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Saturday, December 9, 2023
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Gerry Nicholls

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant.

Poilievre’s miscues won’t save Trudeau

  • Now I’m not arguing Justin Trudeau can’t make a comeback. It’d be difficult, but doable. But for him to succeed, he can’t just rely on Pierre
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. According to some political observers, Trudeau’s secret weapon is Conservative Poilievre, writes Gerry Nicholls.  The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s miscues won’t save Trudeau

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2023
  • Now I’m not arguing Justin Trudeau can’t make a comeback. It’d be difficult, but doable. But for him to succeed, he can’t just rely on Pierre

Poilievre’s miscues won’t save Trudeau

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | December 6, 2023
  • Now I’m not arguing Justin Trudeau can’t make a comeback. It’d be difficult, but doable. But for him to succeed, he can’t just rely on Pierre
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. According to some political observers, Trudeau’s secret weapon is Conservative Poilievre, writes Gerry Nicholls.  The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Polls as propaganda

  • If a Conservative Party supporter gets the idea that all the polls are showing his leader is going to win the next election, he’d
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 29, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. There’s nothing the media loves more than to dissect, analyze, and discuss the latest in public opinion polls, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Polls as propaganda

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 29, 2023
  • If a Conservative Party supporter gets the idea that all the polls are showing his leader is going to win the next election, he’d

Polls as propaganda

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 29, 2023
  • If a Conservative Party supporter gets the idea that all the polls are showing his leader is going to win the next election, he’d
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. There’s nothing the media loves more than to dissect, analyze, and discuss the latest in public opinion polls, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Carbon taxes and conservative conscience

  • Conservatives don’t have a free-market conscience, so why appeal to something that doesn’t exist? 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 22, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill on Nov. 20, 2023. Every so often, in a vain attempt to make conservative politicians feel guilty about opposing carbon taxes, an environmentalist will publicly make the case that the carbon tax is really a conservative idea, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Carbon taxes and conservative conscience

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 22, 2023
  • Conservatives don’t have a free-market conscience, so why appeal to something that doesn’t exist? 

Carbon taxes and conservative conscience

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 22, 2023
  • Conservatives don’t have a free-market conscience, so why appeal to something that doesn’t exist? 
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on the Hill on Nov. 20, 2023. Every so often, in a vain attempt to make conservative politicians feel guilty about opposing carbon taxes, an environmentalist will publicly make the case that the carbon tax is really a conservative idea, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

This just in: is Poilievre charismatic?

  • I’m not saying 'Pierremania' will sweep Canada the way 'Trudeaumania' did in the 1960s or the way 'Justinmania' did in 2015. But no one will
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 16, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Sept. 26, 2023, on the Hill, has charisma because he comes as across as passionate, confident, and energetic, but there's also a limit to how 'cool' a conservative can be, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

This just in: is Poilievre charismatic?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 16, 2023
  • I’m not saying 'Pierremania' will sweep Canada the way 'Trudeaumania' did in the 1960s or the way 'Justinmania' did in 2015. But no one will

This just in: is Poilievre charismatic?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 16, 2023
  • I’m not saying 'Pierremania' will sweep Canada the way 'Trudeaumania' did in the 1960s or the way 'Justinmania' did in 2015. But no one will
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured on Sept. 26, 2023, on the Hill, has charisma because he comes as across as passionate, confident, and energetic, but there's also a limit to how 'cool' a conservative can be, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The rise and fall of the carbon tax consensus

  • The fact that Trudeau announced a pause on the carbon tax in Atlantic Canada—a Liberal bastion—highly suggests even his own supporters don’t like it. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 9, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Nov. 1, 2023, on the Hill arriving for the Liberal caucus. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The rise and fall of the carbon tax consensus

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 9, 2023
  • The fact that Trudeau announced a pause on the carbon tax in Atlantic Canada—a Liberal bastion—highly suggests even his own supporters don’t like it. 

The rise and fall of the carbon tax consensus

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 9, 2023
  • The fact that Trudeau announced a pause on the carbon tax in Atlantic Canada—a Liberal bastion—highly suggests even his own supporters don’t like it. 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Nov. 1, 2023, on the Hill arriving for the Liberal caucus. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Gauging the power of consultants

  • While politicians do usually heed the counsel of their consultants, that doesn’t always make them unthinking marionettes.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 2, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Gauging the power of consultants

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 2, 2023
  • While politicians do usually heed the counsel of their consultants, that doesn’t always make them unthinking marionettes.

