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HOLIDAY EDITION 2016 Santé! Michelle Rempel’s cocktail will warm your festive season

Holiday Social Calendar Christmas in Uniform Susan Delacourt on who’s been naughty & nice L. Ian MacDonald on : City of lights, magic & free booze Happy Holidays!

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CPAC-Holiday-Ad-Gift.indd 4 11/25/2016 9:44:04 AM Contents 3 From the Editor 4 Your 2016 Political Quiz

PUBLISHER/FOUNDER IPOLITICS LIVE 6 Christmas Cocktail Challenge James Baxter Andrew Beattie Amanda Keenan 8 Christmas in Uniform EXECUTIVE EDITOR Stephen Maher VP DIGITAL 10 Politicization of Christmas Ian Shelton 12 Tracking the Elusive Christmas Skeet DEPUTY EDITORS Doug Beazley BUSINESS TEAM 14 Everything but the Bird Lisa Van Dusen John Butterfield Sally Douglas 16 MPs’ Holiday Gift List ALPHEUS GROUP Callie Sanderson Danelia Bolivar Yamina Tsalamlal 18 Holiday Social Calendar Don Turner NEWS TEAM Emily Francis 20 Politicians’ Holiday Cards Beatrice Britneff Amanda Connolly PHOTOGRAPHER 23 A Voice, a Chime, a Chant Sublime Matthew Usherwood Ainslie Cruickshank Janice Dickson 25 What the Leaders Would Get Each Other GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Duggan Sarah West Kelsey Johnson 26 Conservative Leadership Holiday Truce Holly Lake CONTACT 28 A Yuletide Wassail James Munson 201-17 York Street BJ Siekierski Ottawa, ON K1N 9J6 29 Hanukkah on the Hill Happy Holidays! Kirsten Smith Office: 613-789-2772 31 Delivering Smiles for Seniors at Christmas 33 Gifts That Make a Difference ipolitics.ca | [email protected] Treat yourself to a 7-day free 34 Put Some Canadian Politics Under the Tree iPolitics is Canada’s top digital source for trial and make 2017 a fresh start. independent, up-to-the-minute coverage of 36 City of Lights, Magic and Free Booze Canadian politics and the business of government. Located at the prestigious 38 Checking It Twice Château Laurier 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa Tel: 613-562-7029 chateauhealthclub.com

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CPAC-Holiday-Ad-Gift.indd 4 11/25/2016 9:44:04 AM He expects Canada’s banking system to continue being one of the soundest in the world.

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COMMENTS SPECS INSERTION DATE --- From the Editor “Look around, look around at how Lucky we are to be alive right now!” (Lyrics from Hamilton)

he season of peace is upon us, and not a moment From Michelle Rempel’s generous pours in the too soon. Historians will be trying to figure out iPolitics newsroom to L. Ian MacDonald’s trip down T2016 for generations to come, but for now, let’s memory lane, from a list of charities who need help leave that to them and take a moment to savour how this time of year to a calendar of social events, from lucky we are to be living in one of the most vibrant, Kelsey Johnson’s unsuccessful turkey hunt to Susan peaceful and tolerant countries in the world. Delacourt’s list of who has been naughty and nice, we The staff at iPolitics spends a lot of time tracking have put together an oversized Christmas card for you the cut and thrust of politics, which is not always easy and for us. nor pleasant, which explains why we love putting So let’s put aside the Trump-mania and our own this magazine together each year. It’s wonderful to heated partisan rhetoric for a few weeks and just look take a break, invite everyone to drop their guards around. Remember lost friends, enjoy the love of those and just enjoy that we all work and live among smart, who remain and seek the good in those who surround committed and noble-minded people, whatever their us. The year ahead, 2017, will be filled with promise political stripes. And, when the guards are lowered, we and pageants celebrating our great country. Let’s not all see how funny and joyful they can be. lose sight of how lucky we are to be alive right now. This holiday magazine is meant to make you laugh Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and the happiest and smile, to remind you to always look beyond what of holiday wishes to everyone. divides us and remember that what matters most in all of us is what’s in our hearts. Publisher, James Baxter

3 BJ Your 2016 Political Quiz Siekierski 1 5 9 What percentage of One NDP MP is fond of “A What Liberal policy did told Ipsos they were very satisfied Christmas Carol” references. Twice Conservative MP Michelle Rempel with ’s victory this year they likened Finance say might threaten Christmas in in the American presidential Minister to Ebenezer ? election? Scrooge and Premiers A. Legalizing marijuana A. 3% and to two of the B. A B. 9% three ghosts from the Dickens C. Eliminating the Children’s C. 25% novella. Who was it? Fitness and Arts Tax credits A. B. C. 10 2 What is the nickname for the Liberal MP press room on the 3rd floor of suggested this Conservative MP’s Centre Block? parents read “too much Ayn Rand 6 A. The Press Lounge to him as a child”? NDP MP compared B. The Cold Room A. debating Liberal MPs in the C. The Hot Room B. House of Commons to wrestling C. with______? A. Teletubbies B. Care Bears C. Jello 11 Which MP said their party’s vision is to “make Canada great again”? 3 A. Conservative MP Which MP notified the House of B. Conservative MP Steven Commons within the past year in 7 Blaney limerick form that their private Former Prime Minister Stephen C. Liberal MP member’s bill would soon be Harper started a new - returning to the House for a vote? based consulting business — A. what’s it called? B. A. Strong and Stable Consulting C. B. Harper & Associates 12 Consulting Charlie Angus was called ______C. Rising Phoenix Advisers by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister in . A. Sir Charles 4 B. Charlie Chaplin What was the purpose of the C. Charlie Brown private member’s bill mentioned 8 D. Chucky in the question above (#3)? This minister’s chief of staff was A. An act to develop a framework the subject of repeat questions for the delivery of palliative from Conservative MPs about a care in Canada private prosecution stemming B. An Act to amend the from a case involving her family’s 13 Importation of Intoxicating egg farm. Which minister does Which leadership candidate Liquors Act she work for? compared his ‘Dad bod’ to C. An Act respecting the A. Bill Morneau Trudeau’s ‘yoga bod’? development of a national B. Stephane Dion A. strategy for the safe disposal of C. B. Erin O’Toole lamps containing mercury D. Lawrence MacAulay C.

4 C 26. D, 25. C, 24. C, 23. A, 22. B, 21. C, 20. B, 19. C, 18. B, 17. B, 16. B, 15. C, 14. C, 13. C, 12. C, 11. C, 10. B, 9. D, 8. B, 7. A, 6. B, 5. A, 4. A, 3. B, 2. B, 1. YOUR 2016 POLITICAL QUIZ

BJ Siekierski 14 19 23 Which of these Canadian Both and former Which Canadian politician shared journalists has not written and/ PM have posed a shirtless selfie in the snow on or edited a book about Stephen for photographs with this animal. before announcing his Harper? A. BJ Birdy (The Blue Jays mascot) leadership ambitions? A. Jennifer Ditchburn B. Chinese pandas on loan to the A. Justin Trudeau B. Michael Harris Zoo B. Peter MacKay C. Susan Delacourt C. Kittens from the Humane C. D. Society E. John Ibbitson D. Justin Bieber 15 20 24 Who did Environment Minister Which of these items has Prime International Trade Minister Catherine McKenna say she had Minister Justin Trudeau not brought a ‘sunny ways’ with at the COP21 received as a gift? sample of this crop from her climate change meeting during a A. The script of Star Wars: The father’s Alberta farm to a meeting debate in the House of Commons? Force Awakens, signed by this year with Chinese officials. A. director J.J. Abrams in a What crop was it? B. custom leather slipcase with a A. Wheat C. Donald Trump personalized inscription. B. Soybeans B. Discounted Whistler C. Canola Blackcomb lift tickets D. Barley C. Mike Tyson’s signed boxing 16 gloves This foreign magazine ran a saucy paper doll cutout of “Canada’s foxy new Prime Minister.” 25 A. Vogue 21 On April 1 Environment Minister B. New York Magazine The National Capital Commission Catherine McKenna jokingly C. Playgirl got into hot water this summer tweeted that this animal would be D. Popular Mechanics after it shut down this business hired as part of the government’s along the Canal, prompting green plan to mow Parliament political outrage because the Hill’s lawn. What animal was it? owners didn’t have the right A. Rabbits permit. What was the business? B. Sheep 17 A. Girl Guide Cookies Sellers C. Cows Justin Trudeau got a shout- B. Lemonade Stand D. Goats out in a November episode of C. Bike repair station The Simpsons. What did Abe D. Children’s day camp (Grandpa) Simpson call Canada’s prime minister? A. ‘That Liberal wacko’ B. ‘That commie Trudeau’ C. ‘That selfie magnet’ 22 26 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau interrupted was mocked by Mark Critch of 22 Conservative MP Michelle Minutes while in Newfoundland Rempel in the House of Commons for this photo. What did it over concerns Rempel used 18 feature? unparliamentary language. What Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau broke A. A shirtless selfie was the contentious word she into song during an event for B. A picture while hiking used? which important figure earlier C. A photo of mustard when he A. Stupid this year? meant canola B. Hysterical A. Hillary Rodham Clinton D. A photo of him modeling C. Fart B. snowsuits donated to Syrian D. The political sewer pipe from C. Martin Luther King refugees Carleton County

1. B, 2. B, 3. A, 4. A, 5. B, 6. A, 7. B, 8. D, 9. B, 10. C, 11. C, 12. C, 13. C, 14. C, 15. B, 16. B, 17. B, 18. C, 19. B, 20. C, 21. B, 22. A, 23. C, 24. C, 25. D, 26. C 26. D, 25. C, 24. C, 23. A, 22. B, 21. C, 20. B, 19. C, 18. B, 17. B, 16. B, 15. C, 14. C, 13. C, 12. C, 11. C, 10. B, 9. D, 8. B, 7. A, 6. B, 5. A, 4. A, 3. B, 2. B, 1. 5 Christmas Cocktail Challenge Michelle Rempel came, mixed and conquered Stephen Maher

ichelle Rempel doesn’t mess Is that often an issue? Refreshed for the task at hand, I around when it comes to “That would be a non-partisan start to mix up my holiday cocktail, Mcocktails. sentiment for sure. Some days are which I invented in Halifax years The Conservative MP for Calgary- more liquor-day-dream-inducing ago toward the end of a long Nose Hill shows up at the iPolitics than others, I think.” Christmas party, when I wanted office for our Christmas cocktail One of her staffers reminds something to mix with some Grey contest with two staffers, toting her that the conversation is being Goose vodka, and settled on the juice several bags containing the makings recorded. of a freshly squeezed clementine. I for her drink. “What? Yes. We’re on the record added a splash of Creme de Cassis, She has four bottles of booze, I know. It’s fine. We’re not in a French cherry liqueur often used several highball glasses, a big chef’s government anymore.” in champagne cocktails, and I had a knife, a cutting board, an apple, an Rempel has brought the makings cocktail that seemed to personify the orange and a Jets shot for a “backup cocktail” for us to try festive spirit. I call it Santa’s Little glass. before the main event. Helper. “I mean, it has to be a Jets shot She pops the cork out of a bottle I tell Rempel the origin story of glass,” she says. of Trius Brut, a sparkling wine my cocktail. She laughs. Rempel has been a sommelier from Niagara-on-the-Lake, fills two “That’s how cocktails are born, since 2010, and she takes her wine long-stemmed fluted wine glasses about six hours into a Christmas and liquor seriously, so when we and adds a splash of Pinnacle Apple party, when you’ve cleared out the challenged her to mix up a holiday Cider, from Frelighsburg, Que. front end of your booze cabinet and cocktail and put it to a blind taste The straw-coloured cider mixes then you start pulling out things and test against my holiday cocktail, she swirls into the bubbly wine and we you don’t have quite enough in each enthusiastically agreed. have two champagne cocktails to try. bottle so you start mixing them, “I’m so excited to be doing this,” “Sante!” and they start curdling, like the Tia she says, as she unloads her cocktail It’s really nice. Maria that’s been in your closet for supplies. “All day I’ve been distracted “I put a bit much of the iced cider 10 years,” she says. from my parliamentary duties.” in it,” she says. I mix one up and pour it and wait for Rempel’s verdict. 6 CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL CHALLENGE “It goes down fairly easy “I’m having booze for dinner,” Fa La La Your La considering that it’s 80 per cent says Rempel. “I need to have a Big booze,” she says after the first taste. Mac or something.” 1 tsp. sugar She takes another drink. She likes Our cocktail judge, Sarah Chown, that you can still taste the beautiful of Metropolitain Brasserie, arrives 2 dashes of bitters Grey Goose. toting her own bags full of cocktail 1 tsp. Maple syrup “Creme de Cassis is such a heavy makings. She puts down her bags, Splash of water liqueur that you actually balanced puts on a pair of reindeer antlers 1 oz. Alberta Premium Dark it really nicely with the acid, so it’s and does a blind taste test of our two Horse Whisky nice and light. It’s actually quite drinks. 1 oz. Pemberton Distillery beautiful.” “They’re so different from each Bourbon Barrel Aged Apple Now it’s time for her drink. other,” she says, tasting carefully. Brandy (or calvados) Rempel lays out her tools and puts “This one’s more late night Slice of orange peel. the cocktail together in a highball fireside one for me,” she says of Ice (optional) glass. Rempel’s cocktail. First, she puts in sugar and maple “They’re both good, they’re just Apple slice syrup and muddles them with a little super different. This one’s really … stick, as with a mojito. syrupy. And fruity.” Put the sugar and bitters in the Why doesn’t she use the cocktail As expected, she gives the prize to glass. Muddle with a muddler shaker? Rempel’s drink. (or the handle of a wooden She laughs at the question. “Both are good but I think this spoon spoon if you don’t have “This is fantastic liquor,” she says, is the winner for the holidays,” she a muddler.) as she measures and adds an ounce says. Add the maple syrup, muddle, of Dark Horse Whisky and another of “Bam!” says Rempel. add a splash of water and Pemberton Apple Brandy. “We’re not “Sorry, Steve,” says Chown. “But swish it around. Pour in the bruising this up with ice and shit.” it’s good.” rum whisky and brandy. Rim She mixes the liquor, then, using a Then Chown mixes up her own the glass with an orange peel. potato peeler, takes a slice of orange cocktail, with vanilla ice cream, Plop in an apple slice. rind and drops it into the cocktail, bourbon, frangelico and freshly Add ice, if desired. Stir. then adds ice, cuts a slice of apple grated nutmeg. and plops it in. “I was thinking about doing it Santa’s Little Helper Why not put the apple on the rim, with spiced rum, but everybody as a garnish? and their sister is doing that,” says 1 clementine “I think it’s better if it soaks in Chown. 3 oz. Grey Goose vodka booze, right?” It’s rich and flavourful, a bit like “This is a take on the old- egg nog. Splash of Crème de cassis fashioned,” she says, swirling it “I just want to stick my face Ice around. “I call it the Fa La La Your in this,” says Rempel. “It’s just Lemon twist La.” beautiful. I went all academic. You Put all the ingredients into a She praises the Alberta whiskey taught me. Just get the ice cream in cocktail shaker. Shake. Pour and the organic B.C. apple brandy. there and get ‘er done.” over ice. Add lemon twist. “This plus this, it’s almost like this We pass around samplers to the really complex apple spice mix. And onlookers. Some prefer Rempel’s. instead of just using sugar for the Some prefer Chown’s. Nobody Chown’s Christmas Breakfast base, I’m also using a little maple prefers mine. syrup as well. So this is a super Rempel decides to fix my cocktail, I scoop vanilla ice cream. Canadian Christmas drink.” by adding a twist of lemon rind. Ice She’s right. It is delicious, complex When she drops it into the glass, the 1 tbsp. maple syrup and somehow Christmasy. Wow. It’s a oils float on the surface. It gives the 2 oz. Bulleit bourbon real cocktail, obviously in a different cocktail an extra bit of flavour. 1 oz. Frangelico league from my drink. “With the lemon it’s actually kind Fresh-grated nutmeg “It’s just showcasing the spirit,” of bad ass,” she says. Put all ingredients except nut- she says. I didn’t expect to win, I explain. We make samples of both drinks It’s fine. meg in a cocktail shaker and for some of the iPolitics staffers “Steve, you brought a knife to the shake. Pour into martini glass. who have gathered to watch the gunfight,” she says. Add nutmeg. fun. Everyone prefers her’s to mine. “And scene,” says Chown. “Mic Everyone is starting to get a bit more drop.” relaxed. 7 Christmas in Uniform For Canada’s soldiers serving in conflict zones, the Amanda holidays underscore their sacrifice. Connolly

And it’s funny — on the afternoon of Christmas, people start saying, 'I’m good, let’s get back to it, get our heads back in the game.'" Canada is preparing to take on a leadership role over the next three years with both a NATO battalion in Latvia and with up to 600 troops to be deployed on peace support operations in Africa. With the current training mission in Iraq and the reassurance efforts in Eastern Europe, it seems likely the coming years will see a continuation of the traditions that have come to mark the holidays for troops deployed away from family. Just how many end up staying overseas depends on the mission: some, like — Canada’s contribution to the coalition fight against the so-called Islamic State — will only see about Gen. speaks to troops at a Canadian patrol base in Afghanistan’s Panjwaii 40 of the 700 troops deployed make district during a surprise visit in 2009. /Colin Perkel it home for Christmas. Others, like Operation or the hundreds of Canadian he looked back at his time in- Reassurance — Canadian Armed men and women in uniform theatre during the holidays and Forces’ contribution to the NATO spending the holidays said that while any time away from effort to counter Russian-backed F unrest in Ukraine — will see roughly overseas, it's a time when the weight family is a sacrifice for soldiers, of missing home can feel especially the experience of missing home 80 per cent of the 220 soldiers heavy. and family traditions often leads deployed as part of the Land Task "It’s really tough for people in people to be more thoughtful and Force head home to see their that build-up to the holidays because contemplative in the lead-up to the families, the mission's commander they’re missing family so much big day. says. and Christmas means family," said "It’s interesting because everyone But that doesn't mean traditions retired Gen. Walter Natynczyk, is trying to be tough, everyone like the on-base Christmas dinner deputy minister of Veterans Affairs knows that there’s a mission to will get the boot. and former chief of defence staff accomplish and in the military, one “We always run a Christmas from 2008 to 2012. of our first values is ‘service before dinner or a holiday dinner for the Natynczyk has missed six self.’ So what happens is people soldiers, so for this year we’ll run it with his family: one get kind of quiet in the build-up just before we allow most of them during a tour in Iraq, one while to Christmas Eve," he said. "It’s to go on leave," said Lonnie commanding in Bosnia and four really tough right up until about Campbell, commanding officer during his tenure as chief of defence noon on Christmas Day because of Land Task Force for Operation staff. back home, that’s when folks will Reassurance, who has missed In an interview with iPolitics, be opening gifts, or Christmas Eve. Christmases with his family during tours in Afghanistan and Bosnia. 8 CHRISTMAS IN UNIFORM

"In Bosnia, we would run a holidays, even if that family is one from home and the history of the Christmas dinner on Christmas, of comrades-in-arms rather than region where they are serving. and like any traditional Christmas blood. "Because we're in the desert it's dinner, the officers or the leadership The first came after Sajjan and quite unique in that we see camels of the unit will actually serve the the troops he was with went to drop regularly," said Brig.-Gen. Shane dinner, clean it up so that the off supplies at a Bosnian village Brennan, commander of Joint Task soldiers can enjoy the dinner. It’s they knew would be isolated once a Force Iraq. "There's been a lot of what we do, it’s traditional." looming snowstorm hit. jokes about well, maybe we should Times have changed and with Despite scarce supplies, it was get the camels and wise men and do them, other traditions such as how a gift of simple socks from a local a Christmas pageant here." troops on deployment are able to woman that touched Sajjan. Brennan, who has spent four connect with their families over the "I remember this lady, she Christmases on deployment, said holidays. knit these very coarse wool socks while the strain of being away can In the past, Campbell said, because we were looking after be particularly keen during the calls home would be limited to them," he said. "For her to knit these holidays, it's the families and not 15 minutes on a military phone socks and give them to me, these just the soldiers who also bear the but now that bases have wireless were some of the things that they weight of their absence. internet, troops can be with their use for the winter times. It's those His team is organizing a holiday families via Skype on Christmas little gestures, and the real meaning movie marathon for troops who morning. of Christmas is to look after the want to watch films like Elf, as Defence Minister most unfortunate and needy, and well as ball hockey and volleyball also spent time deployed in Bosnia it really kind of hit home being on tournaments. on his first tour and said the deployment since that was my first Brennan also pointed out that experience of seeing Christmas one. All the holidays that we share there are special moments in the celebrated by the soldiers helped really just remind me it's not just shape the responsibility he feels as about giving gifts to our friends, it's midst of deployment during the minister to go back and spend time about what are we doing for the less holidays if you take the time to soak over the holidays with troops now. fortunate." them in. "Even though my family doesn't The second moment also came "We're in the Middle East and you celebrate Christmas from a religious with the arrival of presents for the can't help but think of that when sense, we still celebrate Christmas troops: this time, gifts sent from you look up at the sky," he said. as a family get-together," said Sajjan, loved ones at home. "There's something weird and kind who is Sikh. "When I was in Bosnia, When a package arrives, of wonderful because you almost it really set the tone for me what everyone has a different reaction, think you can throw yourself back Christmas was about, especially for Sajjan said, and how each soldier in time to the birth of Christ and the troops when you're away from your spends that time gave him an wise men. You can see the stars and families. In Bosnia, you could just opportunity to learn more about the the stars here are quite brilliant." see this sense of everybody coming men and women he served with. During his time as chief of together, wanting to learn from "Some want to open it defence staff, Natynczyk made others, interesting ways of doing immediately, some want to wait similar trips alongside then-minister the gift giving as well, and it was and savour it ... it really makes for of defence Peter MacKay. such a warm feeling. Personally, a special moment," he said, noting The moment that Natynczyk says I put it in my journal because of that being able to learn about each has stayed with him the longest that — I hadn't experienced that — soldier's family and traditions made from that trip is a quiet one. and I think I wrote, 'I think I really him feel proud to be Canadian. "I "I was visiting a crew on a tank found the true sense of Christmas,' never felt that because I'm not a at this base in Afghanistan called and that's why right now it's so Christian that I wasn't part of this." Ma’Sum Ghar. At the top of this important for me as minister that While it's not yet clear whether mountain was a tank providing I visit the troops during Christmas the mission in Iraq will be on protection for the camp and a time as well and spend some time Sajjan's holiday trip itinerary, the sergeant was on duty… and he with them, see how things are going, minister did stress there is no time turned to me and said, ‘Sir, does keep that feeling going." limit on the trip and that he wants to anybody care that we’re here? Does Of the experiences that stand out visit as many operations as possible. anybody know and care that we’re most in his memory, Sajjan pointed For those soldiers in the Middle actually here?’" Natyncyzk recalled. to two in particular that he says East, being deployed over the "And I said, ‘Sergeant, Canada struck a chord and showed just holidays can also draw parallels cares.’” how important family is during the between traditions they recognize 9 The Eternal and Shameless Kyle Politicization of Christmas Duggan

