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.

LRB scoops up new parl affairs, research director from Treasury Board president’s team

Plus, Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez has a new communications director, and there are updates for Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 26, 2026

Staff shakeup in Hajdu’s office, Provost finds new chief of staff

Changes in Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu’s office include a number of promotions, among them, Aya Al-Shalchi’s elevation to director status.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 21, 2026

‘Constructive’ and ‘credible’: Saint-Germain retires with some parting advice for Senators

Raymonde Saint-Germain represented Quebec in the Red Chamber from November 2016 up until her retirement on Oct. 7.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 21, 2026

Fresh comms staff, policy lead in place for Minister Chartrand

Plus, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has a new digital media assistant, and Public Services and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound is down an aide.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 19, 2026

Manjeet Vinning takes reins as new PMO operations director

Plus, Health Minister Marjorie Michel hired a new director of policy in time for the start of the fall sitting.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 14, 2026

Minister LeBlanc promotes new comms, operations directors

Among the changes in LeBlanc’s office is the recent departure of deputy chief of staff and operations director Alex Axiotis-Perez.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 12, 2026

Defence Minister McGuinty names new chief of staff

Plus, deputy director of financial sector policy Matthew O’Connell has left Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 8, 2026

Dabrusin shakes up her policy team, hires new press sec

Recent hires in the environment minister’s office include new policy, regional affairs, and parliamentary affairs advisers, as well as Amy Falkner’s addition as press secretary.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | October 5, 2026

Conflict screens, outside activities: a look at cabinet staff disclosures

Former Conservative cabinet chief of staff Garry Keller says conflict of interest screens add one more piece of administrative work for offices, and ‘transparency’ is key.

news | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 30, 2026

PMO recruits new Ontario adviser, among other staff changes

Director of operations Angad Dhillon is preparing to make his exit from the Prime Minister’s Office, and a few summer interns have landed jobs in the top office.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 28, 2026

Defence Minister McGuinty down a chief of staff

Plus, there’s been a turnover of communications staff in the defence minister’s office, and an upcoming comms-related change affecting two ministers’ offices.

feature | BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT | September 23, 2026

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