Time for MPs to restrain, too
The federal government released its $260-billion spending estimates and budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011 last, and in it, announced a freeze on the salaries of the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, MPs and Senators. It also announced a freeze on Cabinet ministers' and departmental operating budgets, including the total amount spent on salaries, administration and overhead, according to last week's Throne Speech.

'Old pro' Kuchar helps Liberals navigate choppy Senate waters

Inside budget 2010's spin cycle: economists, spinners, Finance Department officials dissect $260-billion spending

Women's groups give Guergis 'a pass' on her airport tantrum

Former ministers who lobby play down Cabinet experience

Parliamentary Restaurant to serve seal, Harb calls it 'embarrassing'

Tories in control of own destiny, Liberals need scandal to trigger election: Nanos

Law-and-order Sen. Runciman predicts less 'obstruction' in Senate

Public service unions predict rocky relations with feds over budget caps

Parliament's budget boosted to $583,567,000 this year

Keeping our public service connected to Canadians

A ray of sunshine amidst the back-to-Parliament gloom: a Hill tea party
Last week Parliament was finally back after the two-month prorogation period, which was starting to become in the minds of the Liberals what the sponsorship scandal is for the Conservatives: the ultimate act of evil from which there can be no redemption. But unlike with the sponsorship scandal, the Liberals aren't poised to win any elections over the temporary shuttering of Parliament that ended on March 3.

