Althia Raj

My fourth time writing a long read wrap of a federal election campaign. None are the same. Thank you to everyone who spoke to me. Let me know what you think.

Sad news. While I often crossed swords with John McCallum, I had respect for his service to Canada. John stepped up to help Afghan interpreters when their plight was being ignored and he made a real impact. Here is one story. 1/4

ICYMI:

Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security, and Canada has been consistently clear that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.     While U.S. military action taken last night was designed to alleviate that threat, the situation in the…

This speech by @XBarsalouDuval is worth listening to on C-5. Notes that Liberals denied extra committee hearing hours, witnesses already booked were told not to come, says that no Liberal on the committee voted for any amendments to this bill, etc.

June 19, 2025: Liberals push to expedite PM Carney's nation-building Bill C-5 through Parliament, concerns from Indigenous communities, a new relationship with India, Pierre Poilievre starts a podcast youtube.com/watch?v=HAYkDc… @RosieBarton @ACoyne @ChantalHbert @AlthiaRaj 🇨🇦🌞

Justice officials confirmed today that warrantless information demand in Bill C-2 applies to any provider of a service. Not just about telecom companies but covers hotels, hospitals, financial institutions, etc. Unconstitutional lawful access on steroids. x.com/mgeist/status/…

First Nations Leadership in Ontario united in opposition to Bill C-5, calling it a betrayal of reconciliation and a threat to rights, lands, and future generations. The fight isn't over. Read the full statement: chiefs-of-ontario.org/first-nations-… #canpoli #onpoli

From @aballinga : Mark Carney's government reviewing suggested changes to infrastructure bill thestar.com/politics/feder… via @torontostar

Mark Carney didn’t run on a pledge to enact c-5, to concentrate power in the hands of cabinet, to delete environmental laws from consideration , or dismiss public consultation prior to a project approval, for the Govt House Ldr to dismissively wave off concerns is disrespectful.

From @aballinga : Mark Carney makes some Liberals uneasy with parliamentary hustle for infrastructure bill thestar.com/politics/feder… via @torontostar

We are increasingly hearing from concerned constituents about the safety of their Canadian loved ones in the Middle East. The Carney government needs to clearly communicate its contingency plans, so that if an evacuation is required those Canadians who want to leave know what…

.@HoCSpeaker informed the #HoC that a vacancy had occurred by reason of the resignation of Damien C. Kurek, @dckurek. 🔎 For more info: ourcommons.ca/Members/en/par…

Europe’s frontier countries ready their hospitals for war politico.eu/article/easter…

A tale of two Bill 5s

My latest: Mark Carney's Bill C-5 is a naked power grab that tramples our democracy thestar.com/politics/polit… via @torontostar

Thanks for the opportunity to have a great discussion @althiaraj about the @NationalDefence and @CanadianForces relationship with 🇺🇸 @usembassycanada @CAGlobalAffairs

On the “It’s Political” podcast this week: Are we really uncoupling from the Americans? Defence Minister @DavidMcGuinty joins me along and defence experts @DavePerryCGAI @CIGIonline ‘s Raquel Garbers and @OttawaU ‘s Peter Jones: thestar.com/podcasts/its-p…

June 12, 2025: Canada welcomes the G7 next week, PM Carney's expanded invite list, Canada boosts defence spending, how close are we to a trade deal with the U.S.? youtube.com/watch?v=_rbdSL… @RosieBarton @ACoyne @ChantalHbert @AlthiaRaj 🇨🇦

My point exactly. C-5 will give Liberal ministers the power to handpick whatever projects they choose. Politicians will decide who gets to skip the queue and who gets stuck in years of red tape. That’s not certainty.

This is very sad. My thoughts are with Dr. Patel's family and loved ones