Gauging the power of consultants

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | November 2, 2023
  • While politicians do usually heed the counsel of their consultants, that doesn’t always make them unthinking marionettes.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Does the NDP need a miracle? It needs two

  • Since Pierre Poilievre is riding high in the polls and his party’s war chest is bursting, does anyone seriously believe the NDP, with its
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 26, 2023
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were to unexpectedly hang up his guns and ride off into the sunset, that might be the miracle Jagmeet Singh’s NDP needs, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Does the NDP need a miracle? It needs two

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 26, 2023
  • Since Pierre Poilievre is riding high in the polls and his party’s war chest is bursting, does anyone seriously believe the NDP, with its

Does the NDP need a miracle? It needs two

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 26, 2023
  • Since Pierre Poilievre is riding high in the polls and his party’s war chest is bursting, does anyone seriously believe the NDP, with its
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were to unexpectedly hang up his guns and ride off into the sunset, that might be the miracle Jagmeet Singh’s NDP needs, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pollsters as the voice of doom

  • What are his pollsters telling him? 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 19, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might soon follow New Zealand's from prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s lead and go for a 'walk in the snow.' On the other hand, pollsters aren’t always the voice of doom, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pollsters as the voice of doom

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 19, 2023
  • What are his pollsters telling him? 

Pollsters as the voice of doom

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 19, 2023
  • What are his pollsters telling him? 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might soon follow New Zealand's from prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s lead and go for a 'walk in the snow.' On the other hand, pollsters aren’t always the voice of doom, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s possible predicament

  • No matter what the polls might say, Conservatives are never happy and they’re never truly united. How could they be?
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 11, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will never make all conservatives happy, nor will he ever unite them all. But what he can do is keep the conservative base focused on defeating the Liberals, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre’s possible predicament

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 11, 2023
  • No matter what the polls might say, Conservatives are never happy and they’re never truly united. How could they be?

Poilievre’s possible predicament

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 11, 2023
  • No matter what the polls might say, Conservatives are never happy and they’re never truly united. How could they be?
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will never make all conservatives happy, nor will he ever unite them all. But what he can do is keep the conservative base focused on defeating the Liberals, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The appeal of new parties

  • An upstart political party shouldn’t be seen as just another piece to move around the gameboard, but as a vehicle for new ideas, approaches
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 5, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, seen recently on the Hill. The Conservatives should not see the Canadian Future Party as a threat to their left flank, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The appeal of new parties

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 5, 2023
  • An upstart political party shouldn’t be seen as just another piece to move around the gameboard, but as a vehicle for new ideas, approaches

The appeal of new parties

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | October 5, 2023
  • An upstart political party shouldn’t be seen as just another piece to move around the gameboard, but as a vehicle for new ideas, approaches
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, seen recently on the Hill. The Conservatives should not see the Canadian Future Party as a threat to their left flank, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau the populist?

  • As former U.S. president Lyndon Johnson once said, 'You have to be a demagogue on a lot of little things if you want to
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 28, 2023
Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a politician who has branded himself as something of an anti-populist, who’ll only push rational 'evidence-based' policies, will play the populist card if it suits his interests, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau the populist?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 28, 2023
  • As former U.S. president Lyndon Johnson once said, 'You have to be a demagogue on a lot of little things if you want to

Trudeau the populist?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 28, 2023
  • As former U.S. president Lyndon Johnson once said, 'You have to be a demagogue on a lot of little things if you want to
Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a politician who has branded himself as something of an anti-populist, who’ll only push rational 'evidence-based' policies, will play the populist card if it suits his interests, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Can Poilievre and Singh exploit Trudeau’s weakness? 

  • Trudeau is an experienced campaigner with the advantage of incumbency, while Poilievre is untested, and Singh has already been solidly thumped twice. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2023
It’s still an open question as to whether Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh can take advantage of the Liberal government’s apparent unpopularity, writes Gerry Nicholls.  The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Can Poilievre and Singh exploit Trudeau’s weakness? 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2023
  • Trudeau is an experienced campaigner with the advantage of incumbency, while Poilievre is untested, and Singh has already been solidly thumped twice. 

