Bagpipers take the Hill

Yeehaw and giddy-up: MPs, politicos to descend on the Calgary Stampede, wearing cowboy hats, ready to flip pancakes

Large numbers of parliamentarians of all political stripes will be in attendance at this year’s Calgary Stampede as Alberta’s upcoming separatist referendum looms large.

‘There’s a higher sense of patriotism’: how MPs plan to celebrate Canada Day this year

Now back in their ridings after the spring sitting, MPs across the country are getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with their constituents.

This week in photos: duelling press conferences and a soccer match

Alberta and Quebec independence efforts not to be ‘linked,’ say Bloc, as PQ meets with Alberta separatists  

Poll analyst Philippe Fournier says Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet is more progressive than his provincial counterpart, which is driving the two parties’ different approaches to Alberta.

This week in photos: House sprints to summer recess

Swing, batta, batta: Hill softball league gets into full swing

The Parliament Hill Softball League is back for its 41^st season bringing the Hill community together with some friendly competition.

Alberta MPs prepare for ‘really important discussion’ with constituents on ‘grievances’ and national unity before referendum

As the October question looms about whether Albertans want to hold a referendum on separation, this summer’s campaign for unity should be a cross-partisan effort, says Calgary MP Jasraj Singh Hallan.

This week in Hill photos: spring sitting heats up

Clarity Act architects Dion, Chrétien call legislation ‘perfect’ and ‘very important’ as Bloc moves to repeal it

Bloc Québécois House Leader Christine Normandin says the Clarity Act, which requires a ‘clear majority’ vote for a province to separate from Canada, is a ‘flawed test’ that needs repealing.

Hodgson announces cash for the forestry sector

Plus, parliamentarians bid farewell to Mary Simon.

This week in Hill photos: a peace walk, a workout routine, a resignation

Carney trying to ‘cheat the rules’ on Alberta referendum: Bloc Québécois

The Bloc Québécois is taking issue with the prime minister’s framing of the Clarity Act, while a pollster says the Liberals should not to give ‘oxygen’ to the debate as it’s a ‘losing argument’ for the feds.

Take ‘a prevention mindset,’ experts urge committee launching study on Canada’s homelessness strategy

‘It’s easier to prevent homelessness through preventative measures than to help someone get off the streets,’ says Liberal MP Natilien Joseph, who suggested the study.

MPs champion unity in face of Alberta referendum, but Conservatives say quick vote needed to ‘get it over and done with’

‘It demands the action of democracy, and I think unless we address it, it will be like an itch that is not scratched,’ says Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie of Alberta’s separatism question.

After throwing the full might of the Liberal Party machine into it, Grits secured Terrebonne

Liberal MPs and some cabinet ministers flooded the riding in the Terrebonne byelection with Tatiana Auguste. The Liberals were ‘all-in.’ On Monday night, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly was asked to leave the front door of one polling station in Terrebonne. She told reporters she was there to support Auguste and was following the rules. The Bloc Québécois says it will be filing a complaint with Elections Canada.