rivalries, harsh personal attacks and outlandish accusations, some have also offered moments of humour, good-natured teasing, or simple acknowledgement of humanity across the aisle, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s inscrutable China policy

  • It would be naive to believe that foreign governments don’t attempt to steal trade secrets, or undermine public trust in our democracy. For our
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured on Nov. 16, 2022, at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia. Xi chided Trudeau for 'leaked' discussions to the newspapers. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN

Trudeau’s inscrutable China policy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
  • It would be naive to believe that foreign governments don’t attempt to steal trade secrets, or undermine public trust in our democracy. For our

Trudeau’s inscrutable China policy

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 28, 2022
  • It would be naive to believe that foreign governments don’t attempt to steal trade secrets, or undermine public trust in our democracy. For our
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured on Nov. 16, 2022, at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia. Xi chided Trudeau for 'leaked' discussions to the newspapers. Screen capture image courtesy of CBCNN

Trudeau ‘COPs out’ on the world climate stage

  • Perhaps Justin Trudeau thinks Canada has a better story to tell on biodiversity—although, this, like everything, is influenced by climate change. Or, when it
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
It is both striking and unsurprising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured taking questions from reporters on the Hill on Oct. 26, 2022, isn’t attending the latest international climate conference in Egypt, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau ‘COPs out’ on the world climate stage

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
  • Perhaps Justin Trudeau thinks Canada has a better story to tell on biodiversity—although, this, like everything, is influenced by climate change. Or, when it

Trudeau ‘COPs out’ on the world climate stage

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 14, 2022
  • Perhaps Justin Trudeau thinks Canada has a better story to tell on biodiversity—although, this, like everything, is influenced by climate change. Or, when it
It is both striking and unsurprising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured taking questions from reporters on the Hill on Oct. 26, 2022, isn’t attending the latest international climate conference in Egypt, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Inflationary rhetoric is as dangerous as the real thing

  • Nobody is uniquely responsible. How about moving beyond the futile, repetitive exchange of ideological antiquities to relief—at least for the most harshly affected.
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
At Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's well-attended press conference last week, he predicted a period of discomfort followed by a return to two per cent inflation by 2024 and a healthy and growing economy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Inflationary rhetoric is as dangerous as the real thing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
  • Nobody is uniquely responsible. How about moving beyond the futile, repetitive exchange of ideological antiquities to relief—at least for the most harshly affected.

Inflationary rhetoric is as dangerous as the real thing

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 31, 2022
  • Nobody is uniquely responsible. How about moving beyond the futile, repetitive exchange of ideological antiquities to relief—at least for the most harshly affected.
At Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's well-attended press conference last week, he predicted a period of discomfort followed by a return to two per cent inflation by 2024 and a healthy and growing economy, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to clean up our language 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to clean up our language 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of

Time to clean up our language 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Political language has become so degraded that a gross betrayal of supporters, a shameless climbdown from previously embraced imperatives, the sudden disappearance of
Newly elected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured arriving at the Conservative national caucus meeting in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Sept. 12, 2022, with his wife Anaida and their son Cruz. It looks like a Poilievre 'pivot' on climate is inevitable—although it will be dressed up as a fairer, more equitable approach to containing emissions, not a complete policy reversal, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that

Widespread labour shortages a growing economic, political, and moral tinderbox 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 3, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that
There is another storm brewing in Canada this season and it isn’t a hurricane. It is a broad and disruptive labour shortage that is creating havoc everywhere, in our everyday life—and laying bare some troubling undercurrents, writes Susan Riley. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually

Politicians won’t be caught dead agreeing, even when there’s common ground

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 19, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—This will come as a shock to many, but, looked at from a certain angle, our major federal parties—even premiers and municipal leaders—actually
Politicians, like the new Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, might be more productive if they admitted they actually do agree on certain basic points, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct

A Poilievre Conservative leadership would be a test: is love really stronger than hate?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 5, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Here’s some “plain language” for the presumptive Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has announced that all government communication must be comprehensible and direct
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre has tapped into a deep vein of discontent that has arisen in part out of economic uncertainty. Screenshot courtesy of Pierre Poilievre/YouTube

