11 Things We Won't Forget About The Spring Sitting Of Parliament(01 of48)
Open Image ModalHuffPost Canada's Ottawa bureau chief Althia Raj looks back at the highlights and lowlights of the spring session of Parliament. (credit:The Canadian Press)
1. Board of Internal Economy/NDP mailings(02 of48)
Open Image Modal2. Harper’s battle with the Supreme Court(03 of48)
Open Image Modal3. Jim Flaherty's death(04 of48)
Open Image ModalThe former finance minister’s death stunned parliamentarians on April 10. The 64-year-old died of an apparent heart attack, a few weeks after announcing his retirement from politics. He resigned his finance portfolio but kept his seat after a public spat with the Prime Minister and Employment Minister Jason Kenney over the government’s desire to implement income splitting – a costly the promise the Tories ran on in 2011 but one that Flaherty believed would benefit too few Canadians. Flaherty, who was well loved by opposition MPs, united the Hill in a brief moment of collegiality and genuine grief. (credit:The Canadian Press)
4. The Fair Elections Act(05 of48)
Open Image ModalIn a rare scene, political critics, civil society and even some of its own MPs united against the government’s proposed changes to the Canada Elections Act. The Tories tried to stack the deck in their favour by revamping fundraising rules and severely limiting some Canadians’ ability to vote. After the outcry, Democratic Reform Minister Pierre Poilievre agreed to scrap several of the bill’s most contentious provisions, such as big fundraising loophole and the elimination of vouching. (credit:The Canadian Press)
5. Robocalls(06 of48)
Open Image ModalIt looks like Canadians will never know exactly what happened during the last federal election when thousands of voters received illegal calls misinforming them their polling station had moved. The Commissioner of Elections Canada issued a summary report in April finding that, despite not having the cooperation of a key witness or being able to listen or track most of the calls, it believed there had been no wide conspiracy to suppress the vote.In June, the trial of former Conservative staffer Michael Sona, the only person charged over the misleading calls in Guelph, provided few answers. The Crown’s key witness, Andrew Prescott, a colleague of Sona’s during the local campaign, suggested that campaign manager Ken Morgan was also involved. It remains unclear whether anyone in the Conservatives’ national campaign knew what was going on or, even less clear, whether anyone up top orchestrated it. The verdict in Sona’s trial is expected in August. (credit:The Canadian Press)
6. Veterans(07 of48)
Open Image ModalThe Conservative government prides itself on being a strong defender of Canada’s armed forces, but it dropped the ball on veterans issue this year. Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino cut funds to nine regional veterans affairs offices as part of a plan to move services to a centralized Service Canada counter. When upset vets flew to Ottawa to meet with him, he initially cancelled a meeting but then reluctantly met with them with the cameras rolling. Later in May, Fantino was caught on tape evading the spouse of a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder. His office been under the gun for spending $4 million on advertising programs for veterans rather than investing the money in services. Meanwhile, the government organized a big show on Parliament Hill to praise Afghan vets. (credit:The Canadian Press)
7. Abortion(08 of48)
Open Image ModalLiberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s policy of imposing a pro-choice position on all new candidates while grandfathering MPs with anti-abortion views drew criticisms from all sides. One of his MPs dubbed it a “bozo eruption” and questioned the advice Trudeau was getting, while Roman Catholic leaders condemned his policy. Meanwhile, the NDP attacked him for keeping longtime anti-abortion MPs within the party fold. Trudeau had difficulty explaining his position at first, but after two months of clarifying the Liberal policy, it now seems that everyone has got the message. (credit:The Canadian Press)
8. Privacy(09 of48)
Open Image Modal9. Prostitution(10 of48)
Open Image ModalThe Conservatives tabled legislation in June to respond to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down three major laws relating to prostitution last December. The constitutionality of its bill, C-36, “Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act,” was first questioned by experts. Then, outspoken sex-workers and those who advocate on their behalf argued that the bill would do nothing to address the top court’s concerns and would actually make their jobs less safe. Finally, even the Conservatives’ own supporters found problems with the bill, since it criminalizes prostitutes. The bill has been rushed to committee, which will hold hearings during the summer, when everyone is paying attention to other things. (credit:The Canadian Press)
10. Citizenship(11 of48)
Open Image ModalBill C-24, “Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act,” contains several controversial measures that have opposition MPs worried. Among them: – It limits appeals in order to cut down on processing time and reduce the department’s large backlog; – Increases the length of time applicants need to spend in Canada before obtaining their citizenship; – Forces 14- to 16-year-olds as well as 54- to 64-year-olds to meet language requirements and pass knowledge tests; – Gives Ottawa the power to revoke the citizenship of dual citizens who are convicted with terrorism outside Canada.Critics worry that there is no distinction between someone convicted after a fair hearing or a political scapegoat convicted in a sham trial. They are also concerned that the minister retains the right to grant or revoke citizenship without public knowledge or court approval. (credit:The Canadian Press)
11. Ukraine(12 of48)
Open Image ModalPrime Minister Stephen Harper took a strong stand against Russia, condemning President Vladimir Putin for invasion and annexation of Crimea in March. But despite tough talk, Canada and the international community have not been willing to do much to prevent Putin from expanding his sphere of influence. A team of 500 Canadian election observers, however, oversaw the country’s May 25 election. And Harper became the first world leader to meet Ukraine’s newly inaugurated President Petro Poroshenko. Poroshenko was elected after his predecessor, pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych, fled the country following violent protests. There are more than 1.25 million Canadians who claim Ukrainian roots, and the group is an important electoral constituency. But, NDP MP Jack Harris said, it’s unclear what the federal government has accomplished on the issue.“Is the government doing much more than shouting out rhetoric at Vladimir Putin, or are we doing more on the ground?” (credit:The Canadian Press)
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Open Image ModalMember of the House of Commons(14 of48)