s political rhetoric ticks upward with the 2. The great raisin crisis of 1930 festive season, Christmas-themed partisan In March 1930, Progressive Party MP Thomas Bird Asparring often turns to comparing finance raised anti-protectionist concerns that a new duty on ministers to Santa Claus or Scrooge. But beyond raisins, part of an Australian trade treaty, would hurt the ordinary political jabs, here are five unique Canadian consumers who want to buy imported plums times MPs politicized Christmas in the House, from and raisins for their Christmas puddings and pies. The British-born clergyman said raisins were Hansard: “symbolic in the home” and that “at Christmas time when the plum pudding appears, it is the symbol of 1. The eternal Christmas card budget debate good will.” Concerns over whether ministers were getting “Under this treaty, however, the plum pudding their Christmas cards printed for free by the becomes the symbol of a very insidious form of oppression. Sitting at the table is the unwelcome government bubbled up a few times. It’s not guest, the silent participator in the meal: the preferred entirely clear how long the practice was going on, classes, daily partaking of the hard-earned fare of the but in 1940, Conservative William Esling said the cottager.” government announcing via radio it would do away Bird later amped up his rhetoric, saying raisins with printing Christmas cards for ministers was were being “attacked” to benefit the “pampered “magnificent.” manufacturers of Canada” and riffed off another MP’s He criticized six ministers in particular who had motion on the Canadian flag: “I do not think, so long as grown accustomed to having their cards printed at we have raisin pies in Canada, that we need a national the government’s print shop and “at the expense of flag. A raisin pie would be sufficient for a national the country.” symbol because you find it in every home in Canada.” Liberal MP Thomas Reid rose to say, in a bit of Conservative Henry Stevens spent most of his time ethnic profiling: “They are not all Scottish, either.” trying to convince Bird that he was wrong and that the goods he was concerned about weren’t even being hit with new duties.

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Contact Yamina: [email protected] | 613.505.0865 | govguide.ca 10 THE ETERNAL AND SHAMELESS POLITICIZATION OF CHRISTMAS

3. No, your nose is redder 5. Christmas trees In February 1956, Liberal MP Mervyn Arthur Hardie, In 1989, artificial Christmas trees hit an MP for , appealed to the northern home for one MP in particular. PC MP Peter Kyle affairs minister to do something about the steady depletion of McCreath, who as a member Duggan caribou in the North. As Hardie tallied up the total reindeer annually urged Canadians to purchase population in Tuktoyaktuk, Co-operative Commonwealth domestic trees, was incensed when he Federation (CCF) MP Stanley Knowles cheekily chimed in: found out the Centre Block Christmas tree “Plus Rudolph.” was, shockingly, artificial. “Of all hon. members to speak of Rudolph, I think the hon. “Why do I not sense the fragrance of member has the reddest nose,” Hardie shot back. a Lunenburg County spruce or balsam Then Hardie said the northern affairs minister should get fir or even – heaven forbid – an down on his knees in front of the finance minister to beg for pine? Do I sense that Parliament itself sets more money for boosting reindeer populations. And the jabs the regrettable example of using artificial continued over who in fact was the MP with the reddest nose. Christmas trees? Is it possible they are not even Canadian?” 4. The War on Christmas political gift that keeps on giving McCreath represented the riding of South In a 2002 skirmish in the battle against the war on Shore in a province where the Christmas Christmas, MPs criticized a Royal tree industry is a big deal and generates Canadian Mint TV commercial in which a cartoon beaver some $30 million a year. and caribou sang along to The Twelve Days of Christmas Years later, McCreath followed up that with the lyrics changed to “The Twelve Days of Giving.” It “right down the hall – in this very building was one of a number of items of political correctness run – the Senate foyer is adorned with a amok they were concerned about, including Toronto city hall magnificent 25-foot natural Christmas tree,” calling its Christmas tree a “holiday tree.” and asked why, then, were the halls of the said the “spirit of the season has been House of Commons “lined with a bunch of bruised by unnecessary political correctness.” fakes?” called for “a little steel in the backbone” when it comes to His calls went unanswered, and the torch religious terms. was passed on to Conservative MP Gerald Giving-gate turned into an Order Paper question, and Keddy, a former Christmas tree grower months later Liberal said in a government reply himself, who in 1998 called the fake tree an that the words were changed as a marketing tactic for selling “embarrassment” and said it’s “inexcusable coins, rather than an effort to be more politically correct. that this travesty continues.”

Happy holidays from H+K.

Best wishes from our family to yours for happiness this festive season and prosperity in 2017.

hkstrategies.ca 11 Tracking the Elusive Christmas Skeet Our intrepid agriculture reporter enlists a Kelsey Liberal MP to help bag her own butterball Johnson

Liberal MP and agriculture guru Richard Phillips head out into the bush to try and rustle up a turkey.

AVAN, ON – It’s a sunny November Saturday Before we start, Richard goes over the rules, morning at the Domaine Perrault winery, pulling two orange vests and two shotguns out of his Nwhere Liberal MP Francis Drouin, his staffer car as he talks. Paul Wernick, yours truly and iPolitics photographer The instructions are pretty straightforward: 1) Matt Usherwood have met up with local agriculture Keep the gun safety turned on unless you’re about to guru Richard Phillips to lend a farmer a hand and, shoot. 2) Don’t point the barrel of the gun at others or maybe, bag a Christmas turkey. your feet. 3) Stick together and keep an eye out for the The winery, located in the heart of Drouin’s location of the other group, who will have a member Glengarry-Prescott-Russell riding and owned by a wearing a fluorescent orange vest. friend of Phillips’, has a turkey problem. Turkeys are pretty skittish, Phillips tells us. They The succulent fowl, a staple of Canadian Christmas aren’t fans of noise — making it unlikely we will see menus, have been having their own feast for the past any this morning, given the amount of talking we’ve few months, snacking on the grapes used to make the already done. family’s locally renowned wine. We split up. Drouin, Richard and Matt grab orange The birds’ insatiable appetites mean the province vests and shotguns and head toward the bush. The has granted a special hunting permit to help deal with hope is that they will scare birds out of the nearby the problem. brush and out into the open fields just beyond the It’s why we’re here. It’s the perfect morning for a winery. turkey hunt. Or, the perfect chance to legally teach As they depart, Paul and I take the other gun and this rag-tag group the ins and outs of a popular rural vest and head toward the vines. Our plan is to quietly pastime. walk up and down the rows, keeping an eye out on the 12 TRACKING THE ELUSIVE CHRISTMAS SKEET

fields in case a bird emerges. We regroup 25 minutes later — as empty- handed as Phillips predicted. Sensing our disappointment, he’s got a back- up plan. Out of the car comes a metal skeet launcher, a box of clay pigeons and shells. It’s time for a bit of skeet shooting. The sport is easier said than done — unless you’re Wernick, Drouin’s staffer who hits his first three pigeons cleanly despite having never fired a gun before. It’s on. The race to see who has the best skeet- cred has begun. Drouin’s up next. He hits one out of three, leading to some good-natured ribbing between MP and staffer. Office bragging rights are on the line. The Liberal MP has nothing to worry about. He out-shoots me handily, but I’m simply thrilled to have hit one of those clay pigeons. The morning ends with a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast fry-up at the local diner in Navan. Eggs, toast, hash browns and bacon — but not a turkey in sight. After the turkeys failed to present themselves, the shooters settled on some skeet.

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COMMENTS SPECS INSERTION DATE --- Everything but the Bird Our excellent iPolitics staff instructions for the perfect Christmas turkey.

Kelsey Johnson’s Not-So-Secret, Secret Stuffing

Per Johnson family tradition, this stuffing, whose recipe has been passed down for four generations, should be made first thing in the morning, while still rocking PJs and bed head. We swear it tastes better that way. Ingredients: • Three to four regular sized loaves of white and whole wheat bread, torn up (amount of bread will depend on the size of the bird). • One medium-to-large onion, diced. • 1/2 c of butter or margarine, cut into pieces. • 1 cup of oatmeal. • Sage (to taste). • Poultry seasoning (to taste). • Savoury (to taste). • 1 - 1 1/2 cups of water. • A package of dried cran-raisins. Tear up the bread and put it into a large bowl that has lots of room to work in. Add the oatmeal, butter, onion, savoury, sage, poultry seasoning and cran-raisins. Mix together. (Be generous with the seasonings. They’re the not-so-secret secret ingredient). Add water slowly, squishing the stuffing together with your hands to moisten the mixture. The trick is to have the stuffing wet enough so that it sticks together. You don’t want it sticking heavily to your hands, though. Stuff the bird, putting stuffing both in the main cavity and in the neck of the bird, securing with metal skewers. You can also cook it separately in a crock pot (works like a charm!) or in the oven if you’re not comfortable stuffing it inside the bird. You may need to add a little chicken broth to keep it from drying out and give it that magical poultry taste.