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure

Federal fight against climate change stops at the oil patch

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 8, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is there anyone in Canada—anyone?—who believes that Justin Trudeau’s government is serious about tackling climate change? It seems unlikely, given the ongoing failure
Oilsands, pictured in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2008. How can Ottawa justify billion-dollar programs—to clean up orphan wells, capture fugitive methane emissions, underwrite the construction of $50-billion carbon capture projects of dubious effectiveness—when the industry has emerged from a seven-year downturn rolling in cash? It can’t. It shouldn’t bother trying, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until

COVID already in the rear-view mirror for politicians—and we’re all potential roadkill 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—We trusted the science, until it got complicated. We revered medical officers of health, like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, until
A pedestrian, pictured on May 15, 2020, on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. The most reliable medical advice now—amid a daily diet of contradictions, counter-claims, and lame reassurances from politicians—is to get your third shot, if you are among the 52 per cent of Canadians who haven’t yet been boosted. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The summer of our disconnect 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The summer of our disconnect 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,

The summer of our disconnect 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 4, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Politics in Canada almost always slows down in summer. Backyard barbecues and community festivals are still threatened by visits from glad-handing federal, municipal,
The Prime Minister's Office, pictured on June 26, 2019, in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve

It’s over for you and Justin? Be careful what you wish for 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 20, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Justin Trudeau’s main political challenge these days isn’t his enemies. It’s his friends. Many Canadians who share the prime minister’s values, generally approve
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on June 1, 2022, taking a photo with school children. The barrage of negativity that threatens the Trudeau government isn’t unique. It's how our parliamentary system operates, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report

Every Ottawa crisis needs a good report, or two, or three… 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 6, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Another week, another former Supreme Court justice, another damning report. To be followed, in another few years no doubt, by another damning report
Louise Arbour, pictured May 30 on the Hill, wants the minister to appoint an 'external monitor' to follow up on her recommendations and to give Anand a monthly progress report. This happens often with expert reports/commissions/audits—a requirement that progress be tracked, which is meant to keep the issue alive once the media moves on. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP,
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
Why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Canada Strong and Free Network's debate in Ottawa, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP,

Conservative leadership: right versus evil, or right versus right? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 23, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—In the chippy, content-light federal Conservative leadership race, there are two (at least) emerging puzzles. First, why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP,
Why isn’t the affable backbench Ontario MP, Scott Aitchison, pictured May 5, 2022, at the Canada Strong and Free Network's debate in Ottawa, leading the non-crazy contingent in the battle for the soul of the party? He is, unlike the rest of the field, demonstrably relatable, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the incoherence of federal climate ambition hurt national unity? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Well, that didn’t take long. Mere weeks after the federal budget offered a generous tax credit to help oil and gas companies create
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
In a recent interview on the popular Herle Burly podcast, Natural Resources Minister Wilkinson, pictured, justified his recent decision to allow the oil patch to increase production by 300,000 barrels a day—allegedly to replace the Russian oil that keeps European homes warm. Asked if this extra production doesn’t upend federal emissions reduction targets, Wilkinson insisted: 'You can actually do both.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will the incoherence of federal climate ambition hurt national unity? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Well, that didn’t take long. Mere weeks after the federal budget offered a generous tax credit to help oil and gas companies create

Will the incoherence of federal climate ambition hurt national unity? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 9, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Well, that didn’t take long. Mere weeks after the federal budget offered a generous tax credit to help oil and gas companies create
In a recent interview on the popular Herle Burly podcast, Natural Resources Minister Wilkinson, pictured, justified his recent decision to allow the oil patch to increase production by 300,000 barrels a day—allegedly to replace the Russian oil that keeps European homes warm. Asked if this extra production doesn’t upend federal emissions reduction targets, Wilkinson insisted: 'You can actually do both.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Child care is Trudeau Liberals’ greatest legacy, but everyone appears to have moved on

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on his way to a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be celebrated as the country’s most important social and economic reform since medicare. If it survives, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Child care is Trudeau Liberals’ greatest legacy, but everyone appears to have moved on

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be

Child care is Trudeau Liberals’ greatest legacy, but everyone appears to have moved on

