Missionaries vs. mercenaries

The missionaries run think tanks and advocacy groups, which can come up with good policy ideas. The mercenaries, for their part, are experts in political combat. So, maybe they should just try to get along.

Politicos at a party at the Metropolitain Brasserie. It's easy to see how tensions can arise between the missionaries, who hold their principles dear, and the mercenaries, who tend to be more pragmatic and cynical, writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photograph by Cynthia Münster

Opinion

BY GERRY NICHOLLS

August 17, 2026

OAKVILLE, ONT.—The players who help make the world of politics spin can be divided into two categories.

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