Carney needs Alberta and Quebec referendum questions ‘put to rest’ to focus on economic challenges, say politicos

‘Even if these votes don’t pass, the uncertainty that the sentiment exists could impact the appetite for companies to invest in Canada,’ says pollster Nik Nanos

Former Liberal MP warns of unintended consequences to MP rights in Lobbying Act review: ‘if we continue down this road, you know where it ends? Ankle bracelets for lobbyists’

On April 23, the House Ethics Committee held its third meeting as part of a review of the Lobbying Act, which regulates the lobbying of designated public office holders with the goal of ensuring transparency and accountability.

Data interoperability, pharmacare should be among health priorities as Liberals begin majority government, say health experts

The Liberals leading a majority Parliament creates ‘additional opportunities to streamline things,’ according to former Canadian Medical Association president Alika LaFontaine, pointing to the issue of data interoperability.

Anti-hate bill has some ambiguity, but won’t stop legitimate symbol displays, say lawyers

Bill C-9’s proposed removal of the ‘good faith defence’ in religious speech ‘doesn’t mean that there’s going to be a chilling effect on religion or religious speech,’ says criminal defence lawyer Kyla Lee.

AI in the skies: Canada can’t afford slow procurement process any longer, say experts

Historically, Canada is ‘too risk-averse, and we’re too slow at contracting,’ says Alex Salt of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

Religious books displayed during Bill C-9 vote in House ‘over the line,’ according to critics

It is ‘generally not appropriate to hold up objects during votes’ in the House, and there is ‘no exemption’ for using a Bible as a prop, says Olivier Duhaime, spokesperson for Office of the Speaker.

Feds’ $20-billion submarine choice must go beyond economic concerns, say experts: ‘possibly one of the biggest defence procurement decisions Canada will make in decades’

A decision is expected by the end of June on which of two bidders—Hanwha Ocean of South Korea or TKMS of Germany—will supply submarines to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s existing Victoria-class submarines.

Feds’ $27-billion F-35 fighter jet contract remains top choice for defence experts, despite NDP push for Gripen

Canada made a deal in 2023 for American defence contractor Lockheed Martin to supply 88 F-35 aircraft to replace its aging CF-18 fleet at a projected cost of $19-billion. That cost later increased to more than $27-billion. However, in March 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of that deal amid deteriorating bilateral relations with the U.S.

The Hill Times’ 100 Most Influential People in Politics and Government in 2026

The Hill Times spoke with political insiders over the last month to nail down the list of people who are leading and influencing federal government policy and shaping public opinion this year. Here is our Top 100 Most Influential People in Government and Politics in 2026, organized by politicians, pollsters, political influencers, staffers, public servants, and media.

Upcoming CUSMA review draws lobbyists: ‘We’re talking about the need for strong industrial policies’

Unifor has a ‘front line view’ of the consequences of the trade war with the U.S., which is thousands of jobs lost or ‘on hold’, according to Lana Payne, Unifor national president.

Bill C-16 raises concerns about court delays, but also offers improved protections for victims, say legal experts

Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, proposes sweeping changes intended to address victims of gender-based violence, as well as protect children and youths.

Business sector encouraged by Alberta’s major project draft co-operation agreement, but First Nations and environmentalists have concerns: it’s ‘a clear gut-punch’

Consultations are open until March 27 for an agreement between Ottawa and Alberta intended to accelerate the construction of major projects in the province.

AI in lobbying: time-saving can’t come at the expense of strategizing effectively, building relationships, says lobbyists

Young politicos shifting into consulting could see fewer opportunities to build credibility because of AI, says Christian von Donat, a vice-president at Impact Public Affairs.

The Hill Times’ Top 100 Lobbyists in 2026

Conacher criticizes lobbying office’s ‘secret rulings,’ but federal lobbying commissioner cites privacy in probes

The absence of public rulings in lobbying investigations is ‘a recipe for corruption,’ says Duff Conacher. But the lobbying commissioner says the Lobbying Act and the Privacy Act require that all investigations be conducted in private.

Protect supply management in CUSMA review, agriculture sector reps tell feds

‘There’s never been a more important time to ensure that our domestic production is robust and protected,’ says David Wiens, president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada.