Justin Trudeau's co-campaign chair: The 2015 general election campaign has started

Katie Telford and Daniel Gagnier are the co-campaign chairs for the Liberal Party of Canada. The 2015 general election will be their first test and it will be a big one. Their Liberal predecessors in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2011 under-performed. Their NDP and Conservative opponents — Brad Lavigne and Jenni Byrne respectively in 2011 — delivered big results for their parties. Continue reading Justin Trudeau's co-campaign chair: The 2015 general election campaign has started

We honour Citizen Mandela by honouring our own citizens

Mandela in Canada
November 19, 2001. Mandela becomes a Canadian.

OTTAWA — We were proud to make him one of us.

In 2001, Canada made Nelson Mandela an honorary citizen. Accepting his place in the Canadian family, Mandela called it a “high honour.” The honour, though, was all ours.

And now with his death, Canadians, like the millions around the world who were inspired by his life, are left to consider how we can continue to be worthy of that honour. Some thoughts on that in a moment. Continue reading We honour Citizen Mandela by honouring our own citizens

Christmas at either end of the world

Australia Broadcasting Corp. Parliamentary reporter Latika Bourke put the above on Instagram (taken at Kundalini Hair in Canberra, apparently) and minutes later (on my Instagram feed, anyhow) Gerald Butts, a top advisor to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau put this taken in the foyer of Canada’s House of Commons on Instagram: Continue reading Christmas at either end of the world

The Trudeau 2013 Christmas Card

Trudeau Christmas Card - Front

Earlier I’d posted the official Christmas Card from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his family.

This week, the official Christmas Card from Leader of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau and his family arrived in our office. Here is the front, back and inside. Thank you, Trudeaus — and a very merry Christmas to all of you! Continue reading The Trudeau 2013 Christmas Card

MP Michael Chong's plan to "strengthen democracy"

committee

Conservative MP Michael Chong today published the following news release:

Chong Introduces Reform Act, 2013

Bill to reform Parliament would strengthen Canadian democracy.

OTTAWA – Michael Chong, M.P. for Wellington-Halton Hills, today introduced his Private Members’ Bill, Reform Act, 2013.

The Reform Act puts forward three simple reforms to strengthen Parliament by proposing to restore local control over party nominations, strengthen caucus as a decision-making body and reinforce the accountability of party leaders to caucuses. These three reforms will empower MPs and give them the tools they need to represent their constituents in Ottawa. Continue reading MP Michael Chong's plan to "strengthen democracy"

Google Maps goes behind the scenes on Parliament Hill

Just in from Google Canada:

Through the unique panoramic lens of Google Street View, for the first time you can explore the Prime Minister’s Office, find the secret door in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, and marvel at the ornate Memorial Chamber or the views from the Peace Tower observation deck.

via Google Maps goes behind the scenes on Parliament Hill.

Harper's lawyer as Sgt. Schultz: "I did not even get up this morning!"

We don’t know what former PMO lawyer Benjamin Perrin says in them but Perrin’s e-mails will shortly be in the hands of RCMP detectives investigating the allegations of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud levelled by RCMP at Senator Mike Duffy and Nigel Wright, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s former/fired chief of staff. We once thought there were no e-mails for Perrin told us, a la Sgt. Schultz that he knew nothing. And the PMO continued that line. Twice!  Continue reading Harper's lawyer as Sgt. Schultz: "I did not even get up this morning!"