SHACHI KURL, president of the Angus Reid Institute
The Emergencies Act testimony was something that boosted [Trudeau’s] approval numbers. He's definitely in a stronger position politically — in terms of perceived leadership — than his main opponent, PIERRE POILIEVRE. We're in the [eve] of the NFL playoffs. It's always the end game. It's always what happens in the end zone — and what happened right at the end of the year were some stumbles. — Challenges: The gun legislation hasn't gone away and that’s something that definitely had this Liberal government looking somewhat disorganized. There is the looming conversation and challenge around the medical assistance in dying legislation where conversations are picking up more traction. I would posit that the conversation has changed a little bit from when the legislation was initially brought in back in 2016. The questions now are much thornier around mental illness. You are now into issues really around the value of life. It becomes much more about questions of conscience, rather than cut-and-dry questions around end of life in very specific and controlled situations. — The backdrop: The continued dissidence of the prime minister and willingness, if you will, to engage in the politics of division, as with Mr. Poilievre. At what point do we see Canadians continue to respond to that — to the wedginess of Canadian politics? At some point do they just go, “This is gross. Enough.” TASHA KHEIRIDDIN, principal at Navigator The state of play for the federal Conservative Party is mixed. Their opportunity lies in the weakness of the current government and its failings, chiefly on economic and ethical issues. Their challenge lies in building a cohesive constituency: by appealing to the Freedom Convoy voter they are driving centrist conservative voters away, in ridings where they need that group to win. VELMA MORGAN, chair of Operation Black Vote Post-GEORGE FLOYD, [the Liberal government] made a lot of promises. We were made aware of inequities because of George Floyd … We hope that it wasn't performative. We hope it wasn't just a knee-jerk reaction, no pun intended. — Challenges: Now we're coming out of the pandemic, we're expecting the same energy, the same action that was promised to us about systemic changes within institutions, in particular, government. One of their challenges is being able to transform the public sector and [the government’s] political office to make it more inclusive, to make it more diverse. — Opportunities : We're in the last year of the International Decade for People of African Descent. And we think it's time that he apologizes for slavery, and then take action. He's apologized for other atrocities. This happened in Canada. It's also time he settles the class action lawsuit and provide compensation and mental health support for Black public, federal workers. — Calendar watch: Trudeau jets off to Mexico City next week to join Mexican President ANDRÉS MANUEL LÓPEZ ORADOR and President JOE BIDEN at the North American Leaders Summit on Jan. 10. Parliament returns Jan 30. Don’t forget: Justice PAUL ROULEAU’s commission report, assessing the appropriateness of Ottawa’s use of the Emergencies Act, is due Feb. 20 — that’s in 47 days. FOR YOUR RADAR — MP PETER SCHIEFKE, chair of the House transport committee, said Tuesday that he will be calling on VIA Rail and Sunwing to appear before TRAN. "Canadians deserve answers for the unacceptable delays and cancellations seen over the holiday season." As of yet, there is no meeting on the books. Do you enjoy Ottawa Playbook? Maybe you know others who would like it, too. Point them to this link where they can sign up for free. | 