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 25, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 22, 2022, on his way to a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Ten years from now—perhaps sooner—the national child-care program launched by the federal Liberals last year, and finalized in recent months, could well be celebrated as the country’s most important social and economic reform since medicare. If it survives, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Unexciting federal budget a flimsy smokescreen for climate capitulation 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—According to the not-so-subtle Liberal communications plan, the few progressive and chewy morsels in last week’s federal budget should overshadow Justin Trudeau’s most
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill on budget day, April 7, 2022. Why is a government so far off its Paris Accord commitments even contemplating new fossil fuel projects? For the jobs, supposedly, but those jobs are less plentiful than they once were, and, given the finite future of oil, less permanent, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Unexciting federal budget a flimsy smokescreen for climate capitulation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—According to the not-so-subtle Liberal communications plan, the few progressive and chewy morsels in last week’s federal budget should overshadow Justin Trudeau’s most

Unexciting federal budget a flimsy smokescreen for climate capitulation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 11, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—According to the not-so-subtle Liberal communications plan, the few progressive and chewy morsels in last week’s federal budget should overshadow Justin Trudeau’s most
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on the Hill on budget day, April 7, 2022. Why is a government so far off its Paris Accord commitments even contemplating new fossil fuel projects? For the jobs, supposedly, but those jobs are less plentiful than they once were, and, given the finite future of oil, less permanent, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

While politicos fret, a tsunami of relief floods the nation

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Away from the snark, crackle and pop of the Ottawa bubble, a national sigh of relief may be building as news of the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both pictured at separate press conferences on the Hill on March 22, 2022, after the prime minister officially announced that the New Democrats have agreed to tentatively support the Liberal government on confidence votes until the next fixed election in October 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

While politicos fret, a tsunami of relief floods the nation

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Away from the snark, crackle and pop of the Ottawa bubble, a national sigh of relief may be building as news of the

While politicos fret, a tsunami of relief floods the nation

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Away from the snark, crackle and pop of the Ottawa bubble, a national sigh of relief may be building as news of the
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both pictured at separate press conferences on the Hill on March 22, 2022, after the prime minister officially announced that the New Democrats have agreed to tentatively support the Liberal government on confidence votes until the next fixed election in October 2025. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia

Time to take Poilievre seriously, no matter how unserious he seems 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop. Political Twitter
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 14, 2022
This is me: Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured Feb. 14, 2022, speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons before Question Period. Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time to take Poilievre seriously, no matter how unserious he seems 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop. Political Twitter

Time to take Poilievre seriously, no matter how unserious he seems 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | March 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop. Political Twitter
This is me: Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured Feb. 14, 2022, speaks with reporters outside the House of Commons before Question Period. Those who believe a prime minister Pierre Poilievre is unthinkable had better start thinking—particularly the sleepy-heads in the Liberal communications shop, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Red Tories: another species at risk? 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The Red Tory, like many seasonal pests, tends to vanish from sight for long periods, only to re-emerge when conditions are right—in this
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 28, 2022
Conservative MPs Alain Rayes, Michelle Rempel Garner and Eric Duncan, pictured, are considered to be more centrist or Red Tory Conservatives. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Red Tories: another species at risk? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The Red Tory, like many seasonal pests, tends to vanish from sight for long periods, only to re-emerge when conditions are right—in this

Red Tories: another species at risk? 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 28, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The Red Tory, like many seasonal pests, tends to vanish from sight for long periods, only to re-emerge when conditions are right—in this
Conservative MPs Alain Rayes, Michelle Rempel Garner and Eric Duncan, pictured, are considered to be more centrist or Red Tory Conservatives. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
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Help wanted: a courageous national leader to speak up for the rest of us 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is a gaping hole at the centre of our political life right now and no one—not the prime minister, opposition leaders or
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 14, 2022
'Freedom Trucker Convoy' protesters, pictured in Ottawa on Feb. 5, 2022. The whiteness of the protest, as many have pointed out, also explains the extraordinary courtesies extended to demonstrators. But the longer they stay, and stay, the weaker our elected leaders look, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Help wanted: a courageous national leader to speak up for the rest of us 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is a gaping hole at the centre of our political life right now and no one—not the prime minister, opposition leaders or

