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Sheila Copps

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era Cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister.

Good news story gets buried in anti-Trudeau wave

  • Whatever the Liberals do these days—even if it is groundbreaking, and puts $100-million into the creation of domestic news stories—they cannot win. 
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 4, 2023
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge. Without Canadian government leadership, the chance to grow a dying news industry is slim to none, argues Sheila Copps.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Good news story gets buried in anti-Trudeau wave

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 4, 2023
  • Whatever the Liberals do these days—even if it is groundbreaking, and puts $100-million into the creation of domestic news stories—they cannot win. 

Good news story gets buried in anti-Trudeau wave

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | December 4, 2023
  • Whatever the Liberals do these days—even if it is groundbreaking, and puts $100-million into the creation of domestic news stories—they cannot win. 
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge. Without Canadian government leadership, the chance to grow a dying news industry is slim to none, argues Sheila Copps.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Vive les Alouettes!

  • After the game, Montreal safety and Quebec native Marc-Antoine Dequoy told broadcaster RDS that the French language was disrespected due to the lack of
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 27, 2023
After winning the Grey Cup on Nov. 19, 2023, Montreal Alouettes’ Marc-Antoine Dequoy criticized the game's lack of respect for the French language. RDS screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Vive les Alouettes!

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 27, 2023
  • After the game, Montreal safety and Quebec native Marc-Antoine Dequoy told broadcaster RDS that the French language was disrespected due to the lack of

Vive les Alouettes!

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 27, 2023
  • After the game, Montreal safety and Quebec native Marc-Antoine Dequoy told broadcaster RDS that the French language was disrespected due to the lack of
After winning the Grey Cup on Nov. 19, 2023, Montreal Alouettes’ Marc-Antoine Dequoy criticized the game's lack of respect for the French language. RDS screenshot courtesy of CBC News

How does Trudeau manage to keep a smile on his face these days?

  • If Justin Trudeau wants to keep smiling, his people have to start fighting back on all the negativity that is currently emanating from Ottawa. 
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 20, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, 2023, at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How does Trudeau manage to keep a smile on his face these days?

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 20, 2023
  • If Justin Trudeau wants to keep smiling, his people have to start fighting back on all the negativity that is currently emanating from Ottawa. 

How does Trudeau manage to keep a smile on his face these days?

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 20, 2023
  • If Justin Trudeau wants to keep smiling, his people have to start fighting back on all the negativity that is currently emanating from Ottawa. 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, 2023, at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Liberal MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskine-Smith join forces in Ontario Liberal leadership race with aim to beat front-runner Bonnie Crombie

  • Last week’s coalition was a do-or-die move for both men. It may not deliver them the leadership, but doing nothing would be equally costly.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 13, 2023
Mississauga Mayor and former Liberal MP Bonnie Crombie, left, Liberal MPs Yasir Naqvi and Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and former Liberal MP Ted Hsu are all seeking the Ontario Liberal Party's leadership. Photograph courtesy of Bonnie Crombie's campaign, The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, The Hill Times file photograph

Liberal MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskine-Smith join forces in Ontario Liberal leadership race with aim to beat front-runner Bonnie Crombie

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 13, 2023
  • Last week’s coalition was a do-or-die move for both men. It may not deliver them the leadership, but doing nothing would be equally costly.

Liberal MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskine-Smith join forces in Ontario Liberal leadership race with aim to beat front-runner Bonnie Crombie

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 13, 2023
  • Last week’s coalition was a do-or-die move for both men. It may not deliver them the leadership, but doing nothing would be equally costly.
Mississauga Mayor and former Liberal MP Bonnie Crombie, left, Liberal MPs Yasir Naqvi and Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and former Liberal MP Ted Hsu are all seeking the Ontario Liberal Party's leadership. Photograph courtesy of Bonnie Crombie's campaign, The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, The Hill Times file photograph

The takedown of Buffy Sainte-Marie is painful to witness

  • The story was explosive. But with too many holes in the content, it should have been left untold. 
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 6, 2023
Buffy Sainte-Marie speaks after Canada Post unveiled a stamp in her honour at an event in Ottawa on Nov. 18, 2021. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The takedown of Buffy Sainte-Marie is painful to witness

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 6, 2023
  • The story was explosive. But with too many holes in the content, it should have been left untold. 

