Reading Time: 5 minutes Disponible en français. The Governor General is currently appointed by the Crown on the advice of the prime minister. The selection and appointment process has evolved considerably since Confederation. Early in Canada’s history, the Canadian executive had little influence on… Read More ›
Government, Parliament and Politics
The Role of the Administrator as the Crown’s Representative
Reading Time: 4 minutes Disponible en français. On 21 January 2021, the Governor General, the Right Honourable Julie Payette announced her resignation. The resignation led to a relatively uncommon situation – the Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, was appointed Administrator… Read More ›
Canada’s Federal Anti-Racism Strategy: An Overview
Reading Time: 5 minutes (Disponible en français : Aperçu de la stratégie fédérale canadienne de lutte contre le racisme) In many countries around the globe, including Canada, recent movements to recognize and address racial injustices and discrimination have led to increased examination of government… Read More ›
Parliamentary Diplomacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reading Time: 4 minutes 14 July 2020, 9:30 a.m. (Disponible en français : La diplomatie parlementaire pendant la pandémie de COVID-19) The COVID-19 pandemic is posing challenges for dialogue and cooperation among the world’s legislators. Nevertheless, Canada’s federal parliamentarians are continuing with their parliamentary… Read More ›
Ensuring Legislative Activities During COVID-19
Reading Time: 4 minutes 4 May 2020, 10:30 a.m. (Disponible en français : Assurer les activités législatives pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, legislatures around the world have had to suspend most of their activities, but many have adopted… Read More ›
Some Federal and Provincial/Territorial Financial Relief Measures Relating to COVID-19
Reading Time: 4 minutes Revised on 3 June 2020, 8:10 a.m. (Disponible en français : Quelques mesures de soutien financier des gouvernements fédéral, provinciaux et territoriaux concernant la COVID-19) The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing financial strain across Canada. This HillNote… Read More ›
Continuity in Canada’s System of Government During a Crisis
Reading Time: 5 minutes Revised on 5 June 2020, 9:35 a.m. Any substantive changes in this HillNote that have been made since the preceding issue are indicated in bold print. (Disponible en français : Continuité du système de gouvernement du Canada en temps de… Read More ›
Black History Month: Key Dates and Key People
Reading Time: 4 minutes (Disponible en français : Mois de l’histoire des noirs : dates et personnages clés) February is Black History Month, a time when Canadians are invited to reflect on the history of Black people in Canada, and to honour the many… Read More ›
Women in the Parliament of Canada
Reading Time: 5 minutes (Disponible en français : Les femmes au Parlement du Canada) The 1921 federal general election was an important milestone for women in Canadian politics: it marked the first time that the majority of women could exercise their right to vote… Read More ›
Parliamentary Diplomacy: Canadian Parliamentarians and the World
Reading Time: 4 minutes (Disponible en français : La diplomatie parlementaire : les parlementaires canadiens et le monde) In today’s complex world, the lines between domestic and international policy have blurred, and governments are not the only global actors. Increasingly, Canadian parliamentarians are speaking directly… Read More ›