Mary Simon named Canada’s first Indigenous governor general
Mary Simon has been named Governor General becoming the first Indigenous person to hold the post.
Use of the notwithstanding clause not necessarily a bad idea, some experts say
The use of the notwithstanding clause is not necessarily a bad thing, experts say. It can be used to actually protect rights.
Groups decry lack of ‘targeted supports’ for post-secondary students in Ontario’s COVID-recovery budget
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to create financial distress for millions of Ontario residents, some groups say post-secondary students have been left to fend for themselves financially despite the recent provincial budget promises to provide support in the post-pandemic recovery. Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy outlines a plan to defeat the coronavirus and help Ontarians overcome the financial suffering...
Time for a rethink: Springing forward has health effects on Canadians, experts say
Every time we “spring forward” or “fall back” and reset our clocks, how much does losing or gaining an hour of sleep really affect us?
Amid pandemic lockdown, social media campaign dominates virtual Carleton student elections
COVID-19 meant that this year's election for the Carleton University Students' Association was a virtual affair.
Ahead of historic inauguration of new U.S. president, dystopian scenes from a riot-rattled Washington
The threat of renewed violence has been hanging over Washington, D.C. since rioters supporting U.S. President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6. On the eve of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20, Capital Current correspondent Graham Swaney captured scenes from the American capital and asked residents what it’s been like — in the midst of the...
‘It’s about time’: Black Canadians cheer rise of Kamala Harris to U.S. vice-presidency
Black Canadians are applauding the victory of Kamala Harris as the first Black, South Asian woman to be the U.S. vice-president.
Carleton student Cihan Erdal now detained in Turkey for three months
There is a campaign underway to obtain the release of Carleton student and Canadian permanent resident Cihan Erdal who has been detained in Turkey for three months.
Senator takes a fresh run at lowering Canada’s federal voting age
A Manitoba senator is trying to get the voting age lowered in Canada.
Fiscally united, socially divided: Federal Conservatives struggle to maintain harmony in party’s ‘big tent’
The Conservative Party of Canada is navigating a tricky political path as new leader Erin O'Toole seeks to attract centrist voters while not alienating social conservatives.
Despite public concerns, council to vote on 10-year extension of OSEG’s Landsowne deal
On Wednesday, Ottawa City Council will decide whether to help the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group navigate the financial pressures of running Lansdowne Park through the pandemic and beyond.
Committee approves compromise in dispute over redrawing of Cumberland ward boundary
The city's finance and development committee has approved changes to ward boundaries with will see the creation of a 24th ward.
National student group ‘distraught’ by gaps in support announced in federal economic statement
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivers the 2020 fall economic statement as the government continues to focus on guiding Canadians through the pandemic.
Ontario moves to make daylight savings the only time — eventually
A brief look at Ontario's new Bill 214, passed Nov. 25, seeking to permanently make daylight saving time the standard for the province.
From Alaska to Florida: How 14 U.S. voters made their Election Day decisions
From Alaska to Florida, New Hampshire to Texas, read the stories of 14 U.S. voters as they prepared to cast their ballots – and awaited the results of the Nov. 3 election.
New councillor Catherine Kitts joins the fight over future of Cumberland ward
New councillor Catherine Kitts is already in the fray over the future of her Cumberland ward.
Uncertain days ahead for Americans in Canada as U.S. presidential election result remains unclear
More than a half-million Americans living in Canada — just like U.S. citizens in their home country — are bracing for days or even weeks of uncertainty as the final result of Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election remains unresolved. “I think there is so much at stake,” said Rachel Eugster, co-chair of the Ottawa-Gatineau chapter of Democrats Abroad, on the eve...
Catherine Kitts gets to work as the new city councillor for Cumberland ward
After six months without a councillor, the residents of Cumberland ward in Ottawa’s far east have elected Catherine Kitts to represent them at City Hall. The native of Orléans, and former Carleton University Journalism graduate, took 54.4 per cent of the vote cast, according to the City of Ottawa’s unofficial results. She ran against nine others. Yvette Ashiri finishing in...
Cumberland byelection candidates adapt to campaigning during COVID
Cumberland Ward 19 candidates follow the Ottawa Public Health guidelines on the campaign trail.
‘Ad Feminam:’ No let up in attacks against female politicians
Catherine McKenna's office was recently the target of a verbal attack. It is just one in a string of misogynist attacks that have happened throughout her political career.
Unhappy campers protest Liberal government, COVID-19 measures
Since Canada Day, members have of the Canadian Revolution have been protesting against the Liberal government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
City council votes to suspend Rick Chiarelli’s pay after “disgusting” actions
Ottawa City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to give College Ward Coun. Rich Chiarelli the most severe punishment possible following the release of a report into allegations of sexual harassment. Chiarelli’s salary will be suspended for nine months, a total of about $79,000. A report by the city’s integrity commissioner found that Chiarelli had violated several city policies when, Robert Marleau says,...
Councillor grilled over donut joke, gaping holes in report on ‘Scott’s Excellent Adventure to Tennessee’
City Coun. Scott Moffatt visited waste-processing plant in Tennessee and talked about Krispy Kreme donuts in his minimalist report.
‘Insurmountable’ odds: Canada loses bid for seat on UN Security Council to Ireland, Norway
Canada lost its bid for a two year term on the United Nations Security Council.
‘Russell’ slavery storm reaches Ottawa via Russell Road: ‘To preserve Black history, we need to re-write it’
A controversy over the historical namesake of Russell Township just east of Ottawa has reached the nation’s capital along Russell Road — the route that runs between urban Ottawa and the nearby rural area named for a slave owner. Peter Russell was also a top Upper Canada administrator in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Godlove Ngwafusi, a leading...