The takedown of Buffy Sainte-Marie is painful to witness

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | November 6, 2023
  • The story was explosive. But with too many holes in the content, it should have been left untold. 
Buffy Sainte-Marie speaks after Canada Post unveiled a stamp in her honour at an event in Ottawa on Nov. 18, 2021. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Santa Claus and Girl Guides of Canada part ways

  • Santa Claus isn’t a religious symbol. He is the jolly, red-clad fellow who lumbers down chimneys to distribute gifts to children. He arguably has more to
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 30, 2023
Santa Claus is coming to town: A news item last week revealed that a Girl Guides inclusivity policy prohibits members from joining any Santa Claus parade across the country. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Santa Claus and Girl Guides of Canada part ways

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 30, 2023
  • Santa Claus isn’t a religious symbol. He is the jolly, red-clad fellow who lumbers down chimneys to distribute gifts to children. He arguably has more to

Santa Claus and Girl Guides of Canada part ways

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 30, 2023
  • Santa Claus isn’t a religious symbol. He is the jolly, red-clad fellow who lumbers down chimneys to distribute gifts to children. He arguably has more to
Santa Claus is coming to town: A news item last week revealed that a Girl Guides inclusivity policy prohibits members from joining any Santa Claus parade across the country. Image courtesy of Pixabay

I was wrong, I thought House civility would last at least two weeks, it lasted two days

  • If last Wednesday’s Question Period is any indication, Conservatives are raring to go, and an election couldn’t happen soon enough.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 23, 2023
House Speaker Greg Fergus, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, shortly after he was elected Speaker. Last Wednesday, Fergus caused a racket in the House after he delivered a 20-minute speech announcing a new series of 'reflective guidelines' that he would be using in his attempt to replace chaos with order in the Commons. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

I was wrong, I thought House civility would last at least two weeks, it lasted two days

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 23, 2023
  • If last Wednesday’s Question Period is any indication, Conservatives are raring to go, and an election couldn’t happen soon enough.

I was wrong, I thought House civility would last at least two weeks, it lasted two days

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 23, 2023
  • If last Wednesday’s Question Period is any indication, Conservatives are raring to go, and an election couldn’t happen soon enough.
House Speaker Greg Fergus, pictured Oct. 3, 2023, shortly after he was elected Speaker. Last Wednesday, Fergus caused a racket in the House after he delivered a 20-minute speech announcing a new series of 'reflective guidelines' that he would be using in his attempt to replace chaos with order in the Commons. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Middle Eastern politics always play a global role

  • New Democrats are not the first Canadian politicians splintering on the Israel-Palestine issue.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 13, 2023
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured recently on the Hill, will be at his party's policy convention this weekend in Hamilton, Ont. It's the first in-person NDP convention in five years. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Middle Eastern politics always play a global role

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 13, 2023
  • New Democrats are not the first Canadian politicians splintering on the Israel-Palestine issue.

Middle Eastern politics always play a global role

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 13, 2023
  • New Democrats are not the first Canadian politicians splintering on the Israel-Palestine issue.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured recently on the Hill, will be at his party's policy convention this weekend in Hamilton, Ont. It's the first in-person NDP convention in five years. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greg Fergus will need to be a gentle giant, but not too gentle

  • The new Speaker has a reputation across party lines as a sunny, friendly force. But that positivity must be tempered by a strong arm during
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 9, 2023
Newly elected House Speaker Greg Fergus in his first Speaker's Parade shortly after he won the House Speaker's election on Oct. 3, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Greg Fergus will need to be a gentle giant, but not too gentle

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 9, 2023
  • The new Speaker has a reputation across party lines as a sunny, friendly force. But that positivity must be tempered by a strong arm during