Help wanted: a courageous national leader to speak up for the rest of us 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | February 14, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—There is a gaping hole at the centre of our political life right now and no one—not the prime minister, opposition leaders or
'Freedom Trucker Convoy' protesters, pictured in Ottawa on Feb. 5, 2022. The whiteness of the protest, as many have pointed out, also explains the extraordinary courtesies extended to demonstrators. But the longer they stay, and stay, the weaker our elected leaders look, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Trip-wires and trap doors abound as Parliament resumes

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As MPs re-assemble today—another hybrid sitting, for now—there is only one safe, if very general, prediction about the session to come: no one
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 31, 2022
Should Erin O'Toole fall through the trap door in the coming months, Pierre Poilievre could be the one taking the reins. If that happens, 'the Conservatives are destined to become a somewhat larger, equally bellicose, version of the People’s Party of Canada, still docked far from majority territory,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trip-wires and trap doors abound as Parliament resumes

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 31, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As MPs re-assemble today—another hybrid sitting, for now—there is only one safe, if very general, prediction about the session to come: no one

Trip-wires and trap doors abound as Parliament resumes

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 31, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As MPs re-assemble today—another hybrid sitting, for now—there is only one safe, if very general, prediction about the session to come: no one
Should Erin O'Toole fall through the trap door in the coming months, Pierre Poilievre could be the one taking the reins. If that happens, 'the Conservatives are destined to become a somewhat larger, equally bellicose, version of the People’s Party of Canada, still docked far from majority territory,' writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Something strange happening in Canadian politics

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Something strange has been happening in Canadian politics since the Trump contagion to the south. Voters elect a mostly reasonable, often affable, Member
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 17, 2022
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, PPC Leader Maxime Bernier, and Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole. Many voters would not want these harsh, angry men—no matter their politics—sitting on the local school board, never mind running the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Something strange happening in Canadian politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Something strange has been happening in Canadian politics since the Trump contagion to the south. Voters elect a mostly reasonable, often affable, Member

Something strange happening in Canadian politics

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 17, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Something strange has been happening in Canadian politics since the Trump contagion to the south. Voters elect a mostly reasonable, often affable, Member
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, PPC Leader Maxime Bernier, and Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole. Many voters would not want these harsh, angry men—no matter their politics—sitting on the local school board, never mind running the country, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
Federal departments have been shifting to a hybrid system—some office time mixed with continued remote work—but Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, pictured Nov. 16, 2021, arriving for a cabinet meeting in the West Block, is leaving it to individual departments and agencies to determine the blend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to

Will COVID revive the federal public service?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | January 10, 2022
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It took an unprecedented health crisis, but Canada’s public service—and the tens of thousands of people who work for government—has been shaken to
Federal departments have been shifting to a hybrid system—some office time mixed with continued remote work—but Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, pictured Nov. 16, 2021, arriving for a cabinet meeting in the West Block, is leaving it to individual departments and agencies to determine the blend. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller’s leadership ambitions, if they even exist, exist primarily in the realm of idle speculation, particularly since Trudeau’s successor has already been anointed by many Liberals and media: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace

Your annual, year-end gift of aimless speculation on next Liberal leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 20, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If he wasn’t another straight, white man from Montreal—red-headed, even! —Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, could be a leading contender to replace
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller’s leadership ambitions, if they even exist, exist primarily in the realm of idle speculation, particularly since Trudeau’s successor has already been anointed by many Liberals and media: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

An old war over climate change, a new phase

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
The Emissions Reduction Fund, as originally conceived, was clearly a Liberal bail-out to oil and gas, dressed up as a win-win; introduced in April 2020, near the start of the pandemic, as a way of addressing soaring unemployment in Alberta while cleaning up the environment. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

