Laura Ryckewaert

Laura Ryckewaert has been a reporter with The Hill Times since 2011 and a deputy editor since 2019. Originally from Toronto, she’s been living in the national capital since 2007, and is a graduate of Carleton University’s bachelor of journalism program. Ryckewaert tackles the “Hill Climbers” column for the paper, which follows political staffing changes on Parliament Hill, and—among other things—regularly covers the Procedure and House Affairs Committee, the Board of Internal Economy, and Parliamentary Precinct renovations. Contact her at lryckewaert@hilltimes.com.

Senate rules under the microscope amid efforts to review, consolidate

‘I appreciate that, ‘oh yeah, it’s just a boring book of policy rules, but it’s how Senators are able to function,’ says working group chair Senator Pat Duncan.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 9, 2026

One staff exit, one promotion in Minister Alty’s office

Plus, Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu is down a senior parliamentary affairs adviser.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 7, 2026

Industry Minister Joly adds a strategic investment director

Plus, a deputy director has been promoted within Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 7, 2026

Supreme Court of Canada takes over new digs

‘I have every confidence that it’ll be great, but it will be different,’ says former Supreme Court clerk Jeremy Opolsky of the top court’s new home.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 2, 2026

Comms staff changes for Secretaries of State Zerucelli, Belanger

Meanwhile, there’s a new executive assistant on board in Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 31, 2026

Deputy chief of staff added to Foreign Minister Anand’s team

Plus, a new senior adviser for Newfoundland and Labrador has joined Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, among other office changes.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 27, 2026

‘A force against polarization’: Donna Dasko talks her Senate highlights and future hopes

From boos to gender parity: Dasko officially retired from the Red Chamber on Aug. 19, and sat down with The Hill Times to reflect on her eight years as a Senator.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 26, 2026

SecState Long adds a press secretary, among other office updates

Meanwhile, a senior adviser recently bade farewell to AI and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 24, 2026

Environment Minister Dabrusin adds some comms support

Plus, there’s one hire and one exit to highlight in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 19, 2026

Total MP spending reaches $178.3-million in 2025-26

The highest spending MP overall was the Bloc Québécois’ Marilène Gill, who represents a large rural riding and reported a grand total of $715,493 in expenses.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 19, 2026

New aides for a trio of frontbenchers

The recent hires include a new policy adviser to Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 17, 2026

Finance Minister Champagne finds his next chief of staff

Plus, there are updates to Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon’s team, including director Isabelle Sabourin’s recent exit.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 12, 2026

MPs spent roughly $2-million outsourcing comms, consultant work in 2025-26

Tallying up contract spending by MPs under five descriptor categories tied to communications and consultant or subject matter expert work in 2025-26 totals $1,988,159 overall.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 12, 2026

Immigration Minister Diab promotes new comms director

Plus, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound have a couple of new aides each.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 10, 2026

Two more updates to PMO staff ranks

Plus, Vincent Desmarais recently bade farewell to the Conservative OLO, and there’s a new hire in Minister Mandy Gull-Masty’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 5, 2026

Post-election MP office renos top $1.3-million

A total of 106 MPs reported office renovation expenses after the 2025 election, including 62 first-time MPs and 46 incumbents.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | August 5, 2026