What is the real disconnect with political parties?

My column this week on Loonie Politics looks at the recent Samara Canada report on how Canadians engage with political parties, and I offer some analysis of my own, both of the propositions put forward in the report, the responses therein, and what I feel may be a diagnosis of the disconnect based on my own reading of Canadian political history and institutions.

Sackcloth and ashes for everyone!

My column this week on Loonie Politics takes a look at the current spate of stories about spending, either by Senators or with retired General Andrew Leslie's moving benefit, and even though all were within the rules, they are still being decried as wrong. Given the way with which such stories are being covered, and how the smell of blood in the water turns it into a frenzy, I wonder about the long-term damage of this particular obsession on our political culture.

MPs’ Written Speeches

My column this week on Loonie Politics looks at the political scandal in the UK where leaked emails show attempts by the Tories to stage manage their MPs in PMQ – though they at least largely resisted that attempt – and why we here in Canada need to return to the rules where written speeches were banned in the House, given the way that the quality of debate in our Parliament has declined.

MP Deepak Obhrai launches direct attack on fellow Tory’s reform bill

I have a story up today on PostMedia's newswires, which tells the tale of Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai and the letter that he wrote to all Conservative Senators and MPs, warning them about what he believes the dangers in fellow MP Michael Chong's reform bill to be. It was a really great story to write because it gave me a chance to talk to the various players and to hear all of their various takes on the letter and the bill, and it shows that there will be a great deal of debate for this bill once it finally reaches the Commons, probably later in the spring. And it's also great that it was in the top five stories on National Newswatch today, which is always gratifying to see.

Craig Needles Show, February 5

I was on the Craig Needles Show on AM980 in London, ON today, talking about the charges laid against Senator Patrick Brazeau and former senator Mac Harb. This time it was a live spot, and things went well. Thanks to the Loonie Politics podcast for recording the segment.

The chattering of the would-be Senate reformers

My column this week on Loonie Politics looks at some of the renewed Senate reform chatter, and the inevitable return of the "Triple-E" talking points, which never seem to die. I take a look at that particular proposal, and fact check it to an extent to show it was always an unworkable proposal that would never really have achieved its aims.