Greg Fergus will need to be a gentle giant, but not too gentle

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 9, 2023
  • The new Speaker has a reputation across party lines as a sunny, friendly force. But that positivity must be tempered by a strong arm during
Newly elected House Speaker Greg Fergus in his first Speaker's Parade shortly after he won the House Speaker's election on Oct. 3, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s horrible summer

  • Last week’s revelation of a former Nazi soldier getting a standing ovation in the House was the final nail in the coffin of a
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 2, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes a statement to reporters in West Block on Sept. 27, 2023, apologizing for the acknowledgement of Nazi SS soldier Yaroslav Hunka in the House during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Parliament on Sept. 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s horrible summer

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 2, 2023
  • Last week’s revelation of a former Nazi soldier getting a standing ovation in the House was the final nail in the coffin of a

Trudeau’s horrible summer

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | October 2, 2023
  • Last week’s revelation of a former Nazi soldier getting a standing ovation in the House was the final nail in the coffin of a
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes a statement to reporters in West Block on Sept. 27, 2023, apologizing for the acknowledgement of Nazi SS soldier Yaroslav Hunka in the House during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Parliament on Sept. 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tories’ silence is golden on trans issues, but might not be sustainable

  • As his party’s numbers climb, Pierre Poilievre has to be careful to appeal to voters leery of social conservatism.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 25, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s office may not be able to stop MPs from weighing in on last week's protests, pictured, when so many of them were elected thanks to support they received from social conservatives who don't like LGBTQ education in schools, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Tories’ silence is golden on trans issues, but might not be sustainable

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 25, 2023
  • As his party’s numbers climb, Pierre Poilievre has to be careful to appeal to voters leery of social conservatism.

Tories’ silence is golden on trans issues, but might not be sustainable

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 25, 2023
  • As his party’s numbers climb, Pierre Poilievre has to be careful to appeal to voters leery of social conservatism.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s office may not be able to stop MPs from weighing in on last week's protests, pictured, when so many of them were elected thanks to support they received from social conservatives who don't like LGBTQ education in schools, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

It’s nervous Nellie time in the Liberal caucus

  • The prime minister and his team would be well-advised to heed the 'nervous Nellies' in the caucus. Caucus members are like the canaries in the
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 18, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberal leadership needs to start responding in kind to Poilievre’s negative attacks. Learn from nature. You need to fight fire with fire. The government also needs to start telling Canadians how it plans to make life better, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

It’s nervous Nellie time in the Liberal caucus

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 18, 2023
  • The prime minister and his team would be well-advised to heed the 'nervous Nellies' in the caucus. Caucus members are like the canaries in the

It’s nervous Nellie time in the Liberal caucus

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 18, 2023
  • The prime minister and his team would be well-advised to heed the 'nervous Nellies' in the caucus. Caucus members are like the canaries in the
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberal leadership needs to start responding in kind to Poilievre’s negative attacks. Learn from nature. You need to fight fire with fire. The government also needs to start telling Canadians how it plans to make life better, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Happy Conservatives meet in Québec City

  • Pierre Poilievre has been trying to keep things cool at the convention, with good reason. This is his clan's first gathering in five years,
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 7, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured. A happy weekend in Québec City could set the stage for a march toward a Conservative government. But if that march trashes the voices of journalists at organizations like Radio-Canada and The Canadian Press, his efforts could be stymied, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Happy Conservatives meet in Québec City

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 7, 2023
  • Pierre Poilievre has been trying to keep things cool at the convention, with good reason. This is his clan's first gathering in five years,

Happy Conservatives meet in Québec City

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 7, 2023
  • Pierre Poilievre has been trying to keep things cool at the convention, with good reason. This is his clan's first gathering in five years,
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured. A happy weekend in Québec City could set the stage for a march toward a Conservative government. But if that march trashes the voices of journalists at organizations like Radio-Canada and The Canadian Press, his efforts could be stymied, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Demolition of our history is not sustainable

  • Respect for built heritage and the history behind 24 Sussex Drive is something that should concern all Canadians.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 4, 2023
The trial balloon floated about the demolition of 24 Sussex Drive should be pricked immediately, writes Sheila Copps.  The Hill Times photograph by Kevin Philipupillai

Demolition of our history is not sustainable

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 4, 2023
  • Respect for built heritage and the history behind 24 Sussex Drive is something that should concern all Canadians.

