A few hours before his speech at the convention, it was revealed that retired General Andrew Leslie would let it be known that the Conservatives tried to recruit him. He was vague about it in the speech, however, saying that he had discussions with several parties (to which both the Conservatives and NDP denied it, Pierre Poilievre trying to dismiss it that they didn’t want him anyway) and danced around it when asked during the press scrum afterward. Leslie did get quite a dig in at Rob Nicholson during said scrum, so there’s that. Later in the day, Leslie produced a series of emails in which he was talking to very senior Conservative staffers about various positions, including running for them in a couple of different Ottawa-area ridings, so those denials were all the more suspect, not that the Liberals minded that he was shopping around – they were glad that he wound up a Liberal. Aaron Wherry had a conversation with Leslie, in which he defended the $72,000 benefit, as part of the conditions of service.
As for the rest of the convention, there were a couple of Senators about for their own reasons, but were pretty low-key, despite NDP shenanigans trying to make a big deal about it. There is speculation that one former Montreal mayoral candidate will run for the Liberals in the next election. Martin Patriquin writes about the decision to hold it in Montreal, and the changing fortunes for the Liberals in Quebec under Trudeau’s leadership. Paul Wells writes about the opening night speech, the different tenor that Trudeau strikes, and how he has become a confounding presence in Canadian politics. Michael Den Tandt writes about the strangeness of partisan atmospheres like you find at conventions. Andrew Coyne doesn’t see a whole lot of reinvention for the party at the convention, especially judging from the policy resolutions on offer.
Jason Kenney has made his final offer to the provinces on the Canada Job Grant, apparently offering more flexibility and time, so we’ll see if anyone goes for it.
A deputy ministers’ committee report obtained through Access to Information shows that there is concern at the top levels of the civil service that more needs to be done about climate change, especially because of the costs of mitigation once the effects start being felt. Of course, we’re still waiting for a real response by the government on this file.
Chris Hall writes about just what was accomplished at the “Three Amigos” summit in Mexico.
A Canadian delegation is off to the Vatican to see the Archbishop of Quebec be named as one of the Church’s new cardinals. And yes, Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella is indeed on the trip.
A German military supply ship has arrived in Halifax as a preview of the Joint Support Ships that Canada will be building, based on those German blueprints.
Here’s a look at the additional challenges that independent candidates face under elections rules, which the new elections bill doesn’t change at all.
The CBC President repaid a bunch of expenses, which I’m sure has some of the broadcaster’s opponents gleeful.
The Obama administration is looking over the Nebraska court decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, while the state is trying to appeal it.
Stephen Maher talks with suspended Senator Patrick Brazeau at the Barefax Gentlemen’s Club about his political career to date.
Susan Delacourt writes about the Samara Canada study on people’s perceptions of political parties, and wonders if the tribalism inherent with the parties is creating a sense of exclusion at a time when Canadians in general are feeling less tribal about their politics.
As the campaign to return Tim Horton’s image to the eponymous coffee chain rolls along, Glen McGregor reminds us of his autopsy reports – that he was driving drunk and on speed, even though neither were under the same prohibitions that they are today, but does put such a family-focused chain in an awkward position.
And iPolitics gives us a flow chart about the legislative process, with tongues planted firmly in cheeks.