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Top Spotlights
 March
1, 2005
Canada and Ballistic Missile Defence
US President George W. Bush left Prime Minister Paul Martin and his minority
Liberal government holding the proverbial political ‘hot potato’ during
his recent visit to Canada . . . Full
Story
 January
4, 2005
Tainted Blood Scandal in Canada
In November 2004, federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced the federal
government was prepared to reopen talks to extend the compensation package for
victims of the tainted blood scandal of the early 1990s. . . Full
Story
 December
22, 2004
The Steven Truscott Case
Steven Truscott was convicted of murdering Lynne Harper in 1959. He spent ten
years in prison for a crime he has always claimed he did not commit. Since his
trial and conviction, there have been lingering questions about the justice system.
. . Full
Story
 November
5, 2004
2004 Alberta Provincial Election
Alberta voters will go to the polls on November 22, 2004, to elect a new
provincial government. Recent polls suggest that the Alberta Progressive
Conservatives under Premier Ralph Klein are holding a commanding lead in popular
support. . . Full
Story
 November
5, 2004
Fire on the HMCS Chicoutimi
On October 5, 2004, of the west coast of Ireland, a devastating fire onboard
the HMCS Chicoutimi crippled the Canadian submarine. Five days later, the submarine
was towed back to Scotland. . . Full
Story
 October
21, 2004
Canada and the
US Election
On November 2, 2004, American voters go to the polls to elect a new president
and new congressional representation. The upcoming election will centre on hot
topic issues, including the war in Iraq, the economy, homeland security and
the deficit, just to name a few. . . Full
Story
 October
21, 2004
Ontario PC Party Elects Tory
On September 18, 2004, members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC)
Party elected John Tory as their new leader. Mr. Tory won the leadership on
a second ballot victory, defeating Jim Flaherty and Frank Klees, both elected
PC members of the Ontario legislature. . . Full
Story
 September
8, 2004
CRTC Ruling on CHOI-FM
In July 2004, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) denied a broadcasting license to CHOI-FM of Quebec City, citing the radio
station’s persistent failure to adhere to programming standards and its
own Code of Ethics. . . Full
Story
 August
25, 2004
Martin Appoints New Cabinet
In July 2004, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced the first cabinet of his
minority government. The cabinet signaled some of the directions and priorities
of the new government. . . Full
Story
 July
13, 2004
2004 Election
Wrap-Up
On June 28, 2004, Canadians elected the 38th Parliament, returning Paul
Martin to the office of the Prime Minister and the Liberals to government. .
. Full
Story
 June
1, 2004
Outbreak of Bird Flu in British Columbia
In February 2004, Canadian officials reported the presence of avian influenza
or bird flu in poultry in British Columbia's Fraser Valley region.
. . Full Story
 June
1, 2004
Labour Unrest
in British Columbia
In May 2004, a last minute settlement saved British Columbia from a province-wide
general strike. Private and public sector union members were prepared to go
on strike to support provincial healthcare support workers.
. . Full Story
 Febuary
26, 2004
Auditor General
Report on Scandal
In February 2004, federal Auditor General Sheila Fraser released a report on
government finances, with particular attention to the government's Sponsorship
Program. . . Full Story
 Febuary
19, 2004
2004 Liberal Throne Speech
On February 2, 2004, the federal liberal government of Paul Martin presented
its first Speech from the Throne. The Throne Speech outlines . . . Full Story
 Febuary
11, 2004
RCMP Raid Journalist
Home and Home
In January 2004, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police raided the home and office
of Ottawa Citizen journalist Juliet O'Neill. The RCMP were searching for documents.
. . Full Story
 January
1, 2004
Top Political Events of 2003
2003 was an eventful year for Canadian politics, both on the domestic and international
fronts. The following is a list of Canada's ten most important political events in 2003.
