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Montreal Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: Reform Act snub bad for Liberals — and for democracy
Op Eds At a caucus meeting on Sunday afternoon, the Liberal Party of Canada opted not to adopt the Reform Act. Brought in as an amendment to the Parliament of Canada Act in 2014, the Reform Act allows MPs in a parliamentary group that hold official party status (holding 12 or more seats) to vote on a series of measures at the beginning of a parliamentary session regarding internal caucus management. If adopted, the measures last the duration of the session. The most notable of the measures involves the power to initiate a leadership review. The Conservative caucus used this part of the act to remove then-leader Erin O'Toole in 2022. Given the tumult that rocked the Liberals in the closing period of Justin Trudeau's reign, the party's decision not to adopt this provision is notable. Indeed, most agree that Trudeau only stayed in power throughout the byelection losses in Liberal strongholds and declining polls of 2024 because no formal mechanism existed to force his removal, despite growing discontent within the Liberal caucus. It took the extraordinary events of Dec. 16, 2024 to force the longtime Liberal leader to consider his position. On that morning, with the fall economic statement to be tabled, then-finance minister Chrystia Freeland published a bombshell resignation letter criticizing the 'costly political gimmicks' it contained. With no finance minister in situ and therefore no one in a position to deliver the important fiscal update, Ottawa fell into chaos and Trudeau scrambled to shore up his position. It was the beginning of the end for a leader who had lost the confidence not just of Freeland, his closest political confidante, but also his caucus, many of whom feared their re-election was unlikely with Trudeau in charge. Trudeau finally announced his resignation on Jan. 6. Thus began the process that led to Mark Carney becoming prime minister and the saviour of the Liberals' electoral fortunes. It seems now — with a successful election in the rear-view mirror, Parliament resuming and a raft of problems to get to grips with — the newly elected Liberal government has forgotten about one major driver of the party's near-death experience before the unexpected alchemy of Donald Trump, tariffs and Carney resuscitated it. In the aftermath of Trudeau's resignation, Freeland campaigned to replace him partially on a policy of mandatory leadership reviews. 'We can never again be in a position where the leader is the only person who decides who the leader is,' she told the National Post. Why then have Liberal MPs now declined the opportunity to adopt the power to review the position of the leader? The Liberal caucus has apparently grown accustomed to being dominated by a strong leader. More broadly, party discipline in Canada is arguably the most rigid among comparable parliamentary democracies. Despite the Conservatives' adoption and use of the Reform Act in the past, the party remains under tight discipline. One reason for this is fear that the diverse array of regional and ideological concerns that populate Canada's big-tent parties will spill over into a dissonant and incoherent message that may dilute or undermine the party's core brand. Party leaders exert huge influence over MPs, utilizing the carrot and stick of speaking time, committee positions and — on the government side — cabinet portfolios to compel unity. Although this drive toward party unity is understandable, when applied as it is in Canada, the result contributes to a profound democratic deficit. MPs are habitually whipped, and not just to vote in party blocks for or against legislation. Increasingly, overbearing conformity of political communication dominates individual members' capacity to authentically advocate on behalf of their constituents both inside and outside the House of Commons. This serves to undermine the democratic mandate received by each MP by virtue of winning their riding. Politics remains the greasy pole described by the 19th century British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli — hard to get to the top, and all too easy to plummet back down. Party leaders ought not be facilitated in using this fact to excessively control their parliamentary caucuses. The Liberal party recently learned what can happen when a sitting PM views the caucus as subject to his pleasure, rather than his position being tenable only based on his maintenance of their confidence. It is a shame that they have opted to forget this lesson.
Toronto Sun
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Liberals to hold 2026 party convention in Montreal
Published May 20, 2025 • < 1 minute read A Liberal Party of Canada logo is shown on a giant screen as a technician looks on during day one of the party's biennial convention in Montreal, Thusday, February 20, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes OTTAWA — Mark Carney will preside over his first Liberal convention as party leader and prime minister next spring. The Liberal party's national board of directors says the convention will be held in Montreal from April 9 to 11. It will come a year after Carney won a resounding leadership mandate from party rank and file on a first-ballot victory on March 9. The convention will feature policy discussions and keynote speakers and will see members elect the next national board of directors. The party says nearly 4,000 Canadians attended its 2023 convention in the nation's capital. The Conservatives have not yet scheduled their next convention. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Basketball Canada Other Sports
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Anita Anand? Indian-origin lawyer is Canada's first Hindu foreign minister
In a major moment for global diplomacy and Indian-origin communities worldwide, Anita Anand has been appointed as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs in Canada. With this historic appointment, she becomes the first Hindu and the first woman of Indian origin to take on this key role in Canadian politics. Anand's appointment was made on May 13, 2025, by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as part of his newly formed cabinet after the federal elections. During the oath-taking ceremony, Anand made headlines by placing her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text underlining both her faith and cultural roots. Here's everything you must know about her! Who Is Anita Anand? Anita Anand is a Canadian lawyer, academic, and politician. She was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, in 1967. Her father, originally from Tamil Nadu, was a radiation oncologist, and her mother, who worked as a nutritionist, came from Punjab. She is the youngest of four children. Before entering politics, Anand had a successful academic career. She was a law professor at the University of Toronto, specialising in corporate governance and financial markets. Her deep knowledge in these fields later helped shape her political career, especially in areas involving procurement and defence. I am honoured to be named Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer, fairer world and deliver for Canadians. Anita Anand's political background Anita Anand began her political career with the Liberal Party of Canada. She was elected as a Member of Parliament from Oakville, Ontario, in 2019. Soon after, she was appointed as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, where she played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic by overseeing Canada's vaccine purchases and medical supply chain. In 2021, she was named Canada's Minister of National Defence. In this role, Anand was praised for tackling long-standing issues within the Canadian Armed Forces, including workplace misconduct, and for helping coordinate military support to Ukraine. Her appointment as Foreign Minister now puts her in charge of managing Canada's international relationships at a crucial time for global diplomacy. What's more of India in the Canadian cabinet? Anita Anand's Indian origin holds strong significance in the multicultural fabric of Canada. Her parents immigrated from India in the 1960s, and she grew up understanding both Indian and Canadian values. Other Indian-origin politicians in the cabinet include Maninder Sidhu as Minister of International Trade, Ruby Sahota, and Randeep Sarai as Secretaries of State. Thank you to Vaishno Devi Temple for inviting me to attend this year's Mother's Day celebration! It warmed my heart to see so many families across #Oakville coming to celebrate and remember our mothers together. Anand is now one of the most high-profile Indian-origin politicians on the global stage, alongside others like former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Calgary Herald
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Danielle Smith fumes over Mark Carney's cabinet choices
Article content Olszewski was named the Liberal candidate for Edmonton Centre after the election writ was dropped. She was shuffled into the riding by the Liberal Party of Canada after former cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault announced he would not stand for re-election. Olszewski, the former chair of the federal Liberal Party's Alberta wing, had been nominated to run in Edmonton Strathcona, where she likely would have been a sacrificial lamb in a riding that's a New Democrat stronghold. Article content Olszewski raised her family in Glenora before moving south of the river. She's has a bachelor of science – pharmacy and a law doctorate from the University of Alberta. Because of her background in both pharmacy and law, she has worked on drug and medical-claim cases. Article content 'I do want to be a very strong advocate for the people of Edmonton Centre,' she pledged during the election campaign, 'I've spent my career being an advocate and speaking out for people who don't have a voice. or are trying to operate in a system that can seem unfair or can seem really complicated and frustrating. It's important for me to take those skills, and I think I've learned a lot of skills from being a lawyer for a long period of time, to a different place. I want to advocate not just for the people of this riding but for the people of Alberta and Canada, as well.' Article content Article content Olszewski said that 'this is a time for unity' and that she looked forward to helping Carney implement 'thoughtful and sensible plans to protect families and workers and to save businesses across the country, and, most importantly save our Canadian way of life and our sovereignty.' Article content Mike Ellis, the province's minister of public safety and emergency services, had a more conciliatory take than Smith. He said the Alberta government will have an open mind when it comes to the new cabinet. Article content 'I'll just echo what the premier has indicated here, that we just want to reset the relationship with Ottawa,' he said. 'I think all of my cabinet colleagues are looking forward to that. I think we're all looking forward to reaching out to all of our cabinet colleagues in the federal government. Eleanor, I don't know her. I look forward to meeting her. I know that I've already asked my staff to reach out to her so we can co-ordinate, have a conversation. So I certainly look forward to that.' Article content Article content Olszewski is one of 24 Liberal MPs who are new to cabinet. Article content 'We are in a position where we have cabinet ministers from all the provinces. I'm very proud of that,' Carney said outside of Rideau Hall. 'And, a full cabinet member from the territories. So, we're governing for all Canadians, all regions, with a strong and clear mandate that came out of the election. Article content Carney said having a 'half and half' balance of experienced rookie and veteran cabinet ministers is ideal, as he tiptoed the line between preserving the Liberal brand and not falling into the trap of being seen as a continuation of the Trudeau government. Article content 'To me, it's perfect.' Article content Article content
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Golombek: A look at four tax proposals floated for the federal election
With the party leaders' debates now behind us, and the federal election just days away, what better time to take a brief look at a few of the more interesting tax policies announced by three of the major parties. Both the Liberal Party of Canada and the Conservative Party of Canada have pledged to drop the tax rate for the lowest tax bracket. For 2025, that federal bracket is income below $57,375. The Liberals plan to reduce that rate by one percentage point, to 14 per cent from the current rate of 15 per cent, while the Conservatives have promised to drop the rate for that bracket to 12.75 per cent. The Liberal cut would take effect on July 1, 2025, and, according to the party, would save dual-income families $825 annually. The Conservative tax cut promises to deliver the average Canadian worker who has $57,000 of earnings $900 in tax savings, with two-income families saving $1,800 annually. But some experts have questioned whether those numbers are accurate, absent further tax changes not yet announced. In a memo published last week entitled Missing Detail: Tax Savings Lower than Advertised, authors Alexandre Laurin and Nick Dahir of the C.D. Howe Institute calculated that, on average, taxpayers would save only $180 per year under the Liberals' 14 per cent rate, and $405 per year under the Conservatives' 12.75 per cent rate. The reason for the reduced tax savings is as a result of the way in which most of our federal non-refundable credits are calculated. As a reminder, income taxes are determined by first multiplying taxable income by the various applicable graduated tax rates, and then subtracting from that result the value of various non-refundable tax credits such as the basic personal credit, age credit, pension income credit, and medical expense credit (among many others). The Income Tax Act establishes the method for calculating these non-refundable tax credits by applying an 'appropriate percentage' to eligible amounts. That appropriate percentage is defined as the lowest rate of the tax bracket schedule. What that means is that lowering the lowest tax rate would indeed reduce tax, but would also reduce the value of most non-refundable credits. If the new government decides to lower the rate applicable to the lowest federal bracket, and wants Canadians to realize the full tax savings promised in their campaigns, it will need to either change the way most of the non-refundable credits are calculated under the Tax Act, or perhaps increase the basic personal amount (BPA) to compensate for the value of the reduced credits. The New Democratic Party has pledged to raise the BPA to $19,500, but only for lower-income earners. Currently, the BPA for 2025 is $16,129 meaning an individual can earn up to this amount in 2025 before paying any federal income tax. But higher-income earners don't get the full BPA, as there is an income test. The enhancement to the BPA, introduced back in 2020, is gradually reduced, on a straight-line basis, for taxpayers with net incomes above $177,882 (the bottom of the fourth tax bracket for 2025) until it has been fully phased out once a taxpayer's income is over $253,414 (the threshold for the top tax bracket in 2025). Taxpayers in that top bracket who lose the enhancement currently still get the 'old' BPA, indexed to inflation, which is $14,538 for 2025. While both the Liberals and Conservatives have vowed to keep the 50 per cent inclusion rate for capital gains, the NDP vowed to reintroduce the capital gains inclusion rate increase that the Liberals cancelled, bumping it up to 66 per cent. The Conservatives, on the other hand, have taken a novel approach to the capital gains tax by proposing a deferral of the tax payable on any capital gain when the proceeds are reinvested in a Canadian asset. They are calling it the 'Canada First Reinvestment Tax Cut,' which provides that any person or business selling an asset will pay no capital gains tax when they reinvest the proceeds in Canada. Companies that reinvest in active Canadian businesses will also be able to defer any capital gains tax. These gains will still be taxed later on when investors cash out or move the money out of Canada. The break would be available on any reinvestments done until the end of 2026, but could be made permanent if it 'causes a major economic boom,' which is at least what one expert has predicted. Jack M. Mintz, the President's Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, called the proposal 'consequential.' In an analysis published earlier this month, he calculated that Canada's capital stock could rise by $12.4 billion, GDP by $90 billion, and employment by 280,000 until 2026 under this proposal. 'Significant dynamic economic benefits can be realized by providing capital gains rollovers. Since capital gains taxes are applied only when assets are sold, investors and businesses tend to hold less profitable assets for longer periods of time in order not to trigger capital gains assets. Known as the lock-in effect, productivity is undermined since less capital becomes available for new opportunities that would yield better returns,' wrote Mintz in his analysis. Finally, the NDP announced its intention to bring in a wealth tax. Under their proposal, 'super-rich multi-millionaires' with more than $10 million in wealth would face a new wealth tax of one per cent for wealth between $10 million and $50 million, two per cent from $50 million to $100 million, and three per cent for households with net worth of more than $100 million. The NDP first proposed this idea in the 2019 campaign platform, applying it to Canadians with more than $20 million in wealth. Q&A: Jamie Golombek answers questions about the federal election and your taxes Here's what happened when a taxpayer claimed a swimming pool as a medical expense Wealth taxes are not common around the world as they typically collect little revenue, are hard to administer, and disincentivize entrepreneurship, harming innovation and long-term growth, according to an OECD report. In 2025, only three European countries levy a net wealth tax: Norway, Spain, and Switzerland. France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands levy wealth taxes on selected assets, but not on an individual's net wealth according to research from the Tax Foundation Europe. Jamie Golombek, FCPA, FCA, CFP, CLU, TEP, is the managing director, Tax & Estate Planning with CIBC Private Wealth in Toronto. If you liked this story, in the FP Investor newsletter. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