Demolition of our history is not sustainable

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | September 4, 2023
  • Respect for built heritage and the history behind 24 Sussex Drive is something that should concern all Canadians.
The trial balloon floated about the demolition of 24 Sussex Drive should be pricked immediately, writes Sheila Copps.  The Hill Times photograph by Kevin Philipupillai

Canada’s housing crisis was decades in the making

  • A problem that took 30 years to develop will take another 10 to fix.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 28, 2023
The current focus is on building new homes, but renovations should also be included in the discussion, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s housing crisis was decades in the making

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 28, 2023
  • A problem that took 30 years to develop will take another 10 to fix.

Canada’s housing crisis was decades in the making

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 28, 2023
  • A problem that took 30 years to develop will take another 10 to fix.
The current focus is on building new homes, but renovations should also be included in the discussion, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The conundrum at the heart of renaming Dundas Street

  • Judging actions from almost three centuries ago through today’s lens opens the door to major misrepresentations and mistakes.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 21, 2023
Art Eggleton is one of three former Toronto mayors who signed a letter asking Toronto City Council to reconsider a decision to rename Dundas Street. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The conundrum at the heart of renaming Dundas Street

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 21, 2023
  • Judging actions from almost three centuries ago through today’s lens opens the door to major misrepresentations and mistakes.

The conundrum at the heart of renaming Dundas Street

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 21, 2023
  • Judging actions from almost three centuries ago through today’s lens opens the door to major misrepresentations and mistakes.
Art Eggleton is one of three former Toronto mayors who signed a letter asking Toronto City Council to reconsider a decision to rename Dundas Street. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Pricing pollution is key

  • When things cost more, people conserve. When energy costs more, they cut back on use. When transportation costs more, people’s driving habits change.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 14, 2023
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston was on the news last week attacking the federal carbon pricing program. But he is also lined up looking for financial help in the wake of disastrous loss of life and property caused by fires and floods resulting from global warming in his province, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Pricing pollution is key

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 14, 2023
  • When things cost more, people conserve. When energy costs more, they cut back on use. When transportation costs more, people’s driving habits change.

Pricing pollution is key

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 14, 2023
  • When things cost more, people conserve. When energy costs more, they cut back on use. When transportation costs more, people’s driving habits change.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston was on the news last week attacking the federal carbon pricing program. But he is also lined up looking for financial help in the wake of disastrous loss of life and property caused by fires and floods resulting from global warming in his province, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump uses politics of rage to fuel his return to power

  • Chances are the Canadian vexation quotient is nowhere near what we are witnessing south of the border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is certainly hoping
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 7, 2023
Instead of finishing former U.S. president Donald Trump off, allegations of conspiracy to defraud the government and obstruct an official proceeding have energized his campaign, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump uses politics of rage to fuel his return to power

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 7, 2023
  • Chances are the Canadian vexation quotient is nowhere near what we are witnessing south of the border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is certainly hoping

Trump uses politics of rage to fuel his return to power

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | August 7, 2023
  • Chances are the Canadian vexation quotient is nowhere near what we are witnessing south of the border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is certainly hoping
Instead of finishing former U.S. president Donald Trump off, allegations of conspiracy to defraud the government and obstruct an official proceeding have energized his campaign, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

With the cabinet shuffle, Trudeau fires first salvo of next election campaign

  • If the ballot question is the economy, the prime minister stands a fighting chance of re-election. If the question remains a need for change,
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 31, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree, and Governor General Mary Simon. With this sizeable change in cabinet positions, there is an element of newness surrounding the team, writes Sheila Copps, though there is no element of newness in the leader.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

With the cabinet shuffle, Trudeau fires first salvo of next election campaign

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 31, 2023
  • If the ballot question is the economy, the prime minister stands a fighting chance of re-election. If the question remains a need for change,

