Bob Rowland

Comparing Easter messages

We lost a vanity war in the Persian Gulf and created a huge new problem for our allies. And now we say that it is their fault and that they must solve the problem we created.

That’s not the question. The question every federal leader should be asked is: do you think it is legitimate for a group of people to help themselves to part of the territory of Canada, merely because they voted to do so?

This country is in for a very rocky 18 months or two years. If the Conservatives allow themselves to be know as the party that wouldn’t stand up to Trump, or to secessionists — or as the party that sided with either — it will spend another generation, possibly two, out of power. Don’t kid yourself: there are significant sections of the party base, and of the conservative intelligentsia, who are indulgent of, if not favourable to, both — annexation and separation. That number is likely to grow, not fall, as the pressure on Canada, and the party, grows: as Trump gets crazier, and his secessionist helpmates more brazen, those who are now counselling meet appeasement may grow more desperate, and more ambitious. That’s partly why you see Conservative elder statesmen like Stephen Harper and Jason Kenney speaking out. Yes, they want to help their country. But they’re also trying to drag their party back to sanity. One early clue to whether anyone is listening will be how they deal with Jivani. At the moment, the signs are not encouraging. If they can’t even bring themselves to deal with Jivani, who holds no party office, it’s scarcely likely they’ll deal seriously with Trump. And for the same reason: Jivani speaks for many in the party. They know it. And he knows it. Jivani has thrown down the gauntlet to the party establishment. At the moment, it seems no one is willing to pick it up.

The Blame Canada crowd is angry with the appointment of Janice Charrette to lead trade negotiations with the US. (When are they not angry?) They claim that she’s unqualified, and a Liberal patronage appointee. Some facts: - Madame Charette actually started her career in Ottawa as a Conservative political staffer; - She served as Deputy Minister in some of the largest and most complex government departments; - She was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council (ie head of the Public Service and top advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet) by Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper; - She was then appointed to Canada’s second most important diplomatic head of mission role, as High Commissioner to the Court of St. James, ie representing Canada in the United Kingdom; - She was then re-appointed Clerk at PCO, the first person ever to serve in the highest role in Canadian public service twice, a reflection of the broad confidence in her ability. There is literally no one in Canada with more senior leadership experience in the public service, dealing with the most complex issues, systems, and crises. Some are trying to tie her to the Trudeau government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act. (N.B. I was the only Premier in Canada to challenge the constitutionality of its invocation.) To be clear: the role of the Clerk is not to provide the Prime Minister with their personal advice or opinion, but rather to offer an objective summary of the views of relevant government agencies and departments on a particular issue, and to outline the pros and cons of a course of action. That’s what Madame Charette would have provided to the Prime Minister per his request for advice on the EA. Per the motto of the Public Service: fearless advice, loyal implementation. In our system of responsible government, the Prime Minister and Cabinet are accountable for decisions, such as the EA invocation. Canada will be well served by having someone of Madame Charette’s ability and experience in such an important role.

There is no greater sign of the "decline" of the west than the reality that a large percentage of the US population listened to and selected Donald Trump to lead them.

All I’m going to say 🇨🇦, is there’s going to be a BIG unveiling at the 2026 @autoshowcanada tomorrow. We showed Prime Minister @MarkJCarney our Project Arrow 2030 last week. Tomorrow we unveil our 2040 vision. I couldn’t be more proud of our Team 🇨🇦!

Strange, that’s almost exactly the same thing Jamil Jivani said.

PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS PITCHERS & CATCHERS REPORT TODAY! #SpringTraining

@TOFilming_EM What about the week of Feb 2nd? Anything filming in and around Hamilton this week?

Filming Update! Hamilton is buzzing with production once again! Here’s where filming is happening around the city: 📍 235 Bowman St — Jan 29 📍 86 Homewood Ave — filming through Jan 30 📍 28 York Blvd — Jan 30 📍 1153 Ridge Rd — Jan 31 📍 1147 Ridge Rd — Jan 30

Standing ovation for @MarkJCarney at Davos. (Those do not happen often). Brutally honest assessment of the situation Trump is creating for the world and the new approach middle powers now need to take. One of those speeches worth reading in full. Check it out

Davos is one tough house. Rarely is there a standing ovation @WEF But Canada's PM @MarkJCarney just got one. Canada isn't just speaking on the world stage. We're dropping the mic. youtu.be/-9EFPdcSot0?si… via @YouTube

The head of ICE chose a new, custom coat. Not hyperbole, not by chance and not subtle. What a sad display.

This year, my end of year essays will take the form of free advice from a former politician. It is worth what you pay for it I guess. First up, advice for the Prime Minister. open.substack.com/pub/erinotoole…

Ottawa man takes his Uber driver tobogganing for first time ottawacitizen.com/news/uber-tobo…

The members of our Canadian Armed Forces stand on guard to defend our nation’s sovereignty. As many spend the holiday season away from home, we extend our deepest gratitude for their continued courage, service, and sacrifice.

"I will not be quiet. Not speaking out — it equals resignation." Tennis legend @Martina Navratilova on the importance of standing up to Trump and his enablers @OfTheBraveUSA:

Still here. Still elite.