14 EVERYTHING BUT THE BIRD

Sally D’s Scottish Cluck

Note: quantities vary depending on Mix 1 pack of softened butter with 1 or 2 teaspoon of size of bird. dried thyme, 1 or 2 teaspoon of dried sage, salt and Pour a wee dram and relax. pepper (to taste). Find a large waterproof bin or pail and fill it with Gently lift skin from breast of turkey using your water. fingers, being careful not to cause any rips. Push some of the butter mixture under the skin onto the Remove giblets. breast and smooth skin down on top. Cover the bird’s Fully submerge turkey in water. surface with the remaining butter. Add a tablespoon of salt, a handful of peppercorns, Layer approximately a pack of bacon across the 4 or 5 cinnamon sticks, a bunch of cloves, 3 half- breast of the turkey (this helps keep in the moisture lemons and 3 sliced oranges. while the bird is cooking). Leave for 24 hours. Use stuffing or cut 1 or 2 lemons and an onion into quarters and place into cavity of the bird with sprigs Remove Turkey from water and drain and dab dry of rosemary. Be careful not to stuff the cavity full as it with kitchen towel. will reduce airflow while cooking. Place on large baking tray. Follow cooking instructions depending on size of Combine 2 or 3 tablespoons of salt and pepper in a bird. bowl before rubbing into turkey’s skin. Ensure you Remove the bacon half hour before cooking finishes cover all of the bird, in the crevices, under the legs etc. to ensure top of turkey browns.

OPENING FALL 2017

The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is at a pivotal moment in its history, building towards the opening of a new home for the arts in Ottawa. You’ll be able to experience the spectacular expansion in 2017, the year Canada marks its 150th anniversary.

Find out more about the OAG Expansion at ottawaartgallery.ca

15 Our Totally Festive Stephen MPs’ Holiday Gift List Maher

We asked MPs from all parties to share Canadian cultural gift ideas.

Justin Trudeau Tom Mulcair Peter Julian MP for Papineau, prime NDP MP for Outremont, LPC MP for - NDP MP for New minister NDP Leader Malton, Minister of Westminster- Innovation, Science and Three Day Road is a Political thrillers have Economic Development Two classic Canadian films fantastic, passionate work of become quite popular that make terrific holiday historical fiction by the great recently, highlighted by I’m a hard-core sports fan. gifts for film lovers: Canadian author Joseph House of Cards and Borgen as I like my NBA basketball (Go, Robert Lepage’s The Boyden. Taking readers viewing options, but we have Raptors!). But my favourite Confessional was a multi- back nearly a century, the not seen a great Canadian Canadian mini-series is award winning film that continues to be a story explores a momentous political thriller reach the Anne of Green Gables. I’ve groundbreaker today for the chapter of our country’s small or big screen. There is watched it twice with my strength of its characters and history and takes readers however some tremendous wife. It reminds me of her. the extraordinary transitions on a captivating adventure writing that could become My daughters, who are six in the film between past and through time. Highly the basis for such a script. and nine, are at that age recommended this holiday Author Stephen Maher present. Filmed in Québec where they can enjoy this City. season! (known to iPolitics readers) Canadian classic with us. My has made his contribution to Flower & Garnet is an eldest daughter is spirited award-winning film from the genre with the exciting and mischievous and speaks . Keith novel Deadline. Another is her mind — just like Anne Behrman won numerous my suggestion for a holiday Shirley. I guess my daughter awards internationally for gift this year, Péril sur le takes after me in that way. his first feature film. It’s fleuve by former journalist When I was a kid, I was a bit a gripping drama about Daniel Lessard. It will of a troublemaker. I’m not a family trying to survive captivate readers by tapping sure I really outgrew that intense and prolonged into ongoing important phase. Maybe I’ve just put it crisis in Ashcroft, B.C., and environmental issues in to better use. features the landscape of Canada. that beautiful region.

16 MPS’ HOLIDAY GIFT LIST

Stephen Maher

Elizabeth May Charlie Angus Melanie Joly GPC MP for Saanich-Gulf CPC MP for Sturgeon NDP MP for LPC for Ahuntsic- Islands, Green River-Parkland, interim — James Bay Cartierville, heritage Conservative leader minister For my Christmas basket I am recommending the I offer a sampler from the In 1993, Jann Arden broke vinyl edition of Song and As a Montrealer and a writers of Saanich-Gulf onto the Canadian music Dance Man by . lover of music, the Leonard Islands. For crackling wit scene. Since then, she’s been He is one of Canada’ great Cohen album Various over a wintry fire, Arthur a beloved female Canadian underrated treasures — Positions is an obvious Black’s latest, Fifty Shades music icon. Years later, with musical mentor, promoter choice. Leonard Cohen was of Black. To indulge in 12 albums and 19 top-ten and continual shape-shifter one of our greatest poets and page turners, I give you singles under her belt, she’s with young bands and new his timeless and universal the full collection of still making music all ages ideas. But he speaks with work will continue to inspire William Deverell’s Arthur can enjoy including my biting social insight: future generations around Beauchamp novels. Our favourite, Will You Remember “There’s a handful of the world. weathered and brilliant Me?. It’s haunting, beautiful pennies. Kickstart some lawyer keeps trying to retire and makes me think of all things. If you can tweet to his paradise on the Gulf the people I love who have something brilliant. You got a Islands, only to be drawn passed. I love her music and market in plan. Tingling and back into tricky cases, her brand new Christmas CD, jingling. Living in a van. If we complicated by his wife, an like all of her albums, does can just sell some t-shirts. We organic gardener turned MP not disappoint. Any of Jann’s could pay for the gas.” I’ve — and Leader of the Green CDs would make a great hung out with Collett since we Party. Canadian gift this Christmas were teens. He has been on a For poetry, Lorna Crozier to celebrate a strong, sassy, relentless journey seeking out and The Blue Hour of the Canadian woman and the new ideas, artists and sounds. Day, and Patrick Lane’s holiday season! collection Washita. For prose that reads like poetry, Brian Brett’s latest Tuco: The Parrot, the Others, and Candice Bergen A Scattershot World. And CPC MP for Portage-Lisgar, Conservative Ronald Wright … which one — A Short History of From a farming family in picturesque Plum Coulee to Progress, or the latest, a performing at Carnegie Hall and the Vatican, violinist Rosemary novel, The Gold Eaters? Siemens is a prime example of some of the extraordinary Well, I’ll give you both. And talent that comes out of my riding of Portage-Lisgar. Rosemary Robert Bateman’s latest, Life recently put her hometown on the map with her album Plum Sketches: A Memoir. And for Coulee, My Home. I’m so proud of Rosemary, and of all the fun, I throw in a collection of local talent in Portage-Lisgar. It would make a great gift for any Raffi CDs. Merry Christmas!! bluegrass music fan in your life.

Gordon Brown CPC MP for Leeds -Grenville- Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. Conservative whip Peter C. Newman just released a new book called Hostages to Fortune, about the United Empire Loyalists. He spent a lot of time in Gananoque last year, writing the book. I’m looking forward to sitting down and reading it because I have a lot of interest in the United Empire Loyalists, having grown up in a loyalist town.

17 Holiday Social Calendar James Munson

Mayor Jim Watson and Environment Visit the The first night Minister Catherine McKenna take part in a 11 Stanley’s Olde 12 of the NAC’s 13 dramatic reading of A Christmas Carole at 3PM. Maple Lane Farm’s presentation of A Creative Sundays at the Ottawa Art Gallery, 1-3 Christmas Village Christmas Carole PM. Drop-in. until Sunday. * starts tonight. Ottawa Celtic Choir with Songs to Light the Darkness, at St. Lukes Church at 7:30 PM. Admission by donation.

The Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra 18 See Enjoy the 20 play Handel’s Messiah at Dominion- decorated Chalmers United Church at 7:30 PM. ipolitics.ca traditional homes at for links, event Upper Canada Village’s Family sing-along with Cantata Singers and the Alight at Night with a Ottawa Children’s Choir at St. Joseph’s Church. times and carriage ride.* Earliest skating day on the Rideau Canal was today locations, as on both 1972 and 1981, so here’s hoping. well as even more events.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau turns 45. Enjoy a half- 25 price pass at 27 Also, it’s Christmas. Ski Fortune in the evening or get to know another of the region’s hills.*

JANUARY Salute to The first of the 1 Vienna returns 2 LCBO’s winter 3 Reserved for hangover. to showcase wine and food tastings waltzes and operatta’s in the Ottawa region at the NAC. opens with a tour of Burgundy in Nepean.

18 HOLIDAY SOCIAL CALENDAR

DECEMBER 7 Ottawa’s biggest 8 Free carriage 10 Free Beavertails Christmas craft rides in the and music kick off show, Ottawa Originals, Byward Market at the starts today at the EY James Christmas Lights Across corner of William and Centre.* York Streets. Comes Munson Canada on Parliament with a hot drink. Hill at 7 PM. Need someone to keep you warm this Christmas? Play roulette with your heart The Ballet 14 and maybe your health Last official 16 One of 17 Jörgen presents by going speed dating. sitting day Ottawa’s best The Nutcracker set of the year for MPs. choirs, the a capella in the Canadian Time to see family for Stairwell Carollers, sing wilderness, complete Tenor Ben the first time in three sacred and secular with the lumberjacks Heppner hosts 15 months. Christmas carols at and the . his first of two Christmas Knox Church at 7:30 PM. concerts for the Ottawa Art Gallery chamber music festival. Creative Happy Hour 7 PM. Free; please register. Get to know 22 Get your pet’s 23 That day 24 Liberal Holiday Party. Gatineau picture taken when Park’s cross-country with Santa to support francophone kids get skill trails with the Ottawa Humane their presents a day Nathalie 21 expedition tours. * Society. early. (Assuming most McMaster and people know what a Donnell Leahy offer up Reveillon is.) a Celtic Christmas at the NAC.

Missing Cheer on the Firework politics 28 Senators as 29 watching 31 already? they host the and music across the Check out the Detroit Red Wings. city for the kick-off National Gallery of of Canada’s 150th Canada’s exhibit of birthday! historic Globe & Mail If you need a scotch to photographs. keep you warm, check out the Hogman-eh Scottish New Year’s at Landsdowne Park. *These events are not Missing that fixed to any particular Christmas Spirit? 5 date, except for Ski Check out the Museum Free skating Fortune, which is only of History’s exhibit (without a 7 on Tuesdays. of traditional horse- reservation) at the drawn sleighs.* governor generals’ rink at today and tomorrow.

19 Politicians’ Holiday Cards Part Ainslie of the Permanent Campaign Cruikshank

t’s that time of year again. before he even became leader of the Liberal Party, That time when your mailbox fills up with certainly caused a stir. Iholiday cards from your dentist, your realtor, your It features Trudeau, Sophie Grégoire and their two chiropractor, and of course, from politicians. eldest children, Xavier and Ella-Grace, all smiling, rosy- Most of us get a vaguely transactional feeling when cheeked, and bundled in fur. those cards arrive, and for good reason, according to While the card drew condemnation from animal one political messaging expert. rights activists, Trudeau told CBC at the time that he’s “It’s not really about wishing somebody best wishes glad to support Canadian products and sustainable fur. of the season, it’s about finding a way to communicate “But it’s mostly just a family Christmas card,” he a positive image of yourself,” said Alex Marland, a said. political scientist at Memorial University and the Marland said he doubts Trudeau wears fur on a author of Brand Command: Canadian Politics and regular basis, but the media picked it up and even the Democracy in the Age of Message Control. people who didn’t get the card saw it, he said. “Politicians are in the business of permanent “(Trudeau) knew it was going to cause controversy, campaigning,” he said. but his point was to try and show connection with What really matters is whether they attract media rural Canada and Canadian nationalism,” he said. attention and one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Since 2010, Trudeau’s holiday cards have shown his cards stands out in particular, he said. family laughing and smiling together and enjoying an The card Trudeau sent out in 2010, three years active, outdoor lifestyle.

20 POLITICIANS’ HOLIDAY CARDS PART OF THE PERMANENT CAMPAIGN

The front of his 2013 card shows the family out for a political parties should cover the costs of cards for a paddle, while inside, they’re enjoying a snowball fight small number of people. mid-hike. In Newfoundland, parties may be forced to step Another fondly remembered card features former up to the plate for their provincial members in the Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen, House of Assembly to protect the annual holiday card children Ben and Rachel, and their furry friend, tradition. Charlie the chinchilla. If new recommendations by a compensation review While Charlie may have been the initial reason committee are approved, members won’t be able to for media attention, the 2013 card got another use their allowances to send out Christmas cards to go-round when the photo was posted on the site constituents. awkwardfamilyphotos.com. “It just looked awkward,” said Marland. The following year, Charlie was nowhere to be found on Harper’s holiday card, which showed the family of four clapping at an event. The major question for Marland when it comes to political cards is, who’s paying for them? Most often it’s the taxpayer, as the cards can be paid for through MPs’ parliamentary budgets, he explained. “Harper did it, Trudeau’s team does it, what they do is they use public resources to try and promote themselves in a good light,” he said. “It’s electioneering, it’s using public resources to curry favour.” Marland suggests cards should only be sent out to dignitaries like the British Prime Minister or that

21 POLITICIANS’ HOLIDAY CARDS PART OF THE PERMANENT CAMPAIGN

But there will always be old cards to look back on. Having made his first Christmas splash the day he was born, on Dec. 25, 1971, Justin Trudeau got his first taste of political holiday cards at a young age – here he is in Prime Minister ’s 1976 Christmas card with his mother, Margaret, and younger brothers, Sacha and Michel. Rona Ambrose’ first holiday card as of the Conservatives shows her family skiing and horseback riding. NDP leader Tom Mulcair’s 2015 card features he and his wife Catherine sitting before a fire. And just for fun, here’s what has arguably been the most viral parliamentary Christmas card since the dawn of social media, Australian MP Andrew Leigh’s 2015 card starring one genuinely pouty youngster – hey, who hasn’t been there?

CANADA’S FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY GROWING A GREENER TOMORROW

Learn more about how Canada’s Forest Products Industry is part of the solution to climate change at: FPAC.CA/CLIMATECHANGE

THE FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION OF CAN ADA · @FP AC_APFC · /FPA C.APFC 22 A Voice, a Chime, Beatrice a Chant Sublime Britneff

Dominion Carillonneur Andrea McCrady plays the Peace Tower Carillon every day at noon — an instrument that requires playing one set of keys with the sides of her hands and second set of pedals with her feet. or Canada’s Dominion As much as she enjoys the holiday carillonneur, the holiday season, McCrady says she refuses Fseason is a “special time for to play any Christmas music before bells.” December 1. “People do associate bells “We hear enough of it — even with Christmas,” says Dr. Andrea before Halloween, for goodness “So that’s an explanation in case McCrady, who presides over the sakes,” she says. somebody asks, ‘Why the heck is she bells of the Peace Tower carillon. Many of the daily programs playing Tiptoe Through the Tulips in CANADA’S FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY “Once we’re in December, it really throughout December are organized December?’” McCrady jokes. adds to the seasonal atmosphere, thematically. December 5, for While she doesn’t care much for so that’s a very special time. And I example, is dedicated specifically bell-related puns and phrases — she enjoy that.” to Canadian carols and songs, all of does make room for what she calls GROWING To borrow from a 2014 iPolitics which McCrady has arranged for the the “bells songs.” Expect to hear profile of the Peace Tower’s carillon herself. She plans to begin songs like Ding, Dong, Merrily on resident musician, McCrady is a with a traditional Mohawk carol, High and Jingle Bells, among others, “physician-turned professional followed by a few French tunes. The on December 19. A GREENER carillonneur,” who spends many latter half of the program includes But Parliament Hill-goers won’t of her days in a tiny room in the some contemporary Canadian songs only hear holiday tunes throughout belfry, sandwiched between 53 — Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan December. Year-round, McCrady TOMORROW bells weighing a total of 55 metric and Joni Mitchell’s River. likes to mark a composer’s birthday tonnes. She is the fifth musician December 7 is a day of jazz, by playing some of their music. hired to play the Peace Tower including a Peanuts Christmas Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthday carillon, which was inaugurated in Medley — Linus & Lucy anyone? happens to fall on December 16, Learn more about how Canada’s Forest Products 1927 to commemorate sacrifices by — and Blue Christmas. McCrady which McCrady says gives her an Industry is part of the solution to climate change at: Canadians during World War I. is also responsible for a special opportunity to take “a little break” FPAC.CA/CLIMATECHANGE McCrady says she never leaves 25-minute program that evening, for from all the Christmas tunes. Her her 15-minute programs to the last which Heritage Canada asked her line-up that day is exclusively pieces minute, and her Christmas program to put together a musical preview by Beethoven, including Für Elise is no exception. By mid-November, for Canada’s 150th celebration and and an adagio from the famous her special December line-up is select one song to represent each of Moonlight Sonata. THE FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION OF CAN ADA · @FP AC_APFC · /FPA C.APFC nearly complete. the four seasons. McCrady also begins each daily 23 A VOICE, A CHIME, A CHANT SUBLIME

Santa Claus. There are also some November — and Wavin’ Flag by modern favourites, including Santa K’naan. And at midnight, as Ottawa Baby and I Saw Mommy Kissing ushers in the New Year, McCrady Santa Claus. will play again as the fireworks On Christmas Eve, the carillon is explode. silent. McCrady returns December McCrady says she shares “tower 28 with a program dedicated to time” with a research technician Hanukkah. from the “I always finish with klezmer and some of her students from music which is really a hoot to play,” ’s carillon studies Andrea McCrady is Parliament’s fifth — she says. program, so she won’t be playing and first female — dominion carillonneur. the entire December program McCrady has prepared a special musical And McCrady has got a line-up for the month December, which particularly special program lined herself. Still, all carillon recitals are includes several Christmas programs, with up for December 31, at Heritage performed live, she emphasizes. both classic and modern tunes, a Hanukkah Canada’s request. Nothing is recorded. program, and even a program to mark As for special requests, McCrady Beethoven’s birthday. ‘They wanted me to recreate what was played 50 years ago,” McCrady says she’s “always open to program with Canada’s national says. “Well, the carillonneur at suggestions.” “Not everything works … and anthem, which she says she never that time only played two pieces: O not everything is appropriate,” she tires of playing and cites as one of Canada and the Centennial Hymn. adds. “Now, I’m not a snob, and I’m her favourite pieces to perform. And so I’m embedding that in the not a prude. But this is the Peace Closer to Christmas itself, program and I wanted to have some Tower.” McCrady has dedicated December stuff that people recognize and When asked if she ever decorates 23 to Santa Claus- related songs. She bring it up to date.” her little room within the belfry for has squeezed an impressive number McCrady has chosen to round the holidays, McCrady pauses and of pieces into that day’s program — off the New Year’s Eve program smiles mischievously. eight songs, in addition to with Hallelujah — perhaps now a “No comment.” — including classics like Santa Claus more meaningful choice than ever Is Coming To Town and Here Comes given Leonard Cohen’s passing in

Celebrating 125 years in the nation’s capital

24Grades 4–12 | Coeducation | IB World School ashbury.ca BY Beatrice Britneff What the Leaders Beatrice Would Get Each Other Britneff We're sure that on their bad days, the five Canadian party leaders would gladly stuff each other's stockings with coal, but for the sake of encouraging some holiday cheer, iPolitics made them play nice and asked them to send us a list of the funny and/or thoughtful presents they would gift each other for Christmas. Tom Mulcair’s list Rona Ambrose’s list Elizabeth May’s list Rhéal Fortin’s list For Justin Trudeau: A night For Prime Minister Trudeau: A For Justin Trudeau: A For Justin Trudeau: A selfie- of babysitting. Catherine and selfie stick - he must be getting beautiful hand-stitched stick for these trips. I could look after the kids for a sore arm by now! needlework pillow for his For Rona Ambrose: a GPS an evening to give Sophie For NDP Leader Tom Mulcair: favourite chair with: "2015 to find its way through and Justin a rare night out Hipster-endorsed beard will be the last election held conservative candidacies together. grooming kit. under First Past the Post" and find the residence of the (artwork suitable - in the leader of the Bloc Québécois For Rona Ambrose: A long For Green Party Leader alternative - for a tattoo). in Saint-Jérôme. vacation, somewhere warm. Elizabeth May: A good old- 2016’s hardest working MP fashioned power saw for those For Rona Ambrose: A For Thomas Mulcair: The new deserves a break. Maybe overgrown trees in her yard. Hogwarts time turner so she Angry Bird game. Cuba? can go back to the moment For Bloc Quebecois For Elizabeth May: A clone to For Elizabeth May: she said she did not want to Leader Rheal Fortin: A run for CPC leadership. be everywhere at the same Proportional Representation! commemorative plate time! That would be a pretty great celebrating the Queen's For Tom Mulcair: A compass gift for her and all Canadians. anniversary. to help him find his way back For Rhéal Fortin: La Guerre to the Left. Des Tuques Animee - 3D Blu- For Rheal Fortin: Two more ray Disc. It’s a new twist on a MPs so he can get a recognized classic story of winter party (with a note reminding and childhood. him to help me find 11).

Justin Trudeau’s list * For Rona Ambrose: Her own custom Snapchat filter. For Tom Mulcair: A self-help book on how to transition peacefully into retirement. For Rhéal Fortin: A René Levesque bobblehead. For Elizabeth May: Pine-scented air freshener to clear the House of Commons of #fartgate. * Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not respond to our request by deadline, and so we've cheekily taken it up ourselves to make up a list on his behalf.

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New Year’s Resolution: DEVELOP Help you do more with less We handle the BIG tasks to let you focus on what’s important. TEST

Learn more: 613.599.2400 or email [email protected] A Heartwarming Conservative Leadership Holiday Truce (sort of ) Janice Dickson

e’re all about the spirit of giving at here at iPolitics, so we asked Conservative Wleadership candidates what they would like to give to one another this holiday season. While some candidates were especially generous Kellie Leitch: President’s Choice Butter Chicken and decided to give to all of their rivals, others Lasagna = Evolving . were a bit choosier, only gifting to one, or a Andrew Scheer: A three-month membership handful. for hot yoga classes = Trudeau’s Yoga Body. All but three candidates participated in our — Deepak Obhrai gift-giving exercise. Candidates , and Kellie Leitch were, evidently, not in the giving mood. Here are the Conservative leadership candidates’ gift selections:

In an effort to play fair and because I am a generous spirit, I would get each of my fellow candidates a refrigerator Kellie Leitch - A weekend getaway at a Trump Hotel Maxime Bernier - Competitively priced, non-cartel (to freeze government spending), hedge maple syrup from the Chong farm. clippers (to trim back the deficit) and a Steven Blaney - An ergonomic chair for the hours of five-year supply of fertilizer (to stimulate Royal Commission hearings on Canadian identity. economic growth). In return, I might - A box of Kleenex for his tears over hope Lisa Raitt and Maxime Bernier the millions of dollars spent on Royal Commission would kindly gift me a step-ladder for hearings on Canadian identity, undoing all his work of when I need to stand next to them in balancing the budget. Andrew Scheer - A yoga mat to hone his Dad bod. debates. - Lunch with and Elizabeth May. And it would not be right to leave our Deepak Obhrai - A red and green festive scarf. Liberal opponents off the list — I’d like -- to give Justin Trudeau a vacuum cleaner to clean up all the debt he is creating!

— Dan Lindsay

26 A HEARTWARMING CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP TRUCE ... SORT OF

Chris Alexander: A luggage scale or round-trip airfare from the Pickering Airport. Chris Alexander: A Starbucks gift card. Maxime Bernier: A secure briefcase, in black Maxime Bernier: For myself, just some time off with my leather. Steven Blaney: A tray of fine Quebec cheese family is all I need. I have been campaigning for seven (supply chain management). months now, and every day I miss my two daughters, Michael Chong: A CO2-hungry office fern. Charlotte and Megan and my spouse, Catherine. Kellie Leitch: A home alarm system. Daniel Lindsay: An engraved name tag. Steven Blaney: Two litres of American chocolate (it Deepak Obhrai: An RCAF scarf. really is cheaper). Andrew Saxton: A vintage abacus. é ’ Andrew Scheer: A pass to hot yoga classes Michael Chong: A copy of St phane Dion s campaign for those trying to lose their Dad bods. platform... Oh wait, he clearly already has that. Brad Trost: A signed photo of Gloria Steinem. Kellie Leitch: Economics in one Lesson by . Lisa Raitt: Back to Work Legislation for (She needs it to flesh out her platform). Justin Trudeau. -- Erin O’Toole Daniel Lindsay: A Bridgehead gift card. Deepak Obhrai: A new, blue, coat of paint for his scooter. Erin O’Toole: A Tim Hortons gift card. Lisa Raitt: A copy of Hayek’s Road to Serfdom. Andrew Saxton: A good bottle of scotch. Andrew Scheer: Fallout 4 for Xbox One. Brad Trost: The Connor Boya’s “Tuttle Twins“ children books, for his kids.

Deepak Obhrai: Scarf. Maxime Bernier: A two-litre box of Brad Trost: Friendship bracelet. Ontario Sealtest homogenized milk. Kellie Leitch: Stethoscope. Deepak Obhrai and Andrew Saxton: Maxime Bernier: Subscription to GQ. Each a pair of box tickets to the — Andrew Scheer 104th Grey Cup in Toronto: they are the only candidates from a cities with hopes of making it here this year. — Chris Alexander

For all candidates: B.C. wine to remind them the importance of reducing inter-provincial barriers to trade and to toast the future of our country. Kellie Leitch: A better garage • Andrew Saxton door opener. — Brad Trost

27 Janice A Yuletide Wassail Dickson ‘Twas the night before holiday break, when all round’ the Hill, Staffers, sources and journos were scouting for swill. The Grits hit their local smack dab on Sparks Street, A Guinness at D’Arcy’s — not a rare, festive treat. A few dippers at large had a short walk to go. Brixton’s on Sparks is for lefties in the know. and others commingled at the Met.

THE MET Where some people say and do things they regret. ZOE’S Naturally, your scribe went to all three bars, I’m always game up for a few yahr yahr yahrs! I sprang from my Hot Room chair like a stray Trudeau curl, Being a holly, jolly, wassailing kinda girl. D’ARCY’S The hale Hot Room journos infested the streets, RIVIERA To meet folks from all parties they knew from their beats. The snow was-a-dancing on the Ottawa lights, T’was a magical eve without whingeing or fights. BRIXTON’S No more questions designed to make one look a fool, No more answers contrived for the 140-letter rule. T’is the Holiday season; t’is no time to bite. Save the biting for food and for wine that is white. Riviera on Sparks is so nice you’ll love it. For Art Deco design, we’ve got nothing above it. If too many presents have emptied your wallet, Hill receptions are gratis, or whatever you call it. For something named after a dead PM’s spouse, Zoe’s Lounge in the Chateau always has a full house. The holiday season is a time to share joy, So get out there and party – hurry up, don’t be coy.

28 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lights the menorah at a Hanukkah celebration on Parliament Hill in 2015.

Beatrice Hanukkah on the Hill Britneff

ount Royal member of — one political, one religious — branch of Judaism,” Housefather Parliament Anthony will be lit this year. Politicians said. “That is important to me MHousefather is gearing — including the prime minister, because every branch of Judaism is up for a busy holiday season and the leader of the opposition, and equal and none should be excluded looking forward to celebrating representatives of the parties sitting and none should exclude others.” Hanukkah, both on the Hill and his in the House of Commons — will “Last year, the fact that hometown. be invited to light candles on one we had women rabbis from “There’s no shortage of them!” menorah, while Jewish community Reconstructionist and Reform Housefather said, when asked leaders from Ottawa, Toronto and lighting candles alongside Chabad, about the events he has lined up for will be invited to light the I thought was very special — and it the month of December to celebrate other. added to the non-partisan spirit of the Jewish festival of lights, which Housefather said he and Levitt the holidays.” commemorates the rededication have made a point of inviting Housefather said the event will of the second Jewish Temple in rabbis from the Chabad, Modern hopefully bring “people from all . Orthodox, Conservative, Reform religions and all parties to celebrate With Hanukkah starting and Reconstructionist sects to together” and will include “all the relatively late this year — light a candle for the religious traditional Hanukkah fare,” such as December 24 — Housefather and menorah. In the past, he said, it latkes and sufganiyot. York-Centre MP are was often just representatives Once the House adjourns for the organizing an event on Parliament of Chabad-Lubavitch — a well- winter break, the next celebrations Hill to mark the beginning of known Orthodox Jewish, Hasidic will occur at home with loved ones. Hanukkah before MPs take off for movement and one of the largest , who was elected the holiday break. This year will Jewish religious organizations in in 2015 to represent the riding of mark the second time the duo is the world — who were invited to Toronto-Danforth, said she spends hosting the event, where rabbis are light the candles. the majority of the eight nights and invited to a menorah lighting with “I’m excited about the way days of Hanukkah with her family. politicians. Michael and I have organized it “There aren’t necessarily that Housefather said two menorahs (because) we bring together every many opportunities throughout the 29 HANUKKAH ON THE HILL year to really highlight for my kids deep-fried goodies, Dabrusin said On that note, Dabrusin said one some of the great parts of being latkes and doughnuts take the top of her highlights from Hanukkah Jewish,” Dabrusin said. “Hanukkah spot. last year was an invitation to a is one of those times where we can “Homemade fritters right out of seniors’ operatic karaoke do that. I like that they have the the deep-fryer are unbelievable,” event at a community centre in her opportunity to celebrate and to feel she added. riding. She said both her Cantonese some pride.” However, Dabrusin explained and opera skills are “not very good” As with many other holidays, she’s strict about putting away the and so she offered to sing ‘I Have a both Housefather and Dabrusin deep-fryer on January 1: “Can’t Little Dreidel.’ said a big component of celebrating keep that out all year long!” “That was a fun exchange and I Hanukkah with family and friends Both Dabrusin and Housefather think that’s what’s great about our is the food. Dabrusin shared what said an important part of Hanukkah country — experiences like that she calls her family’s “quirky” for them is including people from where I can go and I can listen to tradition — which arose from all religions and walks of life in them and then I can sing ‘I Have a finding a way around peanut-free their celebrations. Little Dreidel,’ and we can all have doughnuts. (One of her daughters “One of the great joys of being an fun together,” Dabrusin said. has an anaphylactic allergy to MP is being able to celebrate all of The menorah lighting on peanuts.) these holidays together with them,” Parliament Hill — also known as “I went out and bought a deep- said Housefather, who also mayor Hanukkah on the Hill — will take fryer and our tradition is on of Côte-Saint-Luc from 2005 until place Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016 December 1, we bring out the deep his election as an MP in 2015. from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Railway fryer and we start deep frying away “When we have our celebrations Committee Room (253D) in Centre for one month,” she said. “That’s in our home, it’s not just Jewish Block. Housefather and Levitt ask our celebration — for one month friends or family who come along those who wish to attend to RSVP we deep-fry cannolis — anything but we make it open to all of our by Wednesday Dec. 7 to you can think of that we can toss friends as a way to share some [email protected] into a deep-fryer.” of our traditions and our food,” When asked about her favourite Dabrusin said.

30 Delivering Smiles for Seniors Holly at Christmas Lake

a wish list from each resident who was without family, and then hand- delivered gifts with his growing army of elves. “One of the biggest attractions of this is that it’s personal and immediate. It’s not just throwing money or a matter of wondering if you made a difference,” Steele said. “It’s knowing you did.” In 2004, he was in Afghanistan for Christmas, but had made arrangements for the program before he left. The program had great support within DND and the community, so his elves didn’t let him down. “Darren was very down to earth and charismatic. I think that’s why he touched so many people. The program was elegant and simple and it was such a community- spirited idea of taking care of our Chantal Langevin, of Smiles for Seniors, which buys gifts for more than 200 seniors. own and not letting anyone be forgotten at Christmas time,” says or Chantal Langevin, Christmas Smiles for Seniors. Dannette MacLeod, who’s no longer hasn’t always been the most “I absolutely loved the idea,” she with the program, but got involved wonderful time of the year. says of learning of the program in F in 2003 and helped keep things Growing up, while her mom 2012. “There just aren’t many that running the Christmas Steele was struggled to put food on the table, are comparable for seniors at any away. at her relatives, presents would fill point in the year.” “Darren would be in there like a half the living room for a family Christmas Smiles for Seniors was dirty shirt — stuffing bags, making of five at Christmas. The contrast created in 2000 by Capt. Darren the tissue paper look pretty, which always struck her — and stayed Steele, a public affairs officer who’d was funny as he was a guy’s guy,” with her. just been posted to National Defence she says. “He was very generous. She loved her family dearly, Headquarters in Ottawa. His He loved kids and he really loved but also remembers the distinctly children lived in another city with Christmas. There were some homes different vibe that came with their mother, so when the holidays where he would dress up and be Thanksgiving. No one was stressed arrived, it made for a lonely time. Santa. He took so much joy from or cranky or selfish — they Steele lived near a seniors doing that.” were just happy to get together. residence and it dawned on him Tragically, Steele was killed in a Christmas, however, had moved that some of the residents probably motorcycle accident in June 2006 away from what she thought it felt the same way. while posted in Colorado Springs. should be all about. “If there is one time of the year He’d stayed involved with Christmas “As I got older, it just wasn’t when being alone is most felt, it’s Smiles after leaving Ottawa and, at something I wanted to be a part of,” got to be Christmas,” he told the his funeral, volunteers decided they she recalls. in 2004. weren’t about to let the program So just how did she find herself So, he set out to spread a little pass with its head elf. coordinating the purchase of gifts cheer. He went to a seniors’ “No one person could ever fill for more than 200 seniors living in home with 25 gifts in tow, but the Darren’s shoes so we formed Team four residences across Ottawa, and manager said he couldn’t take them, Darren,” says McLeod. overseeing the hundreds of keen as he had 190 residents. Before long, Today, the program works with volunteers (known as elves) who Steele returned with 190 gifts. 51 residences across the city. Last buy them each year? The program grew each year as year, more than 2,000 presents were That’s the magic of Christmas he contacted residences, asked for

31 DELIVERING SMILES FOR SENIORS AT CHRISTMAS delivered, purchased by almost as crossword puzzle. It’s tiny things by that? It absolutely warms my many elves. that probably wouldn’t mean much heart. It’s really the warmth of the “For some, their list is socks or a to most people. But we’ve not only season,” she says. “I hate going into warm blanket. It breaks my heart,” been able to give something special the malls. Everyone is so stressed Langevin says. “Everything in this to this senior, but things in her and grumpy. No one is happy. It’s world you could ask for and you native tongue.” not what I want to see, so it’s really want socks. My guess is they don’t One particularly enthusiastic nice to change that in my own view. want them, they need them.” elf is a young woman in her early “This has become my Christmas. That said, she’s heard countless 20s. She’s always made homemade It’s what I look forward to and stories from homes about the kind cards to go along with her gifts for I haven’t looked forward to of difference the presents make. For senior women and was determined Christmas in years. Now, by those who are alone and sad during this year to recruit another 150 October I’m excited. I really feel like the holidays, a gift can make their volunteers. She got her old sorority Christmas Smiles is bringing back Christmas. involved and has met her recruiting the Christmas spirit in me.” In her first year with Christmas target. Steele started something simple Smiles, Langevin spread word of the “I’ve got story after story of and genuine, which still touches program on social media and before regular people making a huge people to this day, just as Steele she knew it, had 50 people wanting difference in a complete stranger’s himself did. to join her. life,” Langevin says. “This is about what Christmas “I probably get a new elf a day, Elves spend just $35 to find the is — a time for caring for others and if not every other day,” she says. items on a senior’s gift list. They’re thinking about those less fortunate,” “People seem to love this program. dropped at a central location and he said in 2004. “We hope we can It’s just amazing.” There are some delivered to homes by the Smiles make a difference at a time when incredible elves in her ranks, volunteers. being alone is felt most of all.” including an Italian woman who “The beauty of it is that everyone Safe to say that 16 years on, always buys for the same Italian- just has to do a little,” says McLeod. it’s mission accomplished for this speaking senior. And yet, Langevin will tell you Santa-loving soldier and his kind “When she goes to Montreal it’s a gift unto itself, especially when army of elves. throughout the year, she looks for 500 gifts get dropped at her house to To find out more or to become an things that her senior might enjoy. be distributed. elf, visit christmassmiles.com. One year it included an Italian “How do you not be touched

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Make your gift a life-changing one.

SHOP TODAY AT REDCROSS.CA/YOURGIFT BMO will match all gifts made before December 25, 2016. 32 *BMO Bank of Montreal will match up to a maximum amount of $50,000 in total for donations made prior to December 25, 2016. Emily Gifts That Make a Difference Fearon T’is the season to think of others.

his year during the holidays, in Canada, and you’re making a of conflict don’t have the warm you can not only have a good difference around the world, while clothes and blankets they need to Ttime but also do some good in you’re thinking of this person.” survive,” she said. the lives of others. You can donate to Red Cross gifts you can chose Another way to give back specific causes, buy meaningful gifts from include blankets, infant care this season is by donating to or or incorporate a fundraising goal packages, and hot meals. The area collecting for the Ottawa Food into your party planning. of greatest need is the organization’s Bank’s holiday food drive (www. The Ottawa United Way is disaster response work, Larkin said. ottawafoodbank.ca/holiday-food- focusing on encouraging generosity “A lot of Canadians will think of drive). this season, said Andrée Dion, the Alberta fires and the Canadian manager of communications. They Red Cross response there, but we According to their website, the are doing this by sharing the stories actually respond to a disaster every food bank provides food for 50,000 of those in need who have had three hours across Canada,” Larkin people each month. Some of their their lives impacted for the better. said, adding that these are often most needed items are canned The United Way works with the “single family disaster[s],” like house meats, fruits, and vegetables, homeless, those with mental health fires or floods. baby products, personal hygiene challenges, senior citizens and UNICEF also provides charitable products, nutritious snacks, peanut others. gifts that can be bought in someone’s butter and soup. Donations to the United Way name, through the UNICEF Survival And for your own holiday food can be made online by individuals, Gifts holiday campaign (https://shop. consumption, until Dec. 4 The families, or groups (www. unicef.ca). Ottawa Mission — a shelter that unitedwayottawa.ca/donate). “They’re real gifts with real has been operating in the city If you’re looking to give gifts that impact,” said Meg French, UNICEF for 110 years — is selling frozen give back, the Red Cross holiday Canada chief program officer, in cookie dough to raise dough (www. fundraising campaign provides an email. “They include things ottawamission.com/taste-hope- many choices for meaningful like vaccines to immunize young annual-fundraiser). gifts you can donate in a loved children and mothers, therapeutic one’s name (www.redcross.ca/ milk to counter malnutrition and The Mission has three flavours giftsforgood/#help). bed nets to protect against malaria.” for sale this season — gingersnap, “It is an opportunity for French said that last year, sugar, and cheddar/bacon Canadians to purchase charitable Canadians bought almost 10 million shortbread — with the proceeds gifts over the holidays to give to of the Survival Gifts, including 5,000 going back to its food services their loved ones,” said Susan Larkin, bed nets. training program and to the 235 the Red Cross’ senior director of “This winter, one of the greatest people living at the shelter. philanthropy. “It’s a great way to areas of need is , where the “When you give a charitable gift, show someone you’re thinking of cold weather is approaching but it really is memorable,” said Larkin. them over the holidays, but also millions of children who have been that you are making a difference uprooted from their homes because

As Canadians look back on 2016, they should be proud of their commitment to our nation and the milestones that were reached collectively. This holiday season we are reminded of the comfort and generosity that Canadians gave to those in need as the entire country mobilized to support more than 80,000 individuals who were faced with extreme loss and devastation following the Alberta fires in May. Visit iPolitics.ca and the digital version of our magazine to read Janice Dickson’s interview with Canadian Red Cross President and CEO, Conrad Sauvé. In it Sauvé reflects on the achievements made and how the Alberta fires response has shaped the way forward for Canadian Red Cross disaster response. With this comes a heightened expectation for the future. Looking ahead into the new year, Sauvé addresses the important need to be ready for the next ‘big’ emergency. Together, we must take the steps now, in order to be adequately prepared for what’s ahead.

33 Put Some Canadian Politics Stephen Under the Tree Maher

Bill Davis: Nation Shopping for Votes: The Harper Factor: The Idea of Canada: Builder, and Not So How Politicians Choose Assessing a Prime Letters to a Nation Bland After All Us and We Choose Them Minister’s Policy Legacy Steve Paikin Susan Delacourt Signal $32 hardcover, 320 pages Dundurn Press Douglas & McIntyre Edited by Jennifer Ditchburn $45 hardcover, 584 pages $24.95 paperback, 352 pages and Graham Fox Governor General David McGill-Queen’s University Johnston has been writing TVO broadcaster Steve Veteran iPolitics and Toronto Press letters since he was a Paikin convinced former Star Journalist Susan $34.95 softcover, 320 pages Ontario Delacourt first published student at Harvard. In this book, he has collected 50 of to sit down for revealing this widely praised deep Veteran parliamentary them, including letters to personal interviews for this dive into the modern art reporter Jennifer Ditchburn Céline Dion, Chris Hadfield in-depth biography of this of political persuasion in teamed up with Graham Fox, and Kevin Vickers. “One of pivotal Canadian political 2013, but the second edition president of the Institute for his long-standing routines figure. “This book is a must- is notable for including a Research on Public Policy, involves writing letters — to read not just for political new chapter on the data to write the first draft of the his daughters, their children, junkies, but for anyone operation the Liberals ’s 22nd friends, acquaintances and who cares about the people used to win the 2015 prime minister. Ditchburn just about anyone he has and politics that built this election.“Ms. Delacourt and Fox lined up experts on bumped into. It is something province — written in a has pulled the themes files — including iPolitics he has been doing every readable, totally absorbing together in an excellently columnists Susan Delacourt morning for decades, putting way. You won’t be able to put researched book that widens and Tasha Kheiriddin — to pen to paper.” Peter Robb, it down.” Christina Blizzard, our understanding and try to figure out how Harper . deepens our depression changed Canada, if he about contemporary politics did. “The sector-by-sector — which offers, after all, approach Ditchburn and Fox a rough mirror of who we favour permits more detail are.” Jeffrey Simpson, Globe on individual files than, say, & Mail the more impressionistic take I offered in my own books on Harper. But to a surprising extent, deeper understanding of what he was up to proves elusive.” Paul Wells, Literary Review of Canada 34 PUT SOME CANADIAN POLITICS UNDER THE TREE

This has not been a standout year for Canadian political books. Unlike most years, when a couple of journalistic heavyweights end up in contention with historians and essayists for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, there are no blockbusters on this year’s list. Few books on here will be jostling for space with the latest John Grisham, but for the political junkies on your Christmas list, there are some interesting titles:

I am a Metis: The Story The Killing Game: The Candidate: Fear Cracking the Quebec of Gerry St. Germain Martyrdom, Murder and Loathing on the Code: The 7 keys and the Lure of ISIS Campaign Trail to understanding Peter O’Neil Quebecers Harbour Books Mark Bourrie Noah Richler $32.95 hardcover, 240 pages Patrick Crean Editions Doubleday Canada Jean-Marc Léger and Jacques $32.99 hardcover, 273 pages $34 hardcover, 384 pages Nantel Peter O’Neil, the longtime Juniper Publishing Ottawa correspondent for Veteran parliamentary Writer Noah Richler $24.95 paperback, 192 pages The Sun, has journalist and historian decided to run for the written a biography of Mark Bourrie tries to NDP as a sacrificial lamb Economist Jean-Marc Conservative Senator Gerry understand how young in the Liberal stronghold Léger is president of Léger St. Germain, tracing his story Canadians and other of Toronto-St. Paul’s and polling. Jacques Nantel is from his childhood on the westerners are lured to fight set out to knock on doors. a marketing professor at Assiniboine to his career as for ISIS. “Overall, Bourrie Richler made his mark HEC Montréal. Based on 30 an air force pilot, undercover makes an important point. on the campaign with years of polling, this book policeman, chicken farmer Rather than look outward some viral videos, but he analyzes the character of the and politician. This to explain Islamic State’s failed to get elected. Still, distinct society of Quebec. book, which comes out in attraction, we should he found the experience “The typical Quebecker, December, has yet to be look closely at ourselves. “sometimes amusing, as Mr. Léger portrays her, reviewed. The propagandists have sometimes heartbreaking, is hedonistic, fun-loving, pinpointed the lack of but always illuminating.” spontaneous, creative, meaning that pervades “Richler’s account of his emotional, work-shy, navel- modern Western relatively brief, quixotic gazing and proud. She loves cultures and exploited and ultimately unsuccessful good food, red wine and it to attract recruits, run as the NDP candidate Céline Dion. She spends like a virus spreading in Toronto-St. Paul’s in last more on booze (but binge- through a weakened host. year’s federal election makes drinks less), enjoys shopping Rehabilitating our own an important contribution more, saves less, and is 16 societal corpus is our best to a slim oeuvre.” Allan per cent more tolerant of defence.” Adnan R. Khan, Thompson, iPolitics homosexuality than her Rest- Maclean’s of-Canada counterpart. Her heroes are Maurice Richard, René Lévesque — and Céline Dion.” Eric Andrew-Gee, Globe and Mail 35 City of Lights, Magic and Free Booze In December, we all look up from our smartphones and L. Ian remember that Ottawa is beautiful. MacDonald

ou don’t think of Ottawa as The centre of the celebration is kids,” he says. a city of lights, except at this Parliament Hill. The illumination Thirty-one years later, he Ytime of year, when it truly is. ceremony on the Hill on December 7 imagines it is much the same There are some 400,000 marks the 32nd year of Christmas for Justin Trudeau and Sophie Christmas lights along Lights Across Canada, from the Grégoire-Trudeau and their Confederation Boulevard, which is national capital to provincial young kids, Xavier, Ella Grace and to say Wellington, Elgin, Mackenzie, and territorial capitals across the Hadrien. A public occasion but Sussex and Confederation Square. country. equally one for the family album. For the politicians, staffers, “That was the idea at the time,” For the public, it’s the first night consultants, journalists and others recalls , who was of the holiday season on the Hill, who work in the parliamentary beginning his second year in office complete with free BeaverTails, precinct, the display is an annual as prime minister in 1985 when the while supplies last, and much reminder that this isn’t just any project was launched. music, not to mention the famous other workplace and it isn’t all Mulroney remembers that first bells of the Peace Tower. “How about power. In December, we all lighting ceremony on the Hill, good was that?” I asked a dad and look up from our smartphones and surrounded by his young family. “It his two young daughters coming remember that Ottawa is beautiful. was a wonderful moment for the off the Hill after last year’s opening

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The Mulroney family celebrates on election night 1988. The illumination of the national capital was launched by Mulroney’s government in 1985. ceremony. “It was magic,” one of rambunctious leadership campaign of 211 MPs, members and guests the girls marveled, which said it all. with an overcrowded field of 12 meant more than 400 people for In mid-December come the candidates, all of them working dinner — no small affair. Christmas parties in the precinct. the room, looking for support from Today’s Liberal government The political Christmas parties their colleagues. A unified front for caucus, with 183 members, is in Ottawa are a chance for party the holidays is not a given for any similarly a large group and staff leaders to reward the faithful, opposition party, much less one in are also included at the Christmas thank donors, rally troops and the midst of a leadership campaign party. That’s well over a thousand press the flesh. For staffers, they’re that has been polarized by Kellie people at the Shaw Centre, where a chance to let off steam during one Leitch’s proposed “anti-Canadian the Liberals also gathered last of the busiest months of the years. values” quiz for new immigrants. year. Their party was sure to be For younger aides and The governing party’s holiday a continuing celebration of their administrative staff — most of parties tend to be a little more return to power in 2015. whom come to Ottawa from small festive, except heading into election For the rest of the political class, towns and cities across the country years when the opposition parties from consulting and law firms to to work for their MP, someone else’s are ahead in the polls. major local companies, there are MP or their party leaders — it’s a Mulroney fondly recalls how the private cocktail and dinner parties chance to meet people, including Conservatives did things during throughout December at preferred more senior staff, MPs and his tenure as PM, when his wife venues such as the Métropolitain ministers. For journalists, there’s Mila organized the caucus party Brasserie on Sussex Drive. the stereotypical lure of free booze as a black-tie dinner in the Hall of “We have the same people every and an opportunity to observe the Honour, followed by entertainment year,” says the Met’s Sarah Chown. politicians they cover outside the in what was then known as the “I already have parties booked in confines of post-question period Reading Room. 2019.” With Christmas falling on scrums and news conferences. “She always wanted to make a Sunday this year, the Met was For the Conservative caucus, it a special occasion,” Mulroney booked with private parties right whose gathering is in the Centre says, “especially for the spouses of through December 23, and Chown Block’s Hall of Honour, this year’s members who lived back in their says she won’t have a day off until is the second and last party hosted ridings, and would come in for the after New Year’s. by Interim Leader Rona Ambrose, weekend of the party.” “I am,” she says, “looking and may serve as a truce in a And with his first-term caucus forward to January.”

37 Checking It Twice Susan Who has been naughty and who has been nice? Delacourt

ong before Big Data arrived in politics, Santa Claus had Ldeveloped a pretty good system for sorting the population — the ‘naughty-nice’ list. It’s not a bad way to sort the year in Canadian politics either, though the versions of naughty and nice this country’s politics produced in 2016 were pale imitations of what we witnessed in the U.S. presidential race. Still, our politicians did manage to produce some moments worthy of mention, in both the good and bad columns.

First, the bad: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has had plenty of nice moments this year — he’s all about showing Naughty: Justin Trudeau got his elbows up on the floor of the House of Commons. that he can be nicer than Stephen THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-House of Commons Harper, after all. But Trudeau had his not-so-nice moments too — most matters into his own hands — I spent a bit of this summer famously, the “elbowing” incident literally. Attempting to physically talking to rookie MPs and I was in the Commons in May. push Conservative MP surprised at how often they cited Visibly frustrated by some back to his seat, the PM accidentally that week as the low point of their stalling tactics in the House, hit NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brousseau life in federal politics to date — Trudeau stormed over to the other in the chest. Trudeau would end up even if they’d only been spectators. side of the chamber and took apologizing repeatedly for treating The good news, though, is that the the Commons like a boxing ring. incident seemed to serve as a jolt to CHECKING IT TWICE the system. Collectively, MPs on all he’s headed back into the Liberal sides of the House appear to have caucus. resolved not to let things get that Other cabinet ministers have toxic again. taken turns in the penalty box too, The month of May also saw in less spectacular fashion — mostly Trudeau’s first firing of a cabinet for things like reckless spending on minister. , the limousines (Health Minister Jane fisheries minister, was summarily Philpott) or photography services dumped from cabinet and caucus (Environment Minister Catherine with only a cryptic announcement McKenna.) Trudeau’s two closest about him seeking treatment advisers — and Katie for addiction. It took a couple of months for more details to emerge Telford — also earned some time about how Tootoo ended up on on the bad-behaviour list for their Trudeau’s naughty list: a messy tale moving-to-Ottawa expenses. of an inappropriate relationship But by far, the worst offender on with a staffer, in addition to the the naughty list in Canadian politics in 2016 was not a person but a computer system. The Phoenix Naughty: MP Hunter Tootoo was payroll program has been a year- expelled from the Liberal caucus after an long lump in the stockings of tens of inappropriate relationship with a staffer. THE CANADIAN PRESS thousands of public servants across Canada, depriving individuals and families of money to pay their A few highlights: bills. It’s like something Ebenezer A hug on the floor of the Scrooge might have come up with. Commons between International We can only hope that the people Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland affected by this massive screwup and former Conservative Naughty: Gerald Butts and Kady Telford charged taxpayers for moving to Ottawa. will be seeing something extra trade minister Ed Fast to mark THE CANADIAN PRESS under the tree this year. the successful signing of the Comprehensive Economic and former minister’s struggles with On that optimistic note, let’s Trade Agreement (CETA). alcohol. turn to the 2016 moments worthy The revival of a pan-partisan Though Tootoo emerged of mention on the “nice” list. Not “women’s caucus” in the House of repentant from rehab and has kept surprisingly, they happened when Commons, in which female MPs a low profile since returning to politicians managed to put their from all parties decided this year work in the fall, there are no signs partisan differences aside.

39 CHECKING IT TWICE

deaths of former Liberal cabinet minister and commentator and former Alberta premier and federal Conservative cabinet minister in separate plane crashes. As well, the unexpected death of Mike Robinson, the veteran Liberal campaign strategist and lobbyist, saw hundreds of people of all political stripes on the patio of the Metropolitain this summer, paying tribute to a man known for the friends he made, not enemies. This more compassionate approach to politics is a bit like the Nice: Liberal Chrystia Freeland and Conservative Ed Fast hug it out. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Christmas spirit itself — it’s not always obvious throughout the that they could and should work June with an indigenous-Canadian- year, but it’s worth remembering together. Prime movers behind inspired “blanket ceremony” in the after the season’s over and the the initiative include Liberal MP John A. MacDonald building. decorations are back in the box. , Conservative MP Some of the saddest On that note, here’s to more Marilyn Gladu and the NDP’s Niki developments in politics can also “nice” and a little less “naughty” in Ashton. This kind of group hasn’t produce some of the brightest 2017. existed in the Commons in more moments. This was definitely the than 20 years. It was launched in case in the aftermath of the tragic

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Wishing you a happy holiday season! WCT IS COMMITTED TO GENDER PARITY IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY, AND SUPPORTS THE GOVERNMENT’S INNOVATION AGENDA TO CREATE A DIGITALLY LITERATE WORKFORCE.

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eