‘I hope I’ve had an impact’: PrimeTime Politics’ Michael Serapio signs off, for now

Former colleagues, politicos, and panellists mourn ‘trusted voices gone silent’ following CPAC’s cancellation of both its English and French-language prime-time news programs and double-digit staff layoffs.

Prime Minister Carney’s question protection program?

The Parliamentary Press Gallery wrote to the PM last month, inviting him to return to the National Press Theatre to speak with reporters.

From the Sierra Madre to the Rainbow Bistro

Party Central was double-booked on April 23, with a Mexican embassy book launch followed by the 20^th Century Boys’ spring concert featuring a special guest.

It’s giving spring: life science lobbyists pack the Met in support of Ottawa’s at-risk youth

3Sixty Public Affairs, IQVIA, and medical magician Don Husereau pull $6,000 out of the hat for Ottawa Youth Services on April 22 at the Métropolitain Brasserie.

‘Desperate need of renewal’: Liberal MP Erskine-Smith sets sights on federal exit, provincial party revival

Grit MP Nate Erskine Smith says he intends to resign ‘shortly’ after the provincial nomination for Scarborough Southwest, Ont., is called on May 9 as NDP Leader Avi Lewis passes on the impending Beaches–East York vacancy for his own entrance to the House.

Young Grits eye ‘unique’ leverage on generation-defining decisions

New Young Liberals chair Nicholas Aboagye says the four under-30 MPs and a stable majority offers young Canadians a rare chance to influence government policy.

Beyond the screen at the NAC and dishing on diplomatic private matters at the Mét

Party Central and the CMPA return to Ottawa for the ‘Lights, Camera, Jobs!’ reception, and The Pearson Centre hosts a double book launch featuring a diplomatic romance novel and a publication of Lester Pearson correspondences.

Beneath an expanded tent, Grits grapple with meaning of ‘Liberal’

After recruiting five MPs from rival parties, Prime Minister Mark Carney insists Liberal ‘core values don’t change,’ but some in the party are still questioning how far the red tent can stretch.

Liberals laud new era, growing team at convention

The midnight city Montreal mystery tour: Party Central closes the Liberal convention

Closing out the second day was a post-passover Shabbat, the Artemis II splashdown, a smoky basement aerialist in a french vault, and a final port of call with the Atlantic MPs for a kitchen party. Plus one last hurrah on day three in the Laurier Lounge.

Conservatives can’t break stride on new $1M ad campaign after premiere overshadowed by latest floor crossing, say strategists

Even though the first few days of the ads’ planned six-figure broadcast schedule fall during a ‘challenging time’ for the party, the new campaign will help keep the Conservatives ‘on the front foot’ and on message, says Harneet Singh.

All aboard

Reporters’ Notebook: A dispatch from the third and final day of the Liberal convention in Montreal.

Champagne problems

Reporters’ Notebook: Cousinly love, Champagne problems, and glowing words for the man of the hour on day two of the Liberal convention in Montreal

Laurier lounging and partisan pub crawling at the Liberal convention

Day One was jam-packed with cocktails aside Liberal ladies and young Grits, plus more hospitality suites and tavern trawls than one reporter could possibly cover.

Welcome to the Carney-val

Reporters’ Notebook: Amid selfies and glowing smiles, the question dominating conversations among Liberals at the party’s policy convention is whether they will secure a majority before Prime Minister Mark Carney takes the stage Saturday afternoon.

‘We’re an open party’: Liberals kick off Montreal convention praising floor crossers and eyeing a majority

‘The fact is, we’ve had people from different parts of the political spectrum join our party at this particular moment, and there’s energy and excitement’ for a ‘big tent’ Liberal Party, says MP Vince Gasparro.