With the cabinet shuffle, Trudeau fires first salvo of next election campaign

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 31, 2023
  • If the ballot question is the economy, the prime minister stands a fighting chance of re-election. If the question remains a need for change,
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree, and Governor General Mary Simon. With this sizeable change in cabinet positions, there is an element of newness surrounding the team, writes Sheila Copps, though there is no element of newness in the leader.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre tests drives his makeover

  • The Conservative leader got the message that softening an image can help a politician achieve their goals. Going glassless won’t win over opponents, but could
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 24, 2023
Photograph courtesy of Twitter @PierrePoilievre

Poilievre tests drives his makeover

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 24, 2023
  • The Conservative leader got the message that softening an image can help a politician achieve their goals. Going glassless won’t win over opponents, but could

Poilievre tests drives his makeover

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 24, 2023
  • The Conservative leader got the message that softening an image can help a politician achieve their goals. Going glassless won’t win over opponents, but could
Photograph courtesy of Twitter @PierrePoilievre

Alternatives to the blunt tool of interest rate hikes needed to curb inflation

  • If there is another way to fix the economy, it must be done by the government, not the Bank of Canada. With grocery profits
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 17, 2023
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem is not the only central bank governor using interest rates as a blunt instrument, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Alternatives to the blunt tool of interest rate hikes needed to curb inflation

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 17, 2023
  • If there is another way to fix the economy, it must be done by the government, not the Bank of Canada. With grocery profits

Alternatives to the blunt tool of interest rate hikes needed to curb inflation

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 17, 2023
  • If there is another way to fix the economy, it must be done by the government, not the Bank of Canada. With grocery profits
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem is not the only central bank governor using interest rates as a blunt instrument, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s not broken, we’re a work in progress

  • Individual rights are not paramount in Canada. And that's a good thing. We know to build a nation we need to strengthen communities, geographic and demographic.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 3, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with his family at the Canada Day celebration at LeBreton Flats on July 1, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canada’s not broken, we’re a work in progress

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 3, 2023
  • Individual rights are not paramount in Canada. And that's a good thing. We know to build a nation we need to strengthen communities, geographic and demographic.

Canada’s not broken, we’re a work in progress

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | July 3, 2023
  • Individual rights are not paramount in Canada. And that's a good thing. We know to build a nation we need to strengthen communities, geographic and demographic.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with his family at the Canada Day celebration at LeBreton Flats on July 1, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Byelection results and Mulroney leave a message of moderation for Poilievre 

  • The Conservative Party's right flank could be damaged by the People's Party, but its left flank is in deeper disarray.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 26, 2023
The four byelections on June 19 sent a change message, but it was targeted at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured, rather than the federal government, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Byelection results and Mulroney leave a message of moderation for Poilievre 

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 26, 2023
  • The Conservative Party's right flank could be damaged by the People's Party, but its left flank is in deeper disarray.

Byelection results and Mulroney leave a message of moderation for Poilievre 

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 26, 2023
  • The Conservative Party's right flank could be damaged by the People's Party, but its left flank is in deeper disarray.
The four byelections on June 19 sent a change message, but it was targeted at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, pictured, rather than the federal government, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives’ backing of private member’s bill shows abortion debate is far from settled

  • The U.S. is experiencing a wave of anti-women and anti-gay legislation. Canadian pundits said this could not happen here, but recent news stories paint
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 19, 2023
Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall's private member's bill C-311 was defeated at second reading last week. With her party's strong support for the bill, it will only be a matter of time before the question of the legal status of fetuses ends up being litigated, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives’ backing of private member’s bill shows abortion debate is far from settled

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 19, 2023
  • The U.S. is experiencing a wave of anti-women and anti-gay legislation. Canadian pundits said this could not happen here, but recent news stories paint

Conservatives’ backing of private member’s bill shows abortion debate is far from settled