Can Poilievre and Singh exploit Trudeau’s weakness? 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 20, 2023
  • Trudeau is an experienced campaigner with the advantage of incumbency, while Poilievre is untested, and Singh has already been solidly thumped twice. 
It’s still an open question as to whether Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh can take advantage of the Liberal government’s apparent unpopularity, writes Gerry Nicholls.  The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s got a pessimism problem

  • After looking at some recent polls, it's clear that when it comes to attracting younger voters, the Liberals are lagging in third place.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 14, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside Rideau Hall in Ottawa shortly after shuffling his cabinet on July 26, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s got a pessimism problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 14, 2023
  • After looking at some recent polls, it's clear that when it comes to attracting younger voters, the Liberals are lagging in third place.

Trudeau’s got a pessimism problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 14, 2023
  • After looking at some recent polls, it's clear that when it comes to attracting younger voters, the Liberals are lagging in third place.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside Rideau Hall in Ottawa shortly after shuffling his cabinet on July 26, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How Anaida Poilievre boosts the Conservative message

  • The Conservatives are smart to use Anaida Poilevre to narrate the latest ad showing the softer side of Pierre Poilievre. She's his secret weapon.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 8, 2023
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, his wife Anaida, left, and their son Cruz outside the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Sept. 12, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How Anaida Poilievre boosts the Conservative message

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 8, 2023
  • The Conservatives are smart to use Anaida Poilevre to narrate the latest ad showing the softer side of Pierre Poilievre. She's his secret weapon.

How Anaida Poilievre boosts the Conservative message

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | September 8, 2023
  • The Conservatives are smart to use Anaida Poilevre to narrate the latest ad showing the softer side of Pierre Poilievre. She's his secret weapon.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, centre, his wife Anaida, left, and their son Cruz outside the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Sept. 12, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Decoding Trudeau’s olive branch to protesters

  • The prime minister understands that every time he angrily and publicly lashes out at 'regular Canadians,' it raises the country’s political temperature.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 30, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently expressed regret about using the label 'fringe' to describe anti-Trudeau protesters, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Decoding Trudeau’s olive branch to protesters

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 30, 2023
  • The prime minister understands that every time he angrily and publicly lashes out at 'regular Canadians,' it raises the country’s political temperature.

Decoding Trudeau’s olive branch to protesters

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 30, 2023
  • The prime minister understands that every time he angrily and publicly lashes out at 'regular Canadians,' it raises the country’s political temperature.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently expressed regret about using the label 'fringe' to describe anti-Trudeau protesters, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Tories’ anti-WEF attacks little more than an ‘us versus them’ campaign

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's anti-World Economic Forum stance is not the manifestation of a 'fringe' conspiracy viewpoint. Rather, it’s just a mundane political tactic.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's attacks on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the World Economic Forum effectively mix an 'us versus them' political ploy with a little bit of 'guilt by association,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tories’ anti-WEF attacks little more than an ‘us versus them’ campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2023
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's anti-World Economic Forum stance is not the manifestation of a 'fringe' conspiracy viewpoint. Rather, it’s just a mundane political tactic.

Tories’ anti-WEF attacks little more than an ‘us versus them’ campaign

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 23, 2023
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's anti-World Economic Forum stance is not the manifestation of a 'fringe' conspiracy viewpoint. Rather, it’s just a mundane political tactic.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's attacks on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the World Economic Forum effectively mix an 'us versus them' political ploy with a little bit of 'guilt by association,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The art of deflecting political attacks 

  • Be ready for combat once you enter the political arena, because no matter how nice you are, someone will always find a way to
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 17, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters during a scrum in West Block. One key principle when defending yourself is to never repeat an opponent's attack, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The art of deflecting political attacks 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 17, 2023
  • Be ready for combat once you enter the political arena, because no matter how nice you are, someone will always find a way to

The art of deflecting political attacks 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 17, 2023
  • Be ready for combat once you enter the political arena, because no matter how nice you are, someone will always find a way to
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters during a scrum in West Block. One key principle when defending yourself is to never repeat an opponent's attack, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Could socialists and populists unite?

  • The Conservatives and NDP lack a common anti-establishment ideological 'radicalism' that could form the basis of a parliamentary partnership.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 3, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Keep in mind that the views of the populist right and of the socialist left do, in fact, overlap on many issues, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Could socialists and populists unite?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 3, 2023
  • The Conservatives and NDP lack a common anti-establishment ideological 'radicalism' that could form the basis of a parliamentary partnership.