An old war over climate change, a new phase

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its

An old war over climate change, a new phase

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | December 6, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—For decades, there has been a power struggle within federal cabinets of both major parties, between the Department of Natural Resources, and its
The Emissions Reduction Fund, as originally conceived, was clearly a Liberal bail-out to oil and gas, dressed up as a win-win; introduced in April 2020, near the start of the pandemic, as a way of addressing soaring unemployment in Alberta while cleaning up the environment. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Let the games….stop 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Oct. 5, 2021, leaving the Conservative caucus meeting held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, is considered one of his party's stars in the House, known for his over-the-top style. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Let the games….stop 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust

Let the games….stop 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 22, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Is everyone looking forward to the resumption of Parliament this week—especially Question Period, that riveting drama at the throbbing heart of our robust
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Oct. 5, 2021, leaving the Conservative caucus meeting held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa, is considered one of his party's stars in the House, known for his over-the-top style. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
Anti-vaxxers' signs, pictured in White Rock, B.C., in 2021. Time to stop rewarding the refuseniks. Time to start governing for the reasonable, rather than catering to an unhinged rump. Call their bluff, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Ted McGrath

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering

Political response to anti-vaxxers too slow, too deferential 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | November 8, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is long past time that governments, institutions, unions, corporations, school boards—especially health-care providers, but, basically, anyone who delivers a public service—stopped cowering
Anti-vaxxers' signs, pictured in White Rock, B.C., in 2021. Time to stop rewarding the refuseniks. Time to start governing for the reasonable, rather than catering to an unhinged rump. Call their bluff, writes Susan Riley. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Ted McGrath

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
For most of his time in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Oct. 21, 2021, in Ottawa, has tacitly supported a too-leisurely transition away from oil and gas, pushing climate action in speeches while, at the same time, buying the Trans-Mountain expansion pipeline to ensure a continued, even accelerated, flow of oil from Alberta’s oil patch to Vancouver harbour, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec

Who is going to Glasgow, Quebec or Alberta?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 25, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Sometimes—last week, for instance—it is hard to believe that Alberta and Quebec occupy the same country, never mind the same planet. While Quebec
For most of his time in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured Oct. 21, 2021, in Ottawa, has tacitly supported a too-leisurely transition away from oil and gas, pushing climate action in speeches while, at the same time, buying the Trans-Mountain expansion pipeline to ensure a continued, even accelerated, flow of oil from Alberta’s oil patch to Vancouver harbour, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
Hailed by Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, as 'the biggest export agreement in the history of Quebec,' the sale is a logical fit: Quebec has a surplus of clean electricity, while nearby U.S. states are under political and economic pressure to cut emissions by moving away from coal-generated electricity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill

In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | October 11, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill
Hailed by Quebec Premier François Legault, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, as 'the biggest export agreement in the history of Quebec,' the sale is a logical fit: Quebec has a surplus of clean electricity, while nearby U.S. states are under political and economic pressure to cut emissions by moving away from coal-generated electricity, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Look again: this election could be transformational 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, Annamie Paul, and Maxime Bernier. It remains to be seen, whether campaign 2021 will be transformational in another way, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Look again: this election could be transformational 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in

Look again: this election could be transformational 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | September 27, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Last week’s election may, in retrospect, look far from inconsequential; it may even look momentous, notwithstanding the absence of a radical shift in
Justin Trudeau, Erin O'Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, Annamie Paul, and Maxime Bernier. It remains to be seen, whether campaign 2021 will be transformational in another way, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for triggering a snap election. For most Canadians, an election is a minor inconvenience, and an important chance to have their say on how their country is governed, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in

The myth of the unwelcome election and other pieties

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 23, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Why would anyone object to a federal election in September, “snap” or otherwise? Except for opposition parties that are unprepared or lagging in
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for triggering a snap election. For most Canadians, an election is a minor inconvenience, and an important chance to have their say on how their country is governed, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, pictured March 11, 2021, on the Hill. While Ms. Paul is an articulate and intelligent debater, intent on expanding her party’s reach in urban ridings and among racialized communities—all good things—her focus on other issues, including a recent anti-Semitism conference and a roundtable on illicit drugs, leaves climate issues in the dust, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters