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 19, 2023
  • The U.S. is experiencing a wave of anti-women and anti-gay legislation. Canadian pundits said this could not happen here, but recent news stories paint
Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall's private member's bill C-311 was defeated at second reading last week. With her party's strong support for the bill, it will only be a matter of time before the question of the legal status of fetuses ends up being litigated, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre sure likes the sound of his own voice

  • With stunts like last week's filibuster, the Conservative leader keeps reminding Canadians that he may not have the gravitas it takes to hold down
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 12, 2023
Most opposition leaders keep the attention focused on the government, but Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre continues to shine the light on himself, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre sure likes the sound of his own voice

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 12, 2023
  • With stunts like last week's filibuster, the Conservative leader keeps reminding Canadians that he may not have the gravitas it takes to hold down

Poilievre sure likes the sound of his own voice

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 12, 2023
  • With stunts like last week's filibuster, the Conservative leader keeps reminding Canadians that he may not have the gravitas it takes to hold down
Most opposition leaders keep the attention focused on the government, but Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre continues to shine the light on himself, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians more concerned with actual fires than the foreign interference firestorm

  • That two opposition parties moved away from foreign interference indicates that the public is not as engaged with the issue while wildfires rage across
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 5, 2023
Special Rapporteur David Johnston's decision to ignore a negative parliamentary vote could have added fuel to the firestorm surrounding alleged foreign interference, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadians more concerned with actual fires than the foreign interference firestorm

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 5, 2023
  • That two opposition parties moved away from foreign interference indicates that the public is not as engaged with the issue while wildfires rage across

Canadians more concerned with actual fires than the foreign interference firestorm

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | June 5, 2023
  • That two opposition parties moved away from foreign interference indicates that the public is not as engaged with the issue while wildfires rage across
Special Rapporteur David Johnston's decision to ignore a negative parliamentary vote could have added fuel to the firestorm surrounding alleged foreign interference, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

China interference story has legs, but no body

  • The request for a public inquiry is more about political damage than solutions.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 29, 2023
David Johnston holds a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa on May 23, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

China interference story has legs, but no body

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 29, 2023
  • The request for a public inquiry is more about political damage than solutions.

China interference story has legs, but no body

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 29, 2023
  • The request for a public inquiry is more about political damage than solutions.
David Johnston holds a press conference at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa on May 23, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Firefighting an election campaign

  • Alberta’s ongoing firefighting efforts have taken the election campaign focus off Danielle Smith's health and vaccine pronouncements.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 22, 2023
United Conservative Party of Alberta leader Danielle Smith, left, and Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley. What could have been a daily discussion of Smith’s positions on private medicine and her meddling in the judicial system has taken a back seat to wildfire safety briefings, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Firefighting an election campaign

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 22, 2023
  • Alberta’s ongoing firefighting efforts have taken the election campaign focus off Danielle Smith's health and vaccine pronouncements.

Firefighting an election campaign

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 22, 2023
  • Alberta’s ongoing firefighting efforts have taken the election campaign focus off Danielle Smith's health and vaccine pronouncements.
United Conservative Party of Alberta leader Danielle Smith, left, and Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley. What could have been a daily discussion of Smith’s positions on private medicine and her meddling in the judicial system has taken a back seat to wildfire safety briefings, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Conservative MP Wagantall’s bill revives abortion issue

  • Cathay Wagantall introduced a previous bill on sex-selective abortion that was defeated two years ago. Her party claims the current bill has nothing to do with
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 15, 2023
Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall, pictured on the Hill in 2017, introduced a private member's bill called Violence Against Pregnant Women, ostensibly dealing with the 'legal void around abortion in Canada,' writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservative MP Wagantall’s bill revives abortion issue

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 15, 2023
  • Cathay Wagantall introduced a previous bill on sex-selective abortion that was defeated two years ago. Her party claims the current bill has nothing to do with

Conservative MP Wagantall’s bill revives abortion issue

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 15, 2023
  • Cathay Wagantall introduced a previous bill on sex-selective abortion that was defeated two years ago. Her party claims the current bill has nothing to do with
Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall, pictured on the Hill in 2017, introduced a private member's bill called Violence Against Pregnant Women, ostensibly dealing with the 'legal void around abortion in Canada,' writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Polls show more Canadians are turning their backs on the monarchy, but few ask why

  • There has never been a solid answer as to why the country would terminate the monarchy without knowing what the replacement would be.
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 8, 2023
King Charles III’s warm personality will soon convince most Canadians of the historic and enduring value of a constitutional monarchy, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Polls show more Canadians are turning their backs on the monarchy, but few ask why

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 8, 2023
  • There has never been a solid answer as to why the country would terminate the monarchy without knowing what the replacement would be.