Could socialists and populists unite?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | August 3, 2023
  • The Conservatives and NDP lack a common anti-establishment ideological 'radicalism' that could form the basis of a parliamentary partnership.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Keep in mind that the views of the populist right and of the socialist left do, in fact, overlap on many issues, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

It’s okay for partisans to be nice

  • In this day and age, we’re so conditioned to see Liberals and Conservatives tear each other apart in public that when we see civility,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 27, 2023
John Baird, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It says something about the nature of politics today, that when a Conservative says something nice about a Liberal, it makes headlines, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Jake Wright

It’s okay for partisans to be nice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 27, 2023
  • In this day and age, we’re so conditioned to see Liberals and Conservatives tear each other apart in public that when we see civility,

It’s okay for partisans to be nice

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 27, 2023
  • In this day and age, we’re so conditioned to see Liberals and Conservatives tear each other apart in public that when we see civility,
John Baird, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It says something about the nature of politics today, that when a Conservative says something nice about a Liberal, it makes headlines, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Jake Wright

Pundits versus strategists

  • Pundits like to 'zoom out' for a overview, while strategists will 'zoom in' to focus on the details of what’s going on in the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 24, 2023
Justin Trudeau, left, Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May. Pundits will tend to regard strategists as cynical, political mercenaries who will brazenly tarnish our cherished democratic ideals through their use of crass and manipulative tactics, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Pundits versus strategists

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 24, 2023
  • Pundits like to 'zoom out' for a overview, while strategists will 'zoom in' to focus on the details of what’s going on in the

Pundits versus strategists

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 24, 2023
  • Pundits like to 'zoom out' for a overview, while strategists will 'zoom in' to focus on the details of what’s going on in the
Justin Trudeau, left, Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May. Pundits will tend to regard strategists as cynical, political mercenaries who will brazenly tarnish our cherished democratic ideals through their use of crass and manipulative tactics, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Our summer of discontent

  • Every time you check the news, you’ll be reminded that the world is on the brink of some terrible abyss. Wildfires are ravaging our forests,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 13, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If Canadians are becoming more apprehensive about the future, it likely means they’ll gravitate towards whichever political party can provide strong leadership, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Our summer of discontent

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 13, 2023
  • Every time you check the news, you’ll be reminded that the world is on the brink of some terrible abyss. Wildfires are ravaging our forests,

Our summer of discontent

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 13, 2023
  • Every time you check the news, you’ll be reminded that the world is on the brink of some terrible abyss. Wildfires are ravaging our forests,
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If Canadians are becoming more apprehensive about the future, it likely means they’ll gravitate towards whichever political party can provide strong leadership, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The politics of triangulation

  • If you want to triangulate today, it might be more profitable to flip the equation, i.e., embrace social conservatism and fiscal liberalism. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 6, 2023
Mississauga mayor and former Liberal MP Bonnie Crombie, left, and former Liberal MP and current Ontario Liberal MPP Ted Hsu at Liberal National Convention in Ottawa on May 6, 2023. Both are running for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The politics of triangulation

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 6, 2023
  • If you want to triangulate today, it might be more profitable to flip the equation, i.e., embrace social conservatism and fiscal liberalism. 

The politics of triangulation

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | July 6, 2023
  • If you want to triangulate today, it might be more profitable to flip the equation, i.e., embrace social conservatism and fiscal liberalism. 
Mississauga mayor and former Liberal MP Bonnie Crombie, left, and former Liberal MP and current Ontario Liberal MPP Ted Hsu at Liberal National Convention in Ottawa on May 6, 2023. Both are running for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

When pop culture meets pol culture

  • The line between political culture and popular culture is increasingly blurry as more and more politicians adopt a pop culture style to their messaging
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 29, 2023
The Flash, starring Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton, Ben Afflect, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, and Antje Traue. It is interesting how a Hollywood studio decided to market a new superhero movie, The Flash, as if it were a political campaign, writes Gerry Nicholls. Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Studios,

When pop culture meets pol culture

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 29, 2023
  • The line between political culture and popular culture is increasingly blurry as more and more politicians adopt a pop culture style to their messaging