Homeless green voters are an election wild card

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | August 2, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—While forests burn, glaciers melt, droughts threaten, and no end of climate disruption feeds an undercurrent of concern across the country, green-motivated voters
Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, pictured March 11, 2021, on the Hill. While Ms. Paul is an articulate and intelligent debater, intent on expanding her party’s reach in urban ridings and among racialized communities—all good things—her focus on other issues, including a recent anti-Semitism conference and a roundtable on illicit drugs, leaves climate issues in the dust, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
Senators Bernadette Clement, Paula Simons, and Mary Jane McCallum. As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may have escaped most voters’ notice. Indirectly—if not inadvertently—he has improved the quality of Canada’s Senate. Photographs courtesy of Facebook, Senate, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may

New class of non-partisans threatens to improve Senate’s reputation 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | July 12, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may
Senators Bernadette Clement, Paula Simons, and Mary Jane McCallum. As Justin Trudeau ticks off items on his to-do list in the weeks leading to the election, there is one accomplishment that may have escaped most voters’ notice. Indirectly—if not inadvertently—he has improved the quality of Canada’s Senate. Photographs courtesy of Facebook, Senate, and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured June 22, 2021, at the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick/POOL

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session

Noises off: election campaigning begins and we could care less

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 28, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Because there is no vaccine against partisan excess, smarmy claims to virtue, overwrought charges of corruption, and self-serving procedural manoeuvring, this unprecedented session
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured June 22, 2021, at the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick/POOL

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
People performing a drumming circle, June 3, 2021, on Parliament Hill to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found last month near the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the government that resolved to address longstanding injustice towards First Nations—that declared the Indigenous-settler relationship its top priority—is fighting repeated orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to end the discrimination against First Nations children who cannot access the same quality health and social services as non-Indigenous kids. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school

Everyone wants ‘action,’ but what does that mean?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | June 14, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—The two tragedies of recent days—the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of an old Kamloops residential school
People performing a drumming circle, June 3, 2021, on Parliament Hill to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found last month near the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the government that resolved to address longstanding injustice towards First Nations—that declared the Indigenous-settler relationship its top priority—is fighting repeated orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to end the discrimination against First Nations children who cannot access the same quality health and social services as non-Indigenous kids. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
Filmmaker Avi Lewis, centre, has been nominated to run for the NDP in B.C., five years after causing a ruckus in the party over his Leap Manifesto. The Hill Times file photograph

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead

Avi Lewis: flame-thrower or flame-out?

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 31, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is possibly the most electrifying thing to happen to the NDP since Jagmeet Singh became the first person of colour to lead
Filmmaker Avi Lewis, centre, has been nominated to run for the NDP in B.C., five years after causing a ruckus in the party over his Leap Manifesto. The Hill Times file photograph

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan Vance, earlier this year. But that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it, no matter how many other reputations are harmed in the process, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan

When backed into a political corner, tell the truth

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 17, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan
It is extremely hard to believe that Justin Trudeau was ignorant of allegations of sexual misconduct directed at former Canadian Forces chief, Jonathan Vance, earlier this year. But that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it, no matter how many other reputations are harmed in the process, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. The Ford government's belated, timid, half-measure on paid sick leave, embraced reluctantly, is being marketed as a 'game-changer,' 14 months and 8,000 Ontario lives later, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more

Paid sick leave and the empathy gap

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | May 3, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—Three days. That’s the paid sick leave Ontario workers will be eligible to receive until the benefit ends Sept. 25. It comes more
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pictured Sept. 18, 2020, in Ottawa. The Ford government's belated, timid, half-measure on paid sick leave, embraced reluctantly, is being marketed as a 'game-changer,' 14 months and 8,000 Ontario lives later, writes Susan Riley. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the
Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a prime offender, criticizing the federal government for not providing enough vaccines, then, when vaccines did arrive last week, boasting about how quickly and efficiently Albertans will be inoculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the

Tip for belly-aching politicians: mute yourselves! 

Opinion | BY SUSAN RILEY | April 19, 2021
  • CHELSEA, QUE.—If there is anything guaranteed to bring on a COVID-related headache these days, it is politicians squabbling about who is responsible for the
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a prime offender, criticizing the federal government for not providing enough vaccines, then, when vaccines did arrive last week, boasting about how quickly and efficiently Albertans will be inoculated. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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