Polls show more Canadians are turning their backs on the monarchy, but few ask why

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 8, 2023
  • There has never been a solid answer as to why the country would terminate the monarchy without knowing what the replacement would be.
King Charles III’s warm personality will soon convince most Canadians of the historic and enduring value of a constitutional monarchy, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The longer the strike lasts, the more the union must bend

  • Most Canadians who have not had a double-digit wage hike generally support the government’s approach of holding the line on increases. 
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 1, 2023
Alex Silas, the Public Service Alliance of Canada's regional executive vice-president, National Capital Region, leads PSAC members picketing Parliament Hill in a chant on April 26, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The longer the strike lasts, the more the union must bend

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 1, 2023
  • Most Canadians who have not had a double-digit wage hike generally support the government’s approach of holding the line on increases. 

The longer the strike lasts, the more the union must bend

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | May 1, 2023
  • Most Canadians who have not had a double-digit wage hike generally support the government’s approach of holding the line on increases. 
Alex Silas, the Public Service Alliance of Canada's regional executive vice-president, National Capital Region, leads PSAC members picketing Parliament Hill in a chant on April 26, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Poilievre should beware of tying himself to Musk

  • In reaching out to Elon Musk, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre left the impression he’s trashing Canadian broadcasters while aligning himself with a billionaire who
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 24, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's decision to ally himself with Twitter owner Elon Musk, pictured, runs the risk of alienating Canadians, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of NASA HQ PHOTO/Flickr

Poilievre should beware of tying himself to Musk

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 24, 2023
  • In reaching out to Elon Musk, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre left the impression he’s trashing Canadian broadcasters while aligning himself with a billionaire who

Poilievre should beware of tying himself to Musk

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 24, 2023
  • In reaching out to Elon Musk, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre left the impression he’s trashing Canadian broadcasters while aligning himself with a billionaire who
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's decision to ally himself with Twitter owner Elon Musk, pictured, runs the risk of alienating Canadians, writes Sheila Copps. Photograph courtesy of NASA HQ PHOTO/Flickr

Politics: the only job where the more experience you get, the more people want to get rid of you

  • But when supporters in the media start calling for your head, it is definitely worth taking a listen. 
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 17, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in a Hill scrum, is no doubt being bombarded about his future plans, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Politics: the only job where the more experience you get, the more people want to get rid of you

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 17, 2023
  • But when supporters in the media start calling for your head, it is definitely worth taking a listen. 

Politics: the only job where the more experience you get, the more people want to get rid of you

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 17, 2023
  • But when supporters in the media start calling for your head, it is definitely worth taking a listen. 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in a Hill scrum, is no doubt being bombarded about his future plans, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

World outside the Republican Party shakes its collective head as Trump circus marches on

  • If you compare the Trump triumph in the United States to the storm circling Alberta Premier Danielle Smith because of judicial interference allegations, it
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 10, 2023
Former U.S. president Donald Trump, pictured in this file photo, pleaded not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges last week in a Manhattan criminal court. It appears possible that a convicted felon could become the Republican nominee for president of the United States, writes Sheila Copps Gage Skidmore/Commons Wikimedia

World outside the Republican Party shakes its collective head as Trump circus marches on

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 10, 2023
  • If you compare the Trump triumph in the United States to the storm circling Alberta Premier Danielle Smith because of judicial interference allegations, it

World outside the Republican Party shakes its collective head as Trump circus marches on

