Alex Ballingall
@aballinga.bsky.social
Deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star. Government/political people, please tell me everything: aballingall@thestar.ca
https://www.thestar.com/
https://www.thestar.com/
Conservative MPs facing questions about party loyalty are enduring unfair “harassment” fuelled by rumours and Liberal attempts to earn a majority in the House of Commons through convincing opposition members to defect to the government, a senior Tory claims.
Senior Tory accuses Liberals of fuelling ‘harassment’ of Conservative MPs amid floor-crossing rumours
Conservative whip Chris Warkentin downplayed disunity in the Tory caucus and said his party has been brought together by events of the past week.
www.thestar.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Conservative MPs facing questions about party loyalty are enduring unfair “harassment” fuelled by rumours and Liberal attempts to earn a majority in the House of Commons through convincing opposition members to defect to the government, a senior Tory claims.
Canada’s top naval commander says the two foreign companies vying to supply the federal government with a new, multibillion-dollar submarine fleet will need to show they can help create a high-skilled domestic workforce www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Canada’s new subs will need to be operated and maintained by Canadians, top naval commander says
The demand underscores the Carney government's drive to ensure its huge, planned increase in defence spending reaps economic benefits in Canada.
www.thestar.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Canada’s top naval commander says the two foreign companies vying to supply the federal government with a new, multibillion-dollar submarine fleet will need to show they can help create a high-skilled domestic workforce www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Sovereign Space Launch?
The military thinks Canada would benefit, economically and security-wise. My story here:
The military thinks Canada would benefit, economically and security-wise. My story here:
Is it time Canada had its own space launch capability? The military thinks so
With the geopolitical turmoil of the past year, some industry players say there is interest in gaining the capacity to shoot Canadian payloads, using Canadian rockets, from Canadian launch pads,
www.thestar.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Sovereign Space Launch?
The military thinks Canada would benefit, economically and security-wise. My story here:
The military thinks Canada would benefit, economically and security-wise. My story here:
The Liberal government has had discussions about increasing parliamentary resources for the shrunken caucus of New Democrats, the Star has learned, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Grits navigate a minority Parliament where the party is just three votes shy of a controlling majority.
Liberals in closed-door talks to boost NDP funding, claim it’s not related to upcoming budget vote
The Liberal government has had discussions about increasing parliamentary resources for the shrunken caucus of New Democrats, the Star has learned, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Grits navigate a min...
www.thestar.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:31 PM
The Liberal government has had discussions about increasing parliamentary resources for the shrunken caucus of New Democrats, the Star has learned, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Grits navigate a minority Parliament where the party is just three votes shy of a controlling majority.
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Supporters of Freedom Convoy leaders- Chris Barber and Tamara Lich get into a scuffle ahead of their sentencing today. Both have been found guilty of mischief. Their lawyers want full discharge, crown seeking 8yrs for Barber and 7years for Lich.
October 7, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Supporters of Freedom Convoy leaders- Chris Barber and Tamara Lich get into a scuffle ahead of their sentencing today. Both have been found guilty of mischief. Their lawyers want full discharge, crown seeking 8yrs for Barber and 7years for Lich.
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
New: Clients of lobbying firms with close connections to Premier Doug Ford and his nephew have been hugely successful in applying to the province’s Skills Development Fund.
Full analysis: www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
#onpoli
Full analysis: www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
#onpoli
Clients of lobby firms connected to premier, his nephew given tens of millions in training funds
Groups represented by a lobbying firm owned by the premier’s campaign manager got more than $100 million in grant money, a Trillium analysis has found
www.thetrillium.ca
October 6, 2025 at 9:13 PM
New: Clients of lobbying firms with close connections to Premier Doug Ford and his nephew have been hugely successful in applying to the province’s Skills Development Fund.
Full analysis: www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
#onpoli
Full analysis: www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
#onpoli
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Autumn, Digby Neck
Maud Lewis
c. 1962
Maud Lewis
c. 1962
September 26, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Autumn, Digby Neck
Maud Lewis
c. 1962
Maud Lewis
c. 1962
Some concern us also present inside the Liberals’ women’s caucus, where some are pressing their government to make sure programs started under the previous government continue to receive money, two Liberal insiders told the Star.
Mark Carney’s austerity budget raising fears gender equality programs will end
Members of the Liberals' women's caucus of MPs are pressing their government to make sure funding for programs started under the previous government continue to receive funding, two Liberal insiders
www.thestar.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Some concern us also present inside the Liberals’ women’s caucus, where some are pressing their government to make sure programs started under the previous government continue to receive money, two Liberal insiders told the Star.
@markramzy.bsky.social reports
Liberals’ push for gun buyback program fuelled by pressure from Quebec, public safety minister says in leaked audio
A gun-owning tenant recorded a conversation with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree without the minister’s knowledge.
www.thestar.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:43 PM
@markramzy.bsky.social reports
Parliament is back and the Star will be covering it all. To get primed on the big storylines, here's our bureau chief Tonda MacCharles with a good survey of the political landscape at the start of the fall sesh:
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
What to watch, who’s hot and who’s not as MPs return to Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre each have certain advantages as the 45th Parliament resumes Monday.
www.thestar.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Parliament is back and the Star will be covering it all. To get primed on the big storylines, here's our bureau chief Tonda MacCharles with a good survey of the political landscape at the start of the fall sesh:
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
This is very much worth reading.
I put together a primer on Charlie Kirk — and paid some special attention to his relationship with Nick Fuentes and the Groyper movement.
There's no hot takes or sweeping declarations. Just some useful background. www.bugeyedandshameless.com/p/who-was-ch...
There's no hot takes or sweeping declarations. Just some useful background. www.bugeyedandshameless.com/p/who-was-ch...
Who Was Charlie Kirk, Anyway?
Kirk occupied a uniquely powerful place in the MAGA movement
www.bugeyedandshameless.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:19 PM
This is very much worth reading.
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government had no choice but to impose binding arbitration on Air Canada flight attendants this weekend because negotiations were not ending the dispute.
Mark Carney says he had no choice but to end the Air Canada impasse
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu issued an order calling on the industrial relations board to end the strike and impose binding arbitration on Air Canada and CUPE.
www.thestar.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government had no choice but to impose binding arbitration on Air Canada flight attendants this weekend because negotiations were not ending the dispute.
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Pierre Poilievre’s political exile is expected to end within days. Then the real fight begins, @aballinga.bsky.social reports. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Pierre Poilievre’s political exile is expected to end within days. Then the real fight begins
Greater challenges are waiting for him, Conservative insiders and analysts say, as the Tory leader tries to keep his broader voting base intact, and set the stage for the victory
www.thestar.com
August 17, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Pierre Poilievre’s political exile is expected to end within days. Then the real fight begins, @aballinga.bsky.social reports. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Gun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback program
Gun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback program
An imminent delay, a lack of updates from Ottawa, and Mark Carney's attempts to keep premiers happy, vow to drastically cut spending, and emphasis on border security, are raising questions
www.thestar.com
August 14, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Gun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback program
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
#Breaking: Mark Carney says Canada will recognize Palestine as a state
Canada will recognize Palestine in September, Mark Carney says
The move comes amid increasing international pressure and outcry over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
www.thestar.com
July 30, 2025 at 9:24 PM
#Breaking: Mark Carney says Canada will recognize Palestine as a state
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Donald Trump’s tariff war with Canada is escalating with new measures from the U.S. and retaliatory responses from Canada.
We’re tracking what’s active, what’s coming and how Canada has responded.
We’re tracking what’s active, what’s coming and how Canada has responded.
Trump’s tariff threats keep changing. We’re tracking what’s active, what’s coming and how Canada has responded
Donald Trump’s tariff war with Canada is escalating with new measures from the U.S. and retaliatory responses from Canada. Here’s what’s in effect.
www.thestar.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Donald Trump’s tariff war with Canada is escalating with new measures from the U.S. and retaliatory responses from Canada.
We’re tracking what’s active, what’s coming and how Canada has responded.
We’re tracking what’s active, what’s coming and how Canada has responded.
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
#Kamloops’ archival parade photos show how early Canada Day celebrations evolved — from attempts to erase Indigenous and immigrant contributions to the city, to embracing them. The latest from @lyssamartin.bsky.social
In photos: Kamloops historial Canada Day parade photos
Old Kamloops parade photos show how Canada Day evolved from attempts to erase Indigenous and immigrant contributions to embracing them.
thewrennews.ca
July 10, 2025 at 2:59 PM
#Kamloops’ archival parade photos show how early Canada Day celebrations evolved — from attempts to erase Indigenous and immigrant contributions to the city, to embracing them. The latest from @lyssamartin.bsky.social
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
‘No compromises’: Ottawa issues warning to Toronto about housing funding over sixplex vote www.thestar.com/news/gta/no-...
‘No compromises’: Ottawa issues warning to Toronto about housing funding over sixplex vote
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson expressed his “disappointment” with city council’s decision last month to not allow sixplexes citywide in a letter to Mayor Olivia Chow.
www.thestar.com
July 23, 2025 at 4:51 PM
‘No compromises’: Ottawa issues warning to Toronto about housing funding over sixplex vote www.thestar.com/news/gta/no-...
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
The @TorontoStar has complete coverage of the first ministers’ meeting and the Council of the Federation conference at Deerhurst Resort on Peninsula Lake in Huntsville.
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Live updates: Carney meeting with premiers in Muskoka; Doug Ford announces agreement with Alberta, Saskatchewan
Canada’s leaders are sitting down in cottage country days before U.S. tariffs are threatened to take effect on Aug. 1.
www.thestar.com
July 22, 2025 at 2:11 PM
The @TorontoStar has complete coverage of the first ministers’ meeting and the Council of the Federation conference at Deerhurst Resort on Peninsula Lake in Huntsville.
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
🚨BREAKING: The last journalists working for AFP in Gaza have said they can no longer work for the news agency.
They are out of energy and they are starving to death.
I have never seen a statement from a news organisation like it.
🧵
They are out of energy and they are starving to death.
I have never seen a statement from a news organisation like it.
🧵
July 21, 2025 at 8:55 PM
🚨BREAKING: The last journalists working for AFP in Gaza have said they can no longer work for the news agency.
They are out of energy and they are starving to death.
I have never seen a statement from a news organisation like it.
🧵
They are out of energy and they are starving to death.
I have never seen a statement from a news organisation like it.
🧵
Here's an analysis of the decision to dump the Digital Services Tax, and what it might say about the Trump World we're living in.
What if killing Canada’s digital tax is just the beginning for Donald Trump?
The mercurial nature of the U.S. president means what happens next is anyone's guess.
www.thestar.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Here's an analysis of the decision to dump the Digital Services Tax, and what it might say about the Trump World we're living in.
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Over half of Canada’s 2025 study permits going to international students already here.
Postsecondary education sector will continue to see enrolment drop for at least the next three years, analysis warns.
Postsecondary education sector will continue to see enrolment drop for at least the next three years, analysis warns.
Over half of Canada’s 2025 study permits going to international students already here
Postsecondary education sector will continue to see enrolment drop for at least the next three years, analysis warns.
www.thestar.com
June 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Over half of Canada’s 2025 study permits going to international students already here.
Postsecondary education sector will continue to see enrolment drop for at least the next three years, analysis warns.
Postsecondary education sector will continue to see enrolment drop for at least the next three years, analysis warns.
www.thestar.com
June 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Reposted by Alex Ballingall
Mark Carney’s government reviewing suggested changes to infrastructure bill, @aballinga.bsky.social reports. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Mark Carney’s government reviewing suggested changes to infrastructure bill
The proposed law, Bill C-5, has sparked warnings of Indigenous resistance in the coming weeks, along with condemnation from environmental groups, and some reservations within the Liberal caucus.
www.thestar.com
June 20, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Mark Carney’s government reviewing suggested changes to infrastructure bill, @aballinga.bsky.social reports. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com