So that whole “shared embassies” thing is being downplayed as far less of a thing than the UK press made it out to be – that it’s simply a Memorandum of Understanding that formalises co-location arrangements that we already have going, so that more of them are likely in the future, given the whole age of fiscal austerity and whatnot.

The Conservatives seem keen on adopting a “buy Canadian” strategy for military procurement whenever possible, rather than solely relying on the usual Industrial Regional Benefits programmes that we usually insist upon. Economist Mike Moffatt decries this as economic nationalism run amok, and notes that it’s the last thing one wants if they’re concerned about the high dollar (as the NDP seems to be). When Andrew Coyne wrote to denounce the idea, the Prime Minister’s DComm contacted him to say that there is no such policy – but it could mean that there’s no such policy yet. It all remains to be seen, apparently.

What’s that? Prison populations are swelling? You don’t say! Meanwhile, Vic Toews’ office continues to insist that the expected wave of new prisoners hasn’t materialised. Funny that.

The opposition is concerned that a new bill designed to remove foreign criminals from the country faster gives the minister too much power. Jason Kenney’s response? To trust him that he’ll use said power sparingly.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, Kenney sent out a “creepy” email touting his achievements for gay and lesbian refugees, to members of the GBLT community. The immediate question was just how he got those addresses – was the government keeping a list? It seems that he mined the addresses from a petition sent to his office, which raises a number of questions about privacy concerns.

Stephen Harper met with Newfoundland and Labrador premier Kathy Dunderdale – months after said meeting was requested – to reiterate his support for the Muskrat Falls project. But hey, he meets with premiers all the time!

Aaron Wherry again tries to parse Peter Kent’s construction of a cap-and-trade policy as a “carbon tax.”

John Geddes wonders about public monuments, especially as the government looks to commission a new memorial for the War of 1812.

Here is a look behind the scenes at Tony Clement’s Twitter “town hall,” and the amount of staff preparation that went into it.

Here is your recap of yesterday’s political shows.

And one of Harper’s very best friends resigned as BC Premier Christy Clark’s chief of staff after apologising for an unnamed inappropriate incident, which apparently involved a female staffer at an event. I have it on good authority that the Conservative caucus here in Ottawa is pretty aghast at this whole affair.