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 10, 2023
  • If you compare the Trump triumph in the United States to the storm circling Alberta Premier Danielle Smith because of judicial interference allegations, it
Former U.S. president Donald Trump, pictured in this file photo, pleaded not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges last week in a Manhattan criminal court. It appears possible that a convicted felon could become the Republican nominee for president of the United States, writes Sheila Copps Gage Skidmore/Commons Wikimedia

Mass Casualty Commission misses the mark

  • After three years and more than $25-million, it is inexplicable that the commissioners did not do a deeper dive into how the RCMP was
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 3, 2023
RCMP vehicles are pictured responding to the mass shooting that began in Portapique, N.S., on April 18, 2020. The commission investigating the event delivered decent recommendations on bullets and gun ownership changes, but it did little to prevent future massacres, writes Sheila Copps. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Mass Casualty Commission misses the mark

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 3, 2023
  • After three years and more than $25-million, it is inexplicable that the commissioners did not do a deeper dive into how the RCMP was

Mass Casualty Commission misses the mark

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | April 3, 2023
  • After three years and more than $25-million, it is inexplicable that the commissioners did not do a deeper dive into how the RCMP was
RCMP vehicles are pictured responding to the mass shooting that began in Portapique, N.S., on April 18, 2020. The commission investigating the event delivered decent recommendations on bullets and gun ownership changes, but it did little to prevent future massacres, writes Sheila Copps. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

One million new Canadians is something to celebrate

  • OTTAWA—One million new Canadians is something to celebrate.  Statistics Canada’s announcement last week that the country’s population will shortly reach 40 million was something
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 27, 2023
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced last week that his department would be making some changes to the immigration policy. They include targeting specific subsets of workers for the immigration fast track, and incentivizing the immigration point system for people who are willing to move to underpopulated areas of the country. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

One million new Canadians is something to celebrate

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 27, 2023
  • OTTAWA—One million new Canadians is something to celebrate.  Statistics Canada’s announcement last week that the country’s population will shortly reach 40 million was something

One million new Canadians is something to celebrate

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 27, 2023
  • OTTAWA—One million new Canadians is something to celebrate.  Statistics Canada’s announcement last week that the country’s population will shortly reach 40 million was something
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced last week that his department would be making some changes to the immigration policy. They include targeting specific subsets of workers for the immigration fast track, and incentivizing the immigration point system for people who are willing to move to underpopulated areas of the country. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Johnston has his work cut out for him

  • Foreign interference allegations are not limited to China. Recent reports of Russian interference have also surfaced. Politics is always a messy business. With identity
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 20, 2023
David Johnston, pictured in the Centre Block on the Hill in 2018. The PM appointed Johnston the last week special rapporteur to look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada's last two federal elections. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Johnston has his work cut out for him

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 20, 2023
  • Foreign interference allegations are not limited to China. Recent reports of Russian interference have also surfaced. Politics is always a messy business. With identity

Johnston has his work cut out for him

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 20, 2023
  • Foreign interference allegations are not limited to China. Recent reports of Russian interference have also surfaced. Politics is always a messy business. With identity
David Johnston, pictured in the Centre Block on the Hill in 2018. The PM appointed Johnston the last week special rapporteur to look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada's last two federal elections. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Trudeau faces a daunting task

  • The government would like nothing more than a channel-changer on foreign interference investigations. Even if the Liberals succeed, with the appointment of a special
Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 13, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 9, 2023, being confronted by This Hour Has 22 Minutes' comedian Marg Delahunty in her Princess Warrior character. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau faces a daunting task

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 13, 2023
  • The government would like nothing more than a channel-changer on foreign interference investigations. Even if the Liberals succeed, with the appointment of a special

Trudeau faces a daunting task

Opinion | BY SHEILA COPPS | March 13, 2023
  • The government would like nothing more than a channel-changer on foreign interference investigations. Even if the Liberals succeed, with the appointment of a special
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured March 9, 2023, being confronted by This Hour Has 22 Minutes' comedian Marg Delahunty in her Princess Warrior character. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade