WiseThought

Two of so many moments during my decade of serving Prime Minister Stephen Harper stand out as examples of a principle that guided our government: individual Members of Parliament were entitled to their personal opinions, but party and government policy would never be undermined by freelancing. The first occurred in September 2006, in the aftermath of the tragic Dawson College shooting in Montreal. Conservative MP Daniel Petit made comments suggesting there could be a connection between immigrant integration and the tragedy. Those remarks were completely inconsistent with the position of the Government of Canada. Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, I publicly stated that Mr. Petit’s comments were unacceptable, that he should withdraw them, and that they did not reflect the position of the government. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Petit issued a full retraction and apology. Five years later, during the 2011 federal election campaign, a similar situation arose when Conservative candidate Brad Trost publicly reiterated his personal opposition to same-sex marriage. Once again, it was my responsibility to ensure there was no ambiguity about the government’s position. 11 pm. Got media out of bed and on behalf of Prime Minister Harper, I reaffirmed publicly that a re-elected Conservative government would not reopen the debate on the definition of marriage. Mr. Trost did not speak for the Conservative Party of Canada. These episodes reflected a broader philosophy within Stephen Harper’s government. We believed in disciplined government. When statements by individual MPs created confusion, it was my responsibility as the Prime Minister’s spokesman to eliminate that confusion quickly, decisively, and publicly. Discipline. Happy Dominion Day Canada 🇨🇦

We should never accept a political culture in which politicians have to answer questions about NOT attending events like this. Those who attend should be the ones answering questions.

Trudeau: Don't pay any mind to the people who say, "Oh my God, we're so divided." When you talk with Canadians, we're not.

Without trans people in sports, you still would’ve come in fifth place. You would also would not have your career as a famous fearmongering grifter.

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra is urging parents not to pull their kids out of school for sports tournaments as new attendance rules take effect next school year. Students with more than two unexcused absences could lose marks tied to attendance and participation.

We should never accept a political culture in which politicians have to answer questions about NOT attending events like this. Those who attend should be the ones answering questions.

Jamil, I think you're living in the wrong decade and country if complaining about a Pride parade is how you're trying to gain support.