When pop culture meets pol culture

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 29, 2023
  • The line between political culture and popular culture is increasingly blurry as more and more politicians adopt a pop culture style to their messaging
The Flash, starring Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton, Ben Afflect, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, and Antje Traue. It is interesting how a Hollywood studio decided to market a new superhero movie, The Flash, as if it were a political campaign, writes Gerry Nicholls. Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Studios,

Why Singh is both pro-Liberal and anti-Liberal

  • While the NDP Leader constantly criticizes Trudeau on things like the government’s handling of the election meddling scandal, the economy, or its environmental record,
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 22, 2023
There are valid political reasons as to why NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is taking this approach, the main one being he likely feels his party is not yet ready to fight a federal election, so it’s better to play for time, even if that means acting as the Liberal government’s 'junior partner,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Why Singh is both pro-Liberal and anti-Liberal

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 22, 2023
  • While the NDP Leader constantly criticizes Trudeau on things like the government’s handling of the election meddling scandal, the economy, or its environmental record,

Why Singh is both pro-Liberal and anti-Liberal

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 22, 2023
  • While the NDP Leader constantly criticizes Trudeau on things like the government’s handling of the election meddling scandal, the economy, or its environmental record,
There are valid political reasons as to why NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is taking this approach, the main one being he likely feels his party is not yet ready to fight a federal election, so it’s better to play for time, even if that means acting as the Liberal government’s 'junior partner,' writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre has an energy advantage

  • Even the gruffest Conservative can’t help but be dazzled by Pierre Poilievre’s high-energy personality. And yes, he has tons of energy.
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 19, 2023
Pierre Poilievre has vigorously waged war on several fronts: if he’s not savaging the Liberals over foreign electoral interference allegations, then he’s blasting them over their spend-happy fiscal policies, or assailing his party’s perceived enemies in the media, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre has an energy advantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 19, 2023
  • Even the gruffest Conservative can’t help but be dazzled by Pierre Poilievre’s high-energy personality. And yes, he has tons of energy.

Poilievre has an energy advantage

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 19, 2023
  • Even the gruffest Conservative can’t help but be dazzled by Pierre Poilievre’s high-energy personality. And yes, he has tons of energy.
Pierre Poilievre has vigorously waged war on several fronts: if he’s not savaging the Liberals over foreign electoral interference allegations, then he’s blasting them over their spend-happy fiscal policies, or assailing his party’s perceived enemies in the media, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Explaining the Alberta election

  • The National Citizens Coalition shouldn’t be too gloaty about the UCP’s victory. Just because conservatives won in Alberta doesn’t necessarily mean 'freedom is on the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 7, 2023
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, left, and Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley. The recent provincial election had barely concluded when opinion pieces started popping up all over the media scrutinizing the results, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright and Andrew Meade

Explaining the Alberta election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 7, 2023
  • The National Citizens Coalition shouldn’t be too gloaty about the UCP’s victory. Just because conservatives won in Alberta doesn’t necessarily mean 'freedom is on the

Explaining the Alberta election

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | June 7, 2023
  • The National Citizens Coalition shouldn’t be too gloaty about the UCP’s victory. Just because conservatives won in Alberta doesn’t necessarily mean 'freedom is on the
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, left, and Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley. The recent provincial election had barely concluded when opinion pieces started popping up all over the media scrutinizing the results, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photographs by Jake Wright and Andrew Meade

The problem with passion

  • Just because the Liberals are in a scandal involving foreign interference in our elections, it doesn’t necessarily mean voters will automatically flock to the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 31, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, greets Iceland's President Guðni Jóhannesson on the Hill during his state visit to Canada on May 29, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The problem with passion

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 31, 2023
  • Just because the Liberals are in a scandal involving foreign interference in our elections, it doesn’t necessarily mean voters will automatically flock to the

The problem with passion

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 31, 2023
  • Just because the Liberals are in a scandal involving foreign interference in our elections, it doesn’t necessarily mean voters will automatically flock to the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, greets Iceland's President Guðni Jóhannesson on the Hill during his state visit to Canada on May 29, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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A lesson from a Communist café

  • Why not consider supporting non-political party actors that are pushing for values and ideals you believe in, i.e., advocacy groups, charitable organizations, or even
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 29, 2023
In a surprise plot twist, the owner of The Anarchist café announced that 'thanks to a huge influx of support, and a very generous donation of publicity and attention from the Christian Conservatives of Texas and Florida, the Anarchist will continue to operate after May 30,' writes Gerry Nicholls.   Image courtesy of the Anarchist café

A lesson from a Communist café

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 29, 2023
  • Why not consider supporting non-political party actors that are pushing for values and ideals you believe in, i.e., advocacy groups, charitable organizations, or even

A lesson from a Communist café

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 29, 2023
  • Why not consider supporting non-political party actors that are pushing for values and ideals you believe in, i.e., advocacy groups, charitable organizations, or even
In a surprise plot twist, the owner of The Anarchist café announced that 'thanks to a huge influx of support, and a very generous donation of publicity and attention from the Christian Conservatives of Texas and Florida, the Anarchist will continue to operate after May 30,' writes Gerry Nicholls.   Image courtesy of the Anarchist café

Singh and Bernier need better stories

  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If I were to turn the next Canadian federal election into a screenplay or novel, I’d have a tough time plotting a realistic
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 17, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, top left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

Singh and Bernier need better stories

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 17, 2023
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If I were to turn the next Canadian federal election into a screenplay or novel, I’d have a tough time plotting a realistic

Singh and Bernier need better stories

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 17, 2023
  • OAKVILLE, ONT.—If I were to turn the next Canadian federal election into a screenplay or novel, I’d have a tough time plotting a realistic
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, top left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and People's Party Leader Maxime Bernier. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and Andrew Meade

For Poilievre, the CBC is a hot-button issue

  • While many see the public broadcaster as a beloved national institution, for hardcore Canadian conservatives, the CBC is a biased, pro-Liberal, bastion of 'woke'
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 11, 2023
Anyone wondering why Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre expends so much energy attacking the CBC should check out the latest political fundraising figures, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

For Poilievre, the CBC is a hot-button issue

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 11, 2023
  • While many see the public broadcaster as a beloved national institution, for hardcore Canadian conservatives, the CBC is a biased, pro-Liberal, bastion of 'woke'

For Poilievre, the CBC is a hot-button issue

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 11, 2023
  • While many see the public broadcaster as a beloved national institution, for hardcore Canadian conservatives, the CBC is a biased, pro-Liberal, bastion of 'woke'
Anyone wondering why Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre expends so much energy attacking the CBC should check out the latest political fundraising figures, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Danielle Smith paradox

  • Given all the negative news swirling around Alberta's premier, you’d think she would be an underdog going into the upcoming provincial election. On the
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 4, 2023
The political situation facing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith presents an interesting paradox, writes Gerry Nicholls.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Danielle Smith paradox

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 4, 2023
  • Given all the negative news swirling around Alberta's premier, you’d think she would be an underdog going into the upcoming provincial election. On the

The Danielle Smith paradox

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | May 4, 2023
  • Given all the negative news swirling around Alberta's premier, you’d think she would be an underdog going into the upcoming provincial election. On the
The political situation facing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith presents an interesting paradox, writes Gerry Nicholls.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre: Incredible Hulk or Captain America?

  • It’s possible Pierre Poilievre might overplay his SOB-ness and come across as more menacing than aggressive, which is why he must stay disciplined and
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 26, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, Captain America, and the Incredible Hulk. If you’re a Liberal, you’ll likely view Poilievre as a rampaging Hulk, but if you’re a Conservative, you’ll likely see him as a Captain America-figure, a righteous avenger who’ll smite their enemies, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, and courtesy of Flickr

Poilievre: Incredible Hulk or Captain America?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 26, 2023
  • It’s possible Pierre Poilievre might overplay his SOB-ness and come across as more menacing than aggressive, which is why he must stay disciplined and

Poilievre: Incredible Hulk or Captain America?

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 26, 2023
  • It’s possible Pierre Poilievre might overplay his SOB-ness and come across as more menacing than aggressive, which is why he must stay disciplined and
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, Captain America, and the Incredible Hulk. If you’re a Liberal, you’ll likely view Poilievre as a rampaging Hulk, but if you’re a Conservative, you’ll likely see him as a Captain America-figure, a righteous avenger who’ll smite their enemies, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade, and courtesy of Flickr

Trudeau, climate change and aliens

  • Nationalism will always trump internationalism. That's why polls usually show one of the least popular government programs is foreign aid. Trudeau likely understands this
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 19, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on the Hill on April 19, 2023, will emphasize how Canada will become a world leader in green technology, which will ultimately increase both the country’s prosperity and its world-wide prestige. In other words, if you happily pay your carbon tax, you’re a good patriot, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau, climate change and aliens

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 19, 2023
  • Nationalism will always trump internationalism. That's why polls usually show one of the least popular government programs is foreign aid. Trudeau likely understands this

Trudeau, climate change and aliens

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 19, 2023
  • Nationalism will always trump internationalism. That's why polls usually show one of the least popular government programs is foreign aid. Trudeau likely understands this
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on the Hill on April 19, 2023, will emphasize how Canada will become a world leader in green technology, which will ultimately increase both the country’s prosperity and its world-wide prestige. In other words, if you happily pay your carbon tax, you’re a good patriot, writes Gerry Nicholls.   The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Liberal succession problem

  • Regardless of talent, it will be difficult for anybody to fill Justin Trudeau’s shoes because the Liberal Party has been transformed over the years
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 13, 2023
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau eventually decides to exit the political stage (or he’s pushed off it), his Liberal Party could face a serious succession problem, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The Liberal succession problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 13, 2023
  • Regardless of talent, it will be difficult for anybody to fill Justin Trudeau’s shoes because the Liberal Party has been transformed over the years

The Liberal succession problem

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 13, 2023
  • Regardless of talent, it will be difficult for anybody to fill Justin Trudeau’s shoes because the Liberal Party has been transformed over the years
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau eventually decides to exit the political stage (or he’s pushed off it), his Liberal Party could face a serious succession problem, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The myth of a rational budget

  • All I know is politicians would rather please voters than economists. 
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 5, 2023
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on March 27, 2023, buying her new budget day shoes at Simons at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The myth of a rational budget

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 5, 2023
  • All I know is politicians would rather please voters than economists. 

The myth of a rational budget

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | April 5, 2023
  • All I know is politicians would rather please voters than economists. 
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured on March 27, 2023, buying her new budget day shoes at Simons at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new Harperian strategy? 

  • Former prime minister Stephen Harper believes a populist-oriented Conservative Party could stand for its traditional values while at the same time freely rail against
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 29, 2023
Former prime minister Stephen Harper delivers the keynote address at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference in Ottawa on March 22, 2023. Harper may have retired from Canada’s political ring, but he still knows how to throw a partisan jab, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new Harperian strategy? 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 29, 2023
  • Former prime minister Stephen Harper believes a populist-oriented Conservative Party could stand for its traditional values while at the same time freely rail against

A new Harperian strategy? 

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 29, 2023
  • Former prime minister Stephen Harper believes a populist-oriented Conservative Party could stand for its traditional values while at the same time freely rail against
Former prime minister Stephen Harper delivers the keynote address at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference in Ottawa on March 22, 2023. Harper may have retired from Canada’s political ring, but he still knows how to throw a partisan jab, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberals have a theory for winning

  • So, what is this Liberal theory for winning? I can’t say for sure, but it will likely be to emphasize Trudeau’s persona, or more specifically
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If the Conservatives can’t make Poilievre more likeable, their second choice is to make Trudeau seem unlikeable. That’ll require them to come up with a well-crafted, well-researched communication strategy aimed at undermining Trudeau's brand. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Liberals have a theory for winning

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2023
  • So, what is this Liberal theory for winning? I can’t say for sure, but it will likely be to emphasize Trudeau’s persona, or more specifically

Liberals have a theory for winning

Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 23, 2023
  • So, what is this Liberal theory for winning? I can’t say for sure, but it will likely be to emphasize Trudeau’s persona, or more specifically
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If the Conservatives can’t make Poilievre more likeable, their second choice is to make Trudeau seem unlikeable. That’ll require them to come up with a well-crafted, well-researched communication strategy aimed at undermining Trudeau's brand. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Playing the game of attack and counter-attack

  • Justin Trudeau is trying to turn the tables on Pierre Poilievre, he wants to put him on the defensive and put him into a
Opinion | BY GERRY NICHOLLS | March 16, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have been going at it lately—hammer and tong—exchanging insults bordering on the savage. How you view this sort of rough-and-tumble political combat depends on your perspective, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade