Canadian Federal Politics

February was a momentous month for Canada's Prime Minister: he showed up.

Feb 28, 2005 - David Russell

Despite a decisive response from the Supreme Court essentially rendering the debate redundant, Conservative leader Stephen Harper rails on against what he sees as the nation's most important issue.

Jan 31, 2005 - David Russell

A look back at the top political stories and issues in Canada for 2004.

Dec 31, 2004 - David Russell

Alberta Premier Ralph Klein rides a Tory electoral wave to his fourth consecutive majority government - the tenth for his Conservative Party. Is there hope for other provincial parties?

Nov 30, 2004 - David Russell

Canada's already suffering submarine replacement program takes a tragic hit as a Canadian sailor dies delivering the fourth and final 'Victoria' class submarine.

Oct 31, 2004 - David Russell

As if enough time and money hasn't been spent on the disastrous federal sponsorship program, the public inquiry began in September.

Sep 30, 2004 - David Russell

Prime Minister Paul Martin appoints two new Supreme Court justices. And the opposition is hopping made.

Aug 31, 2004 - David Russell

Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief they won't have to be listening to the same old empty electioneering rhetoric - at least until this minority government collapses.

Jul 31, 2004 - David Russell

On Sunday, May 23, the 37th Parliament was officially dissolved, sending politicians to their rented airplanes and the public to the polls.

May 28, 2004 - David Russell

Prime Ministerial prerogative to choose the timing of federal elections is one of the more undemocratic processes Paul Martin ought to address - rather than capitalize on.

May 14, 2004 - David Russell

British Columbia's provincial government introduces new legislation that effectively removes long-held legal rights of workers - and by extension, all citizens - in the interest of ending labour disruptions.

Apr 30, 2004 - David Russell

After Paul Martin has headed the country for a quarter of a year, it's worth examining is admittedly less than stellar record as the country prepares to determine the new PM's electoral fate.

Apr 16, 2004 - David Russell

The election of Stephen Harper as leader of the Canadian Conservative Party puts all three major parties on the ready for the federal election. Does Harper's victory help or hinder the fledgling party?

Apr 2, 2004 - David Russell

The Canadian Forces are in a shambles. Yet the Prime Minister insists on engaging the beleaguered troops in yet another mission - this time to enter the unrest in Haiti.

Mar 5, 2004 - David Russell

The Auditor General's release of her damning report into federal finances causes the new Martin administration Excedrin-sized headaches.

Feb 20, 2004 - David Russell

Former head of Magna International Belinda Stronach threw her hat (or bonnet as the media would describe it) into the ring, hoping to become the first elected leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Jan 23, 2004 - David Russell

Police searched the offices and seized materials from two ministerial aides in Victoria, BC, prompting questions about the connections betwen organized crime and government officials.

Jan 9, 2004 - David Russell

2003 was a banner year for change on the Canadian political and legal scene. Here some of the highlights are remembered.

Dec 26, 2003 - David Russell

Ten years after moving into 24 Sussex and forty years after first being elected to Parliament, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien finally says goodbye. A look at the long, sometimes celebrated, often maligned career of the Little Guy from Shawinigan.

Dec 12, 2003 - David Russell

Elections in the Northwest Territories showcase some of the ways this small government system is far more progressive than anything the rest of the country has to offer.

Nov 28, 2003 - David Russell

After months or years of debate, bickering and name calling, Canada's two conservative parties announced plans to come together in a new party to challenge the federal Liberals.

Oct 31, 2003 - David Russell

The establishment of the Citizen's Assembly for Electoral Reform has sent British Columbians down the road towards a different way to elect our governments.

Oct 17, 2003 - David Russell

The unprecedented victory of the Ontario Liberals in the recent provincial election has many Ontarians - and Canadians - wondering if we're witnessing political parties scurrying back to the center.

Oct 2, 2003 - David Russell

The release of new expense account information has parliamentary committees in a dither and new investigations, including of the Governor General's office, in the works.

Sep 19, 2003 - David Russell

Provincial health ministers reached an agreement with the federal government to establish a watch-dog agency designed to ensure appropriate spending of new federal health care dollars.

Sep 5, 2003 - David Russell

Recent provincial supreme court rulings have forced the federal government's hand in determining that yes, same-sex marriages will be legal in Canada, only the third country in the world to recognize such unions.

Aug 22, 2003 - David Russell

The exodus of John Manley leaves but two competitors in the cake-walk to succeed Prime Minister Jean Chrètien.

Aug 8, 2003 - David Russell

A look at the similarities and differences in how Canada and the U.S.' national holidays are celebrated.

Jul 10, 2003 - David Russell

Canada's (now former) Privacy Commissioner shows how the federal government's spending controls need serious tightening

Jun 27, 2003 - David Russell

As if we don't have enough questionnable projects on which to spend our tax dollars, the federal government passed Bill C-24, which commits taxpayers to paying not only for government, but for political parties themselves.

Jun 13, 2003 - David Russell

Despite an extended deadline, Canadian military pilots find themselves no closer to retiring their flying coffins from active duty.

May 30, 2003 - David Russell

A recent Progressive Conservative by election win may indicate greater significance to the upcoming Tory leadership campaign.

May 16, 2003 - David Russell

John Manley's entrance into the Liberal leadership may finally roust policy positions from all the candidates.

May 2, 2003 - David Russell

After taking the Quebec provincial election away from the Parti Quebecois, Canadians are expecting big things from Jean Charest - none of them, hopefully, involving constitutional wrangling. Will he deliver?

Apr 18, 2003 - David Russell

Prime Minister Chretien keeps seeming to disappear from the spotlight. Is this a sign of a lack of an agenda or a potentially sinister one?

Apr 4, 2003 - David Russell

An argument for Canada participating in wars when the liberation of oppressed people is at stake.

Mar 22, 2003 - David Russell

The recent crash of a Sea King helicopter on board a mission-bound Canadian destroyer highlights the growing equipment crisis in the armed forces.

Mar 8, 2003 - David Russell

Federal Heritage Minister Sheila Copps officially begins the race to replace outgoing Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Feb 21, 2003 - David Russell

As the federal budget approaches, talk of debt reduction seems largely absent from predictions of Manley's first budget. If we take cover of new spending initiatives and even some tax breaks, how do we eliminate the staggering national debt? I may have the answer....

Feb 8, 2003 - David Russell

The whacky world of B.C. politics hits yet another peak with the arrest of Premier Gordon Campbell in Maui.

Jan 23, 2003 - David Russell

The federal government's gun registration program heads towards the $1 billion mark...and counting.

Jan 10, 2003 - David Russell

Looking ahead to 2003 in Canadian politics.

Dec 27, 2002 - David Russell

The Canadian government has passed a resolution in support of Canada's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

Dec 13, 2002 - David Russell

As Prime Minister Chretien's reign slowly winds down it appears inevitable that Paul Martin is destined to succeed him. Is this a step in the right direction?

Nov 29, 2002 - David Russell

Governments have too much power over discretionary spending on big ticket, unbudgeted items.

Nov 13, 2002 - David Russell