Harper, Anders and Kenney ridings transfer cash to 'poor' Ontario ridings

The Spin Doctors

Parliamentary Calendar
MONDAY, MARCH 8 I'm Not a Feminist, But—Oxfam Canada and others present an evening of entertainment in celebration of International Women's Day. The evening includes screenings, the National Capital Feminist Awards and more. (Childcare available: svaw@amnesty.ca) March 8, 7-10 p.m. National Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=273035723853&ref=ts Governor General Travels to Haiti—Governor General Michaëlle Jean and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond will travel to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. March 8-10. 613-998-7280. Particpat8 Campaign Dinner—Equal Voice NCR is hosting a dinner as part of the Particpat8 Campaign for International Women's Day. March 8. The Wellington, 1325 Wellington St. www.equalvoice.ca TUESDAY, MARCH 9 U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson to Address Canadian Club—U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson will address a members-only luncheon today. March 9, 12 p.m. $40 members. Ballroom, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., www.canadianclubottawa.ca Reception—The Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians is inviting all Senators and MPs to a reception marking the Opening of the Third Session of the 40th Parliament. March 9, 5-7 p.m. Commonwealth Room, 238-S, Centre Block, Parliament Hill. RSVP to 613-995-9917 or to exparl@parl.gc.ca Equal Voice Mentor/Mentee Networking Reception—Equal Voice presents a mentor networking reception. March 9, 5-7 p.m. Le Métropolitain, 700 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, Ont. www.equalvoice/experiences.ca 100th Anniversary of Girl Guides of Canada—Girl Guides of Canada is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with formal presentations, followed by a reception. March 9, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ont. RSVP by March 3 to Candice Macaulay-Hawes at macaulac@girlguides.ca Canada and Afghanistan: Keeping Our Promises—The Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee will unveil its vision for Canada's role in Afghanistan Post-2011. The event "Canada and Afghanistan: Keeping Our Promises" is hosted by the Free Thinking Film Society of Ottawa and is a fundraiser for the Afghan School Project. Speakers include Maj.-Gen Lewis MacKenzie and author Nasrine Gross. March 9, 7 p.m. $30. National Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St. http://www.cailf.org/news/ What Makes Good Government?—The Fraser Institute presents a talk with Preston Manning on "What Makes Good Government?" Part of the 2010 Behind the Spin Speaker Series. Hosted by Laura Peck, vice-president McLoughlin Media. March 9. $50, reception and presentation; $195, private dinner. The Rideau Club, 99 Bank St., 15th floor, Ottawa, Ont. www.fraserinstute.org Parliamentary Associations—The Canada-China Legislative Association holds its AGM in Ottawa, Ont. March 9. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 Conservative Caucus—The federal Conservatives meet Wednesday mornings for their caucus meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Room 237-C Centre Block, when the House is sitting. For inquiries, call Eric Duncan at 613-992-7381. The chair of the national Conservative caucus is MP Guy Lauzon. Liberal Caucus—The federal Liberal Caucus meets Wednesdays in Room 253-D Centre Block when the House is sitting. For more information, please call caucus chair Anthony Rota at 613-995-6255. NDP Caucus—The federal NDP caucus meets Wednesday mornings in Room 308 West Black at 9 a.m. Please call senior press secretary Karl Bélanger at 613-720-6463. Caucus meets Wednesdays when House is sitting. Bloc Caucus—The Bloc Québécois meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 209 West Block when House is sitting. For more information, please call the leader's press secretary Karine Sauvé at 613-947-2495. Lecture: Broken Bodies, Unbroken Spirit—The Pauline Jewett Institute of Women's and Gender Studies, Carleton University presents guest speaker Flora Terah. Ms. Terah, a Kenyan Parliamentary candidate was attacked and warned against running for a seat. March 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Azrieli Theatre, Carleton University, 1125 Col. By Dr. 613-520-6645. Diplomatic Book Club: Climate Wars—The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan invites you to attend a meeting of the Diplomatic Book Club. Moderator Michael Hayes will lead a discussion on Gynne Dyer's Climate Change. The event is free and open to members of the diplomatic community, government experts and university faculty. March 10, 12-2 p.m. Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St. RSVP to 613-288-0497 or press-service@azembassy.ca Politics & the Pen—Politics & the Pen is Ottawa's black-tie event of the season. The most prominent members of Ottawa's society, including politicians, diplomats, and writers are expected to attend. The event celebrates Canadian literature and helps support Writers Trust of Canada. March 10, 6:15 p.m. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St. For more information, contact Don Oravec at 416-504-8222 or info@writerstrust.com Book Launch—Octopus Books presents photographer and social activist Vincenzo Pietropaolo. He will discuss his newest book Harvest Pilgrims: Mexican and Caribbean Workers in Canada. March 10, 7 p.m. Free. Auditorium, Library and Archives, 120 Metcalfe St. 613-233-2589 or events@octopusbooks.ca THURSDAY, MARCH 11 CIC e-Conference—The CIC presents an e-conference on "Security and Reconstruction: Lessons from Afghanistan." March 11, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. www.canadianinternationalcouncil.org/gps Challenges Facing the Canadian Forces—CIC National Capital Branch presents a talk with Lt. Gen. Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff, who will discuss "The Challenges Facing the Canadian Forces." March 11, 5:15 p.m. registration; 6 p.m. presentation and discussion; 7 p.m. dinner. $45 members; $55 non-members; presentation only $10. Rideau Room, Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP: 613-520-3916 or Ottawa@canadianinternationalcouncil.ca LFLA Liberal Winter Social—Liberal MP David McGuinty (Ottawa South) will be the guest speaker at this winter social. March 11, 7 p.m. Heritage Inn, Carleton Place. Contact: Roger Martin 613-257-1581. National Aboriginal Health Careers Conference—The Native Women's Association of Canada presents "Miyo Machichowin National Aboriginal Health Careers Conference." March 11-12. Mayfield Inn & Suites, Edmonton, Alta. www.nwac-hq.org 150!Canada Conference—IPAC presents a conference designed to begin planning the 150th celebration of Confederation. March 11-12. $150-$550. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ont. http://www.masslbp.com/150canada_new/index.htm IMFC Family Policy Conference—The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada hosts experts for a day-long family policy conference—Beyond the Front Door: Engaging families for strong social and economic policymaking. March 11. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 101 Lyon St., Ottawa, Ont. Registration: www.imfcanada.org Manning Networking Conference 2010—The Manning Networking Conference 2010 runs March 11-13. $200. Events include the 2010 Manning Centre Pyramid Awards Reception. Crowne Plaza Ottawa, 101 Lyon St., Ottawa, Ont. http://www.regonline.ca/builder/site/default.aspx?eventid=775= FRIDAY, MARCH 12 Book Launch/Signing: Spark—CBC journalist Frank Koller will discuss his recently published book Spark: Lessons from Lincoln Electric's Unique Guaranteed Employment Program. March 12, 5 p.m. Rideau Club, 99 Bank St., 15th floor, Ottawa, Ont. www.rideauclub.ca Parliamentary Associations—The Canada-China Legislative Association will visit Beijing, China. March 12-21. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia SATURDAY, MARCH 13 Social Networking Workshop—Ottawa Independent Writers presents a workshop on how to connect to the writing community using social media. March 13, 1-4 p.m. $10 members; $15 non-members. Registration: 613-731-3873 or www.oiw.ca MONDAY, MARCH 15 IBA Community Toolkit Launch—The Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation hosts a celebratory launch for the IBA Community Toolkit: Negotiation and Implementation of Impact and Benefit Agreements. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo will give a keynote address for the launch of this valuable online resource for First Nations considering Impact and Benefits Agreements with resource development companies. March 15, 3-5 p.m. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Quebec Suite, 1 Rideau St. RSVP to Kory Goulais at 613-237-3315 or kgoulais@stone-circle.ca Parliamentary Associations—The Canadian Section of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a Bilateral Visit to the National Congress of the Argentine Republic. March 15-19. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia TUESDAY, MARCH 16 IRPP Working Lunch—The IRPP presents a working lunch on "The Economic Impact of Reducing CO2 Emissions: Regional Disparities and How to Mitigate Them." Guest speakers include Matthew Bramley, Pembina Institute. March 16, Calgary, Alta. www.irpp.org Ottawa Women's Canadian Club Luncheon—The Ottawa Women's Canadian Club Luncheon will feature a talk "100 Years and Counting" with former Ottawa mayor Jacqueline Holzman. March 16, 12:30 p.m. Ottawa, Ont. For more information, please call Monique Bertrand at 613-737-6075. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 Eggs 'n' Icons Breakfast—The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce presents an Eggs 'n' Icons Breakfast with Moya Greene, CEO, Canada Post. March 17, 7:15-9 a.m. $30 members; $45 non-members. Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, Ont. www.ottawachamber.ca Child Rights and Development—CIC-Victoria presents Bruce Lund, International Institute for Child Rights and Development. He will discuss "Child Rights and Development." March 17, 12-2 p.m. Victoria, B.C. victoria@canadianinternational.org FRIDAY, MARCH 19 Western Muslims and the Public Sphere—Carleton University presents a lecture "Identity and Engagement: Western Muslims and the Public Sphere," with Tariq Ramadan. March 19, 3-5 p.m. Free. Bell Canada Theatre, Minto Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Col. By Dr. 613-520-2600 ext. 8705. SATURDAY, MARCH 20 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Dinner & Dance—Former Liberal MP Lui Temelkovski (Oak Ridges-Markham, Ont.) hosts the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Dinner and Dance. 7 p.m. St. Clement Macedonian Orthodox Church, 76 Overlea Blvd. Toronto, Ont. 905-940-4488. MONDAY, MARCH 22 2010: Canada Hosts the World—The Economic Club presents a luncheon talk with Foreign Affairs minister Lawrence Cannon, who will discuss the upcoming G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Gatineau, Que. March 22, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $79. The Sutton Place Hotel, 955 Bay St. www.economicclub.ca WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 Conservative Caucus—The federal Conservatives meet Wednesday mornings for their caucus meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Room 237-C Centre Block, when the House is sitting. For inquiries, call Eric Duncan at 613-992-7381. The chair of the national Conservative caucus is MP Guy Lauzon. Liberal Caucus—The federal Liberal Caucus meets Wednesdays in Room 253-D Centre Block when the House is sitting. For more information, please call caucus chair Anthony Rota at 613-995-6255. NDP Caucus—The federal NDP caucus meets Wednesday mornings in Room 308 West Black at 9 a.m. Please call senior press secretary Karl Bélanger at 613-720-6463. Caucus meets Wednesdays when the House is sitting. Bloc Caucus—The Bloc Québécois meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 209 West Block when House is sitting. For more information, please call the leader's press secretary Karine Sauvé at 613-947-2495. TUESDAY, MARCH 23 The Future is Now: Facing Canada's Looming Challenges—The Ottawa Economics Association and the Canadian Association for Business Economics hold their annual policy conference. Guest speakers include Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney. March 23-24. Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St. www.cabe.ca Flanagan Book Launch—Tom Flanagan, former campaign manager and chief of staff to Stephen Harper, will be launching a new book called Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights, co-authored with Christopher Alcantara and André Le Dressay, in Montreal on March 23. Call Ryan Van Huijstee, publicist, McGill-Queen's University Press, 514-398-2555. THURSDAY, MARCH 25 Bacon & Eggheads Breakfast—PAGSE presents a talk "The Science of Bacon & Eggs" with Marc-André Sirard, Université Laval, March 25, 7:30 p.m. Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill. No charge to MPs, Senators & Parliamentary Press Gallery members. All others, $20. Please register by March 22 by contacting Donna Boag at 613-991-6369 or pagse@rsc.ca Not the Usual Suspects Breakfast—The Public Policy Forum presents its Not the Usual Suspects Breakfast with guest speaker Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition. March 25, 7:30-9 a.m. $80 members; $100 non-members. Rideau Club, 99 Bank St., 15th floor, Ottawa, Ont. www.ppforum.ca The Future History of the Arctic—The Economic Club of Canada presents a talk with author Charles Emmerson about his latest book The Future History of the Arctic. March 25, 7:45- 9 a.m. $79. The Westin Hotel, 11 Col. By Dr. RSVP to 877-306-0899 or www.economicclub.ca Grading Obama at One Year—Carleton University presents a political science panel discussion "Grading Obama at One Year" with Jonathan Malloy and others. March 25, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Room C264, Loeb Bldg., Carleton University, 1125 Col. By Dr. anne_farquharson@carleton.ca Shop Talk and Chalk CAJ Social—The Canadian Association of Journalists national chapter invites members and non-members to a casual get-together for journalists, journalism students and those involved in media to gather, talk shop and shoot some stick. March 25, 7- 9 p.m. Free. Maclaren's, 301 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to Hannah Yakobi at hannah@hannahyakobi.com FRIDAY, MARCH 26 Canada at 150: Rising to the Challenge—This three-day Liberal Party of Canada conference, in the tradition of the 1960 Kingston Conference and the 1991 Aylmer Conference, will attract progressive thinkers and activists from a broad swath of Canadian society to discuss the fundamental challenges facing Canada in a new era of uncertainty and global economic upheaval. The conference will be a key step in the development of the Liberal Party's platform for the next election. March 26-28. Montreal, Que. www.liberal.ca The Future is Now: Facing Canada's Looming Challenges—The Canadian Study of Parliament Group hosts its Spring Seminar on "The Role of the Governor General." Seminar panelists include C.E.S. Franks and Peter Hogg. March 26, 10 a.m-12 p.m. Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ont. Please register www.studyparliament.ca SATURDAY, MARCH 27 Canadian Foreign Policy and the EU—CIC-Victoria hosts an all-day workshop on the topic "Canadian Foreign Policy and the European Union: Do We Still Count?" March 27. More details to come, in the meantime please contact Preston Randall at Continuing Studies, University of Victoria 250-721-7797 or prandall@uvic.ca Parliamentary Associations—The Canadian-NATO Parliamentary Association will attend the Meeting of the Standing Committee and Secretaries of Delegation in Memphis, TN. March 27-29. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia Parliamentary Associations—The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union travels to Bangkok, Thailand. March 27-April 1. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia MONDAY, MARCH 29 Ministerial Meeting of Arctic Ocean Coastal States—Minister Lawrence Cannon will host the Ministerial Meeting of Arctic Ocean Coastal States (Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the U.S.). This meeting will precede the G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting. March 29, Chelsea, Que. 613-995-1851. G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting—Minister Lawrence Cannon will also host the March 2010 G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting. March 29-30. Chateau Cartier, Gatineau Que. 613-995-1874. TUESDAY, MARCH 30 Parliamentary Associations—The Canadian Section of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas holds its AGM in Ottawa, Ont. March 30. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 Conservative Caucus—The Federal Conservatives meet Wednesday mornings for their caucus meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Room 237-C Centre Block, when the House is sitting. For inquiries, call Eric Duncan at 613-992-7381. The chair of the national conservative caucus is MP Guy Lauzon. Liberal Caucus—The National Liberal Caucus meets Wednesdays in Room 253-D Centre Block when the House is sitting. For more information, please call Caucus chair Anthony Rota at 613-995-6255. NDP Caucus—The federal NDP caucus meets Wednesday mornings in Room 308 West Black at 9 a.m. Please call senior press secretary Karl Bélanger at 613-720-6463. Caucus meets Wednesdays when House is sitting. Bloc Caucus—The Bloc Quebecois meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 209 West Block when House is sitting. For more information, please call the leader's press secretary Karine Sauvé at 613-947-2495. CCAB 12th Annual Gala Dinner—The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business will hold its 12th Annual Gala Dinner and will induct two new members, Pita Aatami and Mervin Dewasha, into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame. March 31. Toronto, Ont. www.ccab.com WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 PAAC Speakers Series—PAAC presents its speaker series on the topic "What do effective organizations do to influence the political process?" with Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Transportation and others. April 7, 8:15 a.m. $52.50. The Albany Club, 91 King St. E., Toronto, Ont. www.publicaffairs.ca TUESDAY, APRIL 13 Ambassador Wim Geerts to Address Canadian Club—Netherlands Ambassador to Canada Wim Geerts will address a members of the Canadian Club at a luncheon today on the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian troops. April 13, 12 p.m. $40 members. Ballroom, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., www.canadianclubottawa.ca 2010 Summit on the Future of Pensions—2010 Summit on the Future of Pensions summit will provide an up-to-date perspective on the recent recession-triggered pension crisis. April 13-14. The Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto, Ont. www.conferenceboard.ca WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 Conservative Caucus—The Federal Conservatives meet Wednesday mornings for their caucus meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Room 237-C Centre Block, when the House is sitting. For inquiries, call Eric Duncan at 613-992-7381. The chair of the national conservative caucus is MP Guy Lauzon. Liberal Caucus—The National Liberal Caucus meets Wednesdays in Room 253-D Centre Block when the House is sitting. For more information, please call Caucus chair Anthony Rota at 613-995-6255. NDP Caucus—The federal NDP caucus meets Wednesday mornings in Room 308 West Black at 9 a.m. Please call senior press secretary Karl Bélanger at 613-720-6463. Caucus meets Wednesdays when House is sitting. Bloc Caucus—The Bloc Québécois meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 209 West Block when House is sitting. For more information, please call the leader's press secretary Karine Sauvé at 613-947-2495. TUESDAY, APRIL 27 Eggs 'n' Icons Breakfast—The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce presents an Eggs 'n' Icons Breakfast with U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson. April 27, 7:15-9 a.m. $35 members; $45 non-members. Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, Ont. www.ottawachamber.ca THURSDAY, APRIL 29 PPF 23rd Annual Testimonial Dinner & Awards—Join co-chairs N.S. Premier Darryl Dexter and Toronto Star columnist Chantal Hébert for the Public Policy Forum's 23rd Annual Testimonial Dinner & Awards. April 29, 5-9 p.m. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.ppforum.ca WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 Conservative Caucus—The Federal Conservatives meet Wednesday mornings for their caucus meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Room 237-C Centre Block, when the House is sitting. For inquiries, call Eric Duncan at 613-992-7381. The chair of the national conservative caucus is MP Guy Lauzon. Liberal Caucus—The National Liberal Caucus meets Wednesdays in Room 253-D Centre Block when the House is sitting. For more information, please call Caucus chair Anthony Rota at 613-995-6255. NDP Caucus—The federal NDP caucus meets Wednesday mornings in Room 308 West Black at 9 a.m. Please call senior press secretary Karl Bélanger at 613-720-6463. Caucus meets Wednesdays when House is sitting. Bloc Caucus—The Bloc Quebecois meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 209 West Block when House is sitting. For more information, please call the leader's press secretary Karine Sauvé at 613-947-2495. TUESDAY, MAY 11 Rick Hansen to Address Canadian Club— The Man in Motion, Rick Hansen, will address members of the Canadian Club at a luncheon today. May 11, 12 p.m. $40 members. Ballroom, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., www.canadianclubottawa.ca WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 Parliamentary Business Seminar: Parliamentary Diplomacy—The Canadian Study of Parliament Group presents a Parliamentary business seminar on "Parliamentary Diplomacy and the role of Parliamentary Associations and Exchanges" in promoting Canada's interests abroad. May 19, $150. www.studyparliament.ca WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Oliphant Commission Report Release—Commissioner Jeffrey J. Oliphant will release his official report from the Commission of Inquiry into Certain Allegations Respecting Business and Financial Dealings between Karlheinz Schreiber and the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney. www.oliphantcommission.ca FRIDAY, JUNE 4 Persuading to Win3—The third Straight Goods Symposium for progressive strategists and communicators with George Lazoff, Elaine Bernard, Rob Cottingham and others. June 4-5. Travelodge Hotel, Ottawa, Ont. 613-757-7777 or www.straightgoods.ca/P2W3 FRIDAY, JUNE 25 2010 G8 Summit—The 2010 G8 Summit is held at the Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ont. June 25-27. 613-293-3259. SEPTEMBER 2010 2010 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference—The 2010 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference will be held in Québec City, QC. NOVEMBER 2010 G20 Summit—A G20 Summit will be held in Seoul, Korea. More details to come. The Parliamentary Calendar is a free listing edited by listings editor Alia Heward who can be reached at 613-232-5952, ext. 200. Information regarding political, cultural and governmental events should be sent to alia@hilltimes.com with the subject line 'Parliamentary Calendar' by Wednesdays at noon. Our fax number is 613-232-9055. We can't guarantee inclusion of every event, but we do our best. alia@hilltimes.com The Hill Times

Climate change policy in a changing political climate

Liberals pin hopes on Montreal policy conference, look for 'adrenaline' rush

O Canada: time to include more than 50 per cent of population

Feds should beef up Criminal Code against cyber-bullying

Political leadership and 'the vision thing'—conflicting views

If I were finance minister, I'd impose a luxury tax on air conditioners

Feds must help to avoid a future train disaster
On March 2, a 27-car CN freight train derailed near Morrisburg, east of Brockville, Ont., causing, amongst other, disruptions in VIA Rail passenger service between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. This is but another incident in the long list of derailments, crossing accidents, and collisions that have plagued Canada's two major railroads dating back to 1999 when Transport Canada largely gave up its regulatory oversight role.

Guergis should be dropped in next Cabinet shuffle

Harper's running on a public opinion treadmill

Time for rich to feel some pain, too, reader says
Re: "The rich are Canadians, too," (The Hill Times, March 1, p. 19) by Murray Dobbin and "Time for public sector to feel some pain, too," by Angelo Persichilli (The Hill Times, March 1, p. 25).

Time to help women in poorest parts of world
It was such a pleasure to see the daily victories of our Canadian women athletes. But their glorious success stands in stark contrast to the plight of women elsewhere. While a young woman in Canada can set her sights on the chance of winning Olympic gold, a young woman in Niger faces a one in seven chance that she will die during pregnancy or childbirth. Maternal mortality rates in the developing world remain persistently high—more than 100 times as high as in the developed world—due to lack of basic health care.

More pro-life MPs should speak up, says reader
Re: "Libs to push Harper on issue of safe abortions in developing countries," (The Hill Times, March 1, p. 1). Liberal MP Anita Neville told The Hill Times that she believes that "clean water, immunization, good nutrition are all very important but without access to reproductive information and choice it's meaningless for many, many women around the world." Meaningless? Does Ms. Neville really believe this? If she does, she is misguided. Most of us humans know that water, immunization and nutrition actually save lives and that "choice," code word for abortion, actually takes lives.

Queers, commies and dames featured prominently in Harper's return of Parliament

Show the PM some respect, Mr. Graves
Re: "Libs would be 'crazy' not to force spring election, says pollster," (The Hill Times, March 1, p. 1). Ekos pollster Frank Graves calls it the Grits' chance to "get rid of this guy" in last week's story. "This guy?" Mr. Graves is talking about the Prime Minster of Canada, bub! Give the office a little respect, if not the man.

Kenney wrong to block gay rights mention in Canada's new immigration
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Jason Kenney's move to block gay rights from being mentioned in Canada's immigration guide is shameful. It is precisely forward-thinking civil rights laws like legalized same-sex marriage that make Canada one of the best countries on earth.

Help forge a common Canadian heritage
There was a letter in The Hill Times a few months back, pointing to the need to "Canadianize our immigration system." In light of our newfound patriotism, I would like to champion this cause: unlike the United States, where people are "Americans first," here in Canada we have the problem of ethnic enclaves. People are not primarily Canadian as their ethnic identity often trumps their Canadian one.

No Premier Williams fan here, people
Although some may think Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams has done an excellent job, the truth is he has failed in nearly everything he has tried.

No praise, just politics for Canadian Olympic athletes
After 17 amazing days of competition at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, we can only begin to marvel at the achievements of the world's athletes. Among them, Canada's performance was nothing short of stellar with our winning of a record 14 gold medals.

Senate reform starts with House reform

Iggy goes to Archives, Manning goes behind the spin, and Copps to be honoured
It is International Women's Day on March 8, and there are a few events happening around Parliament Hill to commemorate it.