. . Full Story
 January
1, 2004
Top Political Players of 2003
Several people came to the forefront of Canadian politics in 2003. The following is
a list of the most influential persons in Canadian politics for the past year. . . Full
Story
 December
3, 2003
Military Update: Canada &
Afghanistan
In August 2003, Canada began deploying 1,900 troops to Afghanistan to assist with security
and stability in the country. Canada’s troops are integrated into the International
Security Assistance Force that was authorized by the United Nations in 2001, and recently
taken over by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). . . Full
Story
 October
27, 2003
Saskatchewan Election 2003
Saskatchewan voters will vote on November 5, 2003. Three main parties will contest for
the support of the electorate: the incumbent New Democratic Party under Premier Lorne
Calvert, the Saskatchewan Party under Elwin Hermanson, and the Liberal Party under David
Karwacki. . . Full Story
 October
7, 2003
British Columbia Forest Fires
2003 looks to be one of the worst fire seasons in British Columbia in the past two decades.
Since the beginning of the year there have almost 2,500 forest fires in the province,
burning over a quarter of a million hectares, resulting in an estimated $5.6 billion
in lost timber. The fires near Kelowna resulted in millions of dollars in property damage
and thousands of temporarily displaced persons. British Columbia is estimating the cost
of fighting the fires at $545 million. . . Full
Story
 September
30, 2003
Newfoundland Election 2003
Newfoundland Premier Roger Grimes is calling a fall election. Since late August 2003,
all three major political parties in the province have been working to fill their slates
with candidates. The parties have also began making campaign promises, with the Liberals
stressing their past performance, the Progressive Conservatives taking a tax cut responsible
social spending line, and the NDP advocating public auto insurance and a better prescription
drug plan. . . Full Story
 September
16, 2003
Rising Gas Prices in Canada
Canadian gasoline prices have climbed an average of 8 cents per litre over the last
two weeks of August. Vancouver had the nation’s highest average at 91.9 cents per litre,
while Charlottetown had the lowest average at 70.7 cents. The rise in prices has prompted
complaints by Canadian consumers and even demands for government action. . . Full
Story
 September
2, 2003
Ontario Election 2003
Ontario voters will be heading to the polls October 2, 2003. Premier Eves and the Progressive
Conservatives face an uphill battle. A poll released in June shows Dalton McGuinty and
the Liberal Party with a strong lead in public support, with the Progressive Conservatives
trailing in second. The Liberal Party is running on a platform that includes taxation
freezing, balanced budget, and increased social spending. The Progressive Conservatives
will be running on tax cuts, balanced budget, debt repayment, and social spending. .
. Full Story
 Thursday
July 24th, 2003
Nova Scotia Election 2003
Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm has called a general election for August 5, 2003. Premier
Hamm’s Progressive Conservative Party currently holds a majority government with 31
of 52 seats in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. However, a public opinion poll conducted
in May 2003 shows the Liberals and Conservatives in a dead heat. Central issues in this
election are health care, education, government finances, and auto insurance. . . .
Full Story
 Thursday
July 8th, 2003
2003 New Brunswick Election Results
On June 9, 2003, New Brunswick voters went to the polls and sent a strong message to
Premier Bernard Lord’s Progressive Conservative government. Prior to the election, the
Progressive Conservative Party held a commanding legislative majority with 47 of 55
seats, and were riding high in public opinion. Following the election, the Progressive
Conservatives were reduced to just 28 seats, with the Liberal Party a close second at
26 seats. . . Full Story
 Thursday
June 19, 2003
Mad Cow Disease in Canada
In May 2003, Canada confirmed its first domestic case of Mad Cow disease. The discovery
immediately set off a series of events, including a massive investigation and depopulation
effort by Canadian governments, and a ban on Canadian beef exports by the United States,
Japan and South Korea. . . Full Story
 Wednesday
June 4, 2003
Deadly Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus
in Canada
With spring's arrival has come the renewed threat of the West Nile virus in Canada.
The West Nile virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses. In extreme cases,
it can cause coma, paralysis and even death. West Nile is transmitted to human beings
by mosquitoes that have picked up the virus from birds and horses. . . Full
Story
 Tuesday
May 21, 2003
Manitoba Election 2003
Following months of speculation, Manitoba NDP Premier Gary Doer called a provincial
election for June 3, 2003. While the election comes only three and a half years into
the government’s term, the timing is seen as a strategic move by the NDP to capitalize
on the party’s current popular support. . . Full
Story
 Tuesday
May 20, 2003
Progressive Conservative Leadership
Race
On May 29, 2003, in Toronto, the Progressive Conservative Party will begin their convention
to elect a new leader to replace Joe Clark. Mr. Clark has served as the PC party leader
since 1998 and has experienced a rocky road, including the fight to retain party status
and the short-lived coalition with dissident members of the Canadian Alliance Party.
. . Full Story
 Tuesday
April 29, 2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS) Outbreak in Canada
Canada and the world are currently experiencing a deadly outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome or “SARS.” The infection involves fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty
in breathing. Recently, the World Health Organization announced that the cause of SARS
to be a coronavirus never seen in humans before. . . . . Full
Story
 Friday
April 11, 2003
2003 Quebec Provincial Election
Politics in Quebec have heated up as Premier Landry sets the general election for April
14, 2003. The three leading contenders to form the next government are Jean Charest’s
Liberal Party, Bernard Landry’s Parti Quebecois, and Mario Dumont’s Action Democratique
du Quebec. Currently, the Parti Quebecois and the Liberals are leading the polls, with
the Action Democratique in a distant third. . . . Full
Story
 Tuesday
April 1, 2003
Paul Martin and Canadian Shipping
Lines
Leading Liberal leadership contender Paul Martin has decided to hand over his ownership
of the giant shipping company, Canada Steamship Lines, to his three adult sons. The
decision follows intense pressure from opposition parties and accusations that Mr. Martin
would be in conflict of interest once he became prime minister if he still owned the
company . . . Full Story
 Thursday
March 13, 2003
British Columbia Politics in
Review
2003 started with a bang for Canada’s western-most province. British Columbia continues
to face a number of economic difficulties, including continuing government deficits
and a softwood lumber dispute with the United States. There have also been several political
hot potatoes, including the Premier’s drunk driving charge, initiatives to recall seven
Liberal MLAs and the province’s 2010 Olympic bid . . . Full
Story
 Tuesday
March 4, 2003
The New Democratic Party Elects
a New Leader
On January 25, 2003, the New Democratic Party gathered in Toronto to select a new leader.
In a surprising first ballot victory, Toronto city councilor Jack Layton emerged to
win the election. In doing so, Mr. Layton achieved the largest landslide victory since
Tommy Douglas won the won the NDP leadership in 1961, and managed to defeat several
long serving NDP MPs like Bill Blaikie and Lorne Nystrom. . . Full
Story
 Tuesday
February 4, 2003
Canada and North Korea
There is a rising concern that North Korea has begun developing nuclear weapons. On
January 10, 2003, North Korea formally announced its intention to withdraw from the
nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. This announcement comes on the heel of North Korea’s
declaration that it will restart its nuclear energy program . . . Full
Story
 Monday
January 27, 2003
Difficult Times for Ontario Tories
The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party faces some of its toughest challenges since
the "common sense" revolution of the 1990s. Two major issues currently face
Premier Ernie Eves and his Progressive Conservative government. The first issue is a
possible exodus of members and staff from the Party, . . . Full
Story
 Thursday
January 2nd, 2003
Marijuana Decriminalization
Over the last few years there has been a shift in Canadian drug policy on marijuana.
In July 2001, Health Canada implemented the Marijuana Medical Access Regulations, which
provided access to marijuana for medical purposes. In September 2002, the Senate Special
Committee on Illegal Drugs recommended the decriminalization of marijuana possession
. . . Full Story
 Thursday
January 2nd, 2003
Rising Cost of Gun Control in Canada
In 1995, Jean Chretien’s Liberal government passed new gun control legislation. The
legislation included tough penalties for firearm-related crimes, a new licencing system,
and a controversial firearm registration system. Since 1995, the government has worked
to develop and implement the gun control strategy, often against the wishes of provincial
and territorial governments, and gun enthusiasts. Full
Story
 Wednesday
November 20th, 2002
Liberal Backbencher Revolt
On November 5th, 2002, a motion was passed in the House of Commons to allow the election
of parliamentary committee chairs and vice-chairs by secret ballot. The Opposition parties
and 56 Liberal Members of Parliament supported the motion. Prime Minister Jean Chretien
did not support the motion. Full
Story
 Tuesday
October 29th, 2002
2002 Liberal Throne Speech
On Monday, September 30, 2002, the Governor General of Canada read the
2002 Speech From the Throne, to open a new session of Parliament. The
Throne Speech, titled “The Canada We Want,” laid out the government’s
objectives for the next year and beyond. Full
Story
 Wednesday
September 30th, 2002
Canada, the UN, and War with Iraq
United States President George W. Bush has made it clear that he wants
to take strong actions against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Over the last several
months, the idea of overthrowing Saddam Hussein through military force
has come to the forefront of world politics. Why has the need for action
against Iraq become so important? Full
Story
 Wednesday
September 11th, 2002
Chretien Announces Departure
On August 21, 2002, Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced that he will
not be seeking another term and will be stepping down as Prime Minister.
In his public statement he said, “I will not run again. I will fulfill
my mandate focusing on governing until February, 2004, at which time my
work will be done and at which time my successor will be chosen.”
Full
Story
Wednesday August 1st, 2002
Joe Clark Resigns
On August 6th, 2002, Joe Clark announced his intention to step down as
leader of the Progressive Conservative Party next year. In a letter to
the Progressive Conservative Party President, Mr. Clark stated that a
leadership convention should be held in Spring 2003 and that he would
resign at the appropriate time. Full
Story
 Wednesday
August 14th, 2002
WTO Rules on
Canadian Softwood
On July 26, 2002, the World Trade Organization (WTO) released a preliminary
decision on one part of the Canada-US softwood lumber dispute. The
dispute arose last year, when the US accused Canada of unfairly subsidizing
its softwood lumber industry through its provincial stumpage fee systems.
Full Story
Wednesday June
19th, 2002
PM Chretien Fires Paul Martin
On June 2, Prime Minister Jean Chretien made a major cabinet change, replacing
Paul Martin as minister of finance. Paul Martin had served as minister
of finance since Chretien’s Liberals came to power in 1993. Prime
Minister Chretien said Mr. Martin’s replacement was related to non-government
issues, most likely Mr. Martin’s campaign to become the next leader of
the Liberal Party. Full Story
Wednesday May 22nd, 2002
BC
Treaty Referendum
On April 2, British Columbia's Liberal Government called a referendum
on aboriginal treaties. The deadline for British Columbians to return
their ballots was May 15, 2002. The referendum sought to establish
principles that will guide the BC government in future treaty negotiations
with the province's aboriginal peoples. Full
Story
Wednesday May 8th, 2002
PC
- DRC Coalition Shattered
The short-lived coalition between the dissident Canadian Alliance MPs
(known as the Democratic Representative Caucus) and the Progressive Conservative
Party was shattered on April 10, when all but one of the seven dissidents
returned to the Canadian Alliance Party. Full
Story
Friday April 19th, 2002
Israel-Palestine
Conflict and Canada
Since January, Israel has been facing waves of Palestinian suicide bombings
against military and civilian targets. In response, the Israeli government
under Ariel Sharon has undertaken a military offensive in the Occupied
Territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. There, the Israeli Army
has occupied several cities and villages and has laid siege to Yasser
Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah. Full Story
Friday March 29th, 2002
Canadian
Troops in Afghanistan
On March 17, 2002, Canada completed Operation Harpoon in Afghanistan.
