Ottawa

This is the week that was

Aaron Wherry on seven days in Parliament

An Enbridge pipeline in Wisconsin sprung a leak. Joe Oliver didn’t want to talk about Christy Clark’s demands, but James Moore had lots to say about Ms. Clark, Northern Gateway and Enbridge. Peter Julian chided. Enbridge defended itself. And the pipeline debate made it into Rolling Stone.

Leona Aglukkaq inspired a British MP. Guy Lauzon worried about crime. Kevin Lamoureux demanded to see what evidence supports the government’s cuts to health care for refugees. Jason Kenney pointed to some big numbers. Brent Rathgeber questioned VIA Rail and supply management. Bev Oda explained the orange juice and reflected on her ministerial career. Stephen Harper pardoned some farmers and turned down the premiers. Stephane Dion challenged Mr. Harper and rebuked Tim Uppal. Jason Kenney fought some lawyers. And Hedy Fry and Carolyn Bennett challenged Kellie Leitch.

The Harper government decided to privatize the Fire Protection Program. The Senate was questioned and defended itself. The penny received a stay of execution. The Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly ended. The president of the Canadian Medical Association questioned the federal government. The Conservative race in Calgary Centre got contentious. And Adam Carroll found work.

We looked back on the quotable Bev Oda, considered the role of religion in politics and proposed debate reform. Jonathan Haidt considered partisanship. Alice Funke reviewed the latest fundraising figures. Emmett Macfarlane considered the Supreme Court’s role in Omar Khadr’s present situation. The Canadian Tax Journal reviewed tax-free savings accounts. And Mitchell Anderson looked into Norwegian oil policy.

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.