Ottawa

This is the week that was

Aaron Wherry on a week in politics

We explored the Conservatives’ carbon tax farce. Joe Oliver played his part and we tried to figure out his logic, but the talking points seemed to be winning.

Before and after the Quebec election, Thomas Mulcair explained his party’s position. Bruce Hyer lamented for the anomalies of first past the post. Bob Rae saw the separatists rejected. Stephen Harper figured Quebecers voted for change, but didn’t want to revisit the constitutional battles of the past. The Prime Minister and the new Premier had a chat and Diane Finley made the first move. Stephane Dion said francophones remained divided. And the Liberals tried to make trouble for the NDP with the Clarity Act. And a shooting in Montreal brought the political world together and started a debate about politics and violence.

Larry Miller defended the Lord’s Prayer. Pierre Poilievre challenged organized labour. Peter Kent announced weaker coal regulations. Rob Nicholson stayed out of the spanking debate. Thomas Mulcair rallied New Democrats in St. John’s. Vic Toews received the tapes and transcripts he wanted in order to make a decision on Omar Khadr. Stephen Harper appointed five more senators. Mark Carney took on Dutch Disease. And Michael Ignatieff found work.

The American election inspired existential crises in the people covering it. A former oil executive called for a price on carbon. Mitch Wexler did the math on the new electoral map. Peter Loewen considered the problems with polling. Allan Gregg invoked Orwell to lament for the Harper government. And Winslow Wheeler praised this parliament’s oversight.

Previous weeks that were here.

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.