Parliament’s hyper-partisan climate has made the Speaker’s job doubly difficult, but Greg Fergus can defuse crisis situations with his moderate demeanour. But the Conservatives feel that any venal sin is reason for his dismissal. By Sheila…
Tagged By House of Commons
Poilievre’s parliamentary outbursts reflective of his dripping dislike for Trudeau
Going after an unpopular prime minister will likely not cost Pierre Poilievre politically. But it does give Canadians a glimpse into what kind of leadership he would provide if he were elected prime minister. By…
Parties will walk on political eggshells in the new year
After the 30-hour vote marathon by the Conservatives, the temperature in Parliament continued to rise. Public opinion polls showed that most observers were not impressed with the parliamentary chaos. By Sheila CoppsFirst published in The Hill…
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. By Sheila CoppsFirst published in The Hill Times on October 23, 2023. OTTAWA—I was wrong.…
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 Question Period. By Sheila CoppsFirst published in The Hill Times on…
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 bad political season for the Liberal leader. By Sheila CoppsFirst published…
Expect abortion bombshell to dominate the fall agenda
The only party that must navigate this issue with great difficulty is the Conservative Party. By Sheila CoppsFirst published in The Hill Times on May 9, 2022. OTTAWA—The f-bomb was allegedly dropped in the House…
House return will be a welcome channel changer
Time to move on from COVID. By Sheila CoppsFirst published in The Hill Times on January 24, 2022. The return of Parliament should provide a much-anticipated channel-changer from the constant barrage of COVID news that…
Canada’s conversion therapy ban was a stellar political moment for Parliament
In Canada’s case, the unanimous view of Parliament sends a message to the world that trying to educate someone into a change in their sexual preference just does not work. By Sheila CoppsFirst published in…
Politicians should save their personal attacks for elections
The Throne Speech made it clear that management of the pandemic was front and centre on the Liberal agenda. To date, that has been a winner for them. For the official opposition to continue to…