The mission’s four-day objective was clearing a remaining pocket of Al
Qaeda and Taliban resistance on a ridge overlooking the Shahico valley
southwest of Gardez. The operation consisted of a joint-task force of
500 Canadian and 100 American soldiers, and was led by Canadian Lieutenant
Colonel Pat Stoburn. Full Story
Wednesday Mar 13th, 2002
Canada
and Zimbabwe's Election
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's President for the last 22 years, was recently
re-elected in elections earlier this month. Mr. Mugabe had been facing
a strong challenge from union leader Morgan Tsvangirai. President
Mugabe has been criticized for rigging the election. Full
Story
Monday Mar 1st, 2002
Canadian
Alliance Leadership Election
The Canadian Alliance leadership race has begun. There are four candidates
contending for the position: ex-leader Stockwell Day, Alliance MP Grant
Hill, Alliance MP Diane Ablonczy, and former Reform MP Stephen Harper.
The leadership vote will be held by mail-in ballot in March 2002. Full
Story
Monday Feb 4th, 2002
Federal
Cabinet Shuffle
On January 15, 2002, Prime Minister Jean Chretien made a major cabinet
shuffle, his biggest since becoming Prime Minister in 1993. Industry
Minister Brian Tobin's resignation changed the Prime Minister's plans
for a smaller shuffle in the summer. Tobin was a close ally of Chretien's
and a front-runner in the race to replace him. Full
Story
Friday Jan 21st, 2002
BC
Teachers Withdraw Services
Over the last year, the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF),
representing BC's 40,000 school teachers, has been in contract negotiations
with the British Columbia Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA).
On January 7, 2002, the BCTF began Phase II of their job action. Under
Phase II, the teachers stopped all voluntary services in non-credit extra-curricular
activities such as school sports, drama, music, student councils, and
school clubs. Full Story
Friday Jan 11th, 2002
Federal
Budget 2001
On December 10th, Finance Minister Paul Martin unveiled the 2001 federal
budget. With respect to the new spending, $7.7 billion will be funneled
into national security. This includes the military, intelligence, policing,
air travel, immigration, and the border. Full
Story
Friday Dec 14th, 2001
Canada
Stumbles into a Recession
On November 29th Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge admitted that Canada
is likely in a recession. Statistics Canada reported a 0.2 percent decline
in Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2001
(July to September), the first decline since 1992. The fourth quarter
(October to December) is expected to show a further decline. Full
Story
Monday Dec 3rd, 2001
Premier
Mike Harris Steps Down
On October 16, Mike Harris stunned members of his party and government
by announcing his resignation as premier of Ontario. The decision was
made official in a letter sent to the president of Ontario's Conservative
Party, in which Harris asked the executive to call a leadership contest
as soon as possible. Full Story
Monday Nov 19th, 2001
US
- Canada Dispute of Softwood Lumber
On Oct. 31, the United States hit Canadian softwood lumber exporters with
anti-dumping duties averaging nearly 13 per cent. These duties are in
addition to 19.3 per cent countervailing duty imposed by the United States
in August. Under United States trade law, both duties won't become final
until early next year. Full Story
Monday Nov 5th, 2001
Fortress
North America
Since the events of September 11, many in the United States have pointed
to Canada as the weakest link in North American security against terrorism.
Last week action was taken as the United States President George W. Bush
and the United States Senate called for the harmonization of American,
Canadian and Mexican customs and immigration policies to create a North
American security perimeter or “Fortress North America.” Full
Story
Thursday Oct 25th, 2001
Canada
Fights Terrorism at Home
On October 15, 2001, the Government of Canada introduced Bill-36, Canada’s
new anti-terrorism legislation. The proposed bill creates measures to
identify, prosecute, convict and punish terrorist groups; provides broader
investigative tools to police and national security agencies; and strengthens
laws against hate crimes and propaganda. Full
Story
Wednesday Oct 17th, 2001
Canada
Joins the Battle
With the launch of Operation Apollo, Canada has joined the military campaign
against terrorism in Afghanistan. Operation Apollo will involve 2, 000
personnel from the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force. This contribution
exceeds the 1, 500 Armed Forces personnel deployed by Canada during the
Persian Gulf War. Full Story
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