Open Image ModalTory MP Brad Butt (Mississauga-Streetsville) is an example of an MP who earns just the base salary afforded to all MPs.2014 Salary: $163,700There are currently 308 MPs. (credit:CP)
Prime Minister of Canada(15 of48)
Open Image ModalThe Right Honourable Stephen Harper, however, makes double the salary of your average MP.2014 Salary: $327,400Car Allowance: $2,000 (credit:CP)
Speaker of the House of Commons(16 of48)
Open Image ModalTory MP Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu'Appelle) earns the base salary, plus $78,300 for serving as Speaker.2014 Salary: $242,000Car allowance: $1,000 (credit:CP)
Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons(17 of48)
Open Image ModalNDP Leader Thomas Mulcair earns the base MP salary, plus $78,300 for leading the Official Opposition.2014 Salary: $242,000Car Allowance: $2,000 (credit:CP)
Cabinet Minster(18 of48)
Open Image ModalTreasury Board President Tony Clement (Parry Sound–Muskoka), like other cabinet ministers, earns $78,300 on top of the base MP salary.2014 Salary: $242,000Car Allowance: $2,000There are 39 cabinet ministers in Harper's government (including ministers of state who make slightly less). (credit:CP)
Minister of State(19 of48)
Open Image ModalMinister of State for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre (Nepean-Carleton), like all other ministers of state, earns $58,700 on top of his base MP salary.But junior ministers do not received a car allowance.2014 Salary: $222,400 (credit:CP)
Leader of Other Parties(20 of48)
Open Image ModalLiberal Leader Justin Trudeau and the leaders of the Green Party and Bloc Quebecois earn the base MP salary, plus $55,600 for serving as their party's top dog.2014 Salary: $219,300 (credit:CP)
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons(21 of48)
Open Image ModalTory MP Peter Van Loan (York-Simcoe) earns $78,300 on top of the base MP salary.2014 Salary: $242,000Car Allowance: $2,000 (credit:CP)
Oppostion House Leader(22 of48)
Open Image ModalHouse Leader (Other Parties)(23 of48)
Open Image ModalLiberal MP Dominic LeBlanc (Beauséjour), earns the base MP salary plus $16,300 for serving as House leader for his party.2014 Salary: $180,000 (credit:CP)
Chief Government Whip(24 of48)
Open Image ModalTory MP John Duncan (Vancouver Island North) earns the base MP salary, plus $29,400 for serving as the Harper government's whip.2014 Salary: $193,100 (credit:CP)
Chief Opposition Whip(25 of48)
Open Image ModalNDP MP Nycole Turmel (Hull—Aylmer) also earns an additional $29,400 for serving as the Opposition's whip.2014 Salary: $193,100 (credit:CP)
Parliamentary Secretary(26 of48)
Open Image ModalTory MP Paul Calandra (Oak Ridges—Markham) is one of 31 parliamentary secretaries who gets a $16,300 pay bump on top of their salaries.2014 Salary: $180,000 (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre rises in the House of Commons to apologize for making an obscene gesture yesterday, in Ottawa Wednesday June 14, 2006. (CP PHOTO/Tom Hanson) (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalOttawa-area Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre smiles as he talks with reporters on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Tuesday Feb. 27, 2007. Poilievre referred to "extremist elements" in the Liberal party that want to ease anti-terror laws and shut down the Air India inquiry last week.(CP PHOTO/Tom Hanson) Canada (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalDemocratic Reform Minister Peter Van Loan (right), with Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre looking on, makes an announcement on the introduction of the Accountability with Respect to Loans legislation at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec across the river from Ottawa, Tuesday May 8, 2007.(CP PHOTO/Fred Chartrand) CANADA , (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre rises in the House of Commons to apologize for saying in a radio interview Wednesday that native people need to learn the value of hard work more than they need residential schools compensation, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday June 12, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tom Hanson (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalWith copies of the Conservative accountabilty booklets, Conservative M.P. Pierre Poilievre waits for the start of the Commons House affairs committee looking into allegations of Tory election spending misconduct during the last election, on Monday Sept. 10, 2007 in Ottawa. (CP PHOTO/Fred Chartrand) (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre speaks in the House of Commons during question period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday June 16, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalPierre Poilievre, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, leaves a news conference after speaking with the media about the gun registry in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday September 14, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre listens to a question during a news conference in Ottawa, Friday October 15, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Adrian Wyld (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre poses with a bust of Sir John A. Macdonald after announcing the former Bank of Montreal building would be renamed in honour of Canada's first prime minister during a ceremony in Ottawa, Ont., Wednesday January 11, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday February 28, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalConservative MP Pierre Poilievre holds up copies of legislation as he responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Friday October 19, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalPierre Poilievre is sworn in as the minister of state for democratic reform during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday, July 15, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalThe Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), poses for a group photo after the swearing in of the federal cabinet at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday, July 15, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalMinister of State Pierre Poilievre stands in the House of Commons during Question Period, in Ottawa Friday, February 7, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalMinister of State (Democratic Reform) Pierre Poilievre responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, February 27, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick (credit:CP)
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Open Image ModalCrackdown On Illegal Robocalls(43 of48)
Open Image ModalNo More 'Vouching' For Your Buddy(44 of48)
Open Image ModalIndependence For The Elections Commissioner(45 of48)
Open Image ModalMore Donations Welcome(46 of48)
Open Image ModalThe ceiling for individual political donations would be raised to $1,500 from $1,200 and party spending limits would be increased by five per cent. Union and corporate donations are still banned, though. (credit:Getty)
The West Won't Have To Wait(47 of48)
Open Image ModalNew Rules On Political Loans(48 of48)
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