Trudeau delivers virtual message to the graduating class of 2020
Despite not having the usual cross-the-stage graduation ceremony, the class of 2020 received a special message from the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Wednesday morning.
Watch: Ottawa’s anti-racism rally on Parliament Hill
Ottawa’s “No Justice, No Peace” protest on June 5 drew thousands to Parliament Hill to condemn police brutality, express anger over the May 25 death of George Floyd — who died after a violent police takedown caught on video — and anti-Black racism. [Video montage © Eden Suh]
Signs and sounds from Edmonton’s Fight for Equity anti-racism rally
Nearly 15,000 gathered on the grounds of the Alberta legislature in Edmonton Friday evening for a Black Lives Matter protest. Organizers said the Fight for Equity rally aimed to spark awareness and conversation about racism, inequality in the justice system and police brutality. Here are some of the signs and scenes from the mass demonstration, along with audio clips capturing...
Large gathering at Alberta legislature continues anti-racism conversation
EDMONTON — Up to 15,000 protestors gathered in the Alberta capital on Friday night for an anti-racism protest sparked by the death of a Black American man who died after his violent arrest by Minneapolis police. Demonstrations condemning police brutality have been occurring across the U.S., Canada and around the world in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The Fight...
Wet’suwet’en pipeline protests extend across Canada to Ottawa
More than 200 supporters of the Wet’suwet’en nation marched through downtown Ottawa recently.
25th Hour: The Green Wave
The Green Wave follows three individuals who have drastically restructured the way they live to try to combat climate change. They use their money, influence and votes to positively impact the environment. We investigate how this global green wave of eco-consciousness influenced the way Canadians took to the polls this past fall. This story first appeared on Carleton’s 25th Hour.
New Canada-Hong Kong activist organization aims to help local groups make their opinions known
Alliance Canada Hong Kong aims to bring Canada- Hong Kong community groups together to fight for democracy.
Environmental activists want city to adopt green Official Plan
How to continue developing the city’s central area is emerging as the importance of the city’s centre in discussions about the Official Plan that will frame Ottawa’s development until 2046.
New government, new Speaker, new speech combine to open a minority Parliament
The 43rd Parliament of Canada has opened with the election of the Speaker of the House and the speech from the throne. Many have high expectations for the coming parliament, while others remain skeptical after a divisive election cycle.
Ottawa lawyer eyes provincial Liberal leadership
As the Ontario Liberal party prepares to pick a new leader, one of those hoping to be in the running is Brenda Hollingsworth, who is a personal injury and criminal defence lawyer. Hollingsworth is waiting to hear if she has met the standard to seek the leadership. If approved by the party she’ll face off against five other candidates. Michael...
Trudeau puts two Ottawa MPs, Mona Fortier and Catherine McKenna, in cabinet
This afternoon at Rideau Hall, Prime Minister Trudeau revealed the new cabinet, including two local female MPs.
How Parliament might look with proportional representation
Julie Stock and Doug Dolinski dropped by Liberal candidate Catherine McKenna's event in Ottawa Centre riding on Oct. 21, 2019. [Photo © Alexandra Elves]
Liberals win minority government
Early returns from Atlantic Canada are showing some Liberal losses and some Conservative gains along with wins for the NDP in Newfoundland and maybe the Green party in New Brunswick.
Incumbents win back their seats in Ottawa ridings
Incumbent parties won back their Ottawa ridings Monday, with the Liberals winning seven and the Conservatives holding onto one.
Fringe candidates claim to face “unfair” obstacles getting message out
Two candidates in Ottawa Centre say they are facing unfair obstacles when trying to reach potential voters. And a Carleton University political scientist says that the exclusion of some candidates from advertised “all-candidates” debates ahead of the Oct. 21 vote has raised a thorny. Several Ottawa Centre candidates were not invited to a recent Carleton University debate, while the People’s...
Citizens for Public Justice injects some faith into an Ottawa election forum
As citizens prepare to cast their votes for the Oct. 21 federal election, an advocacy group discusses key issues that Canadians are concerned about.
Heated exchange over Liberals’ broken electoral reform pledge highlights climate debate
Liberal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna was criticized for her party's decision to abandon its 2015 electoral reform pledge during a debate on environmental policies.
Humane Canada calls on parties to create animal welfare department
Humane Canada is calling upon the parties to commit to the creation of an animal welfare ministry within their
The final week
Recent Canadian elections have shown that two moments in the final week can lead to significant change. Both happen out of the sight of media and election observers.
Local activists push for guarantee of pension security
Local activists take a stand against the Liberals' proposed bill that would ease the obligations of federally regulated employers to guarantee retirees’ incomes.
The revenge of expert sources in Election 2019
Prominent in this election has been a posse of mostly younger, social-media savvy academics who inject their analysis directly into the bloodstream – Twitter, that is – and thus more or less straight into journalists’ brains
Youth vote 2019: In their own words
Millennials are now the largest voting bloc in the country. How they vote could influence the outcome of the election. Here's a sample of their views.
‘The voices of young people need to be heard,” says 18 year old running in Carleton riding
Starting the first year of university is one thing, but these young students hope to tackle more: the federal election.
Non-partisan organizations find ways to get young people to vote
Methods that non-partisan organizations are taking to increase youth voting statistics in the upcoming election.
Ottawa’s affordable housing crisis needs more federal help, experts, activists say
Low-income activists are continuing their fight against the federal government as Ottawa's housing crisis persists.