Unearthing Centre Block’s true master of plaster
In the wake of a fire, John Pearson dreamed up a new Centre Block. But its true master of plaster was wrongly named—until now.
True North Strong Free. Subscribe today.
John Geddes
John Geddes is Ottawa bureau chief at Maclean’s and has covered federal politics and policy for more than two decades. He also writes regularly about art.
The secrets of Parliament Hill: Inside the heart of Canada’s democracy
Parliament’s Centre Block was rebuilt after a devastating 1916 fire. Learn about three key rooms in that iconic building.
How a new Centre Block rose, a century ago, from Parliament’s ashes
Though a fire destroyed Centre Block 100 years ago, its replacement—designed by an enigmatic architect—gave us the Peace Tower and its mysterious treasures
Oil tensions and trade anxieties in Parliament? This all feels familiar.
The top issues of the 1980s get a reprise as Parliament resumes, with opposition leaders deploying some retro framing
Parliament is back. Here’s the packed agenda.
We talked to cabinet ministers, Liberal insiders, and outsiders clamouring for attention to their issues
On assisted dying, doctors say fast work is now needed
Ottawa has four months to create new doctor-assisted dying laws. The Canadian Medical Association’s president on what comes next
As the loonie dips, Bill Morneau talks up long-term growth
But what about the economic worries of right now? The finance minister crosses the country in speeches billed as pre-budget consultations
Negotiating with the Taliban might just work
An interview with Barnett Rubin, the leading U.S. expert on Afghanistan
Harjit Sajjan: Canada’s ’bad-ass’ defence minister
Trudeau’s commando-in-chief reveals a curiously unsoldier-like skill
Stephen Poloz explains what Justin Trudeau is up against
Ottawa is buoyed by a frantic energy. But the Bank of Canada governor warns that there’s no easy policy fix for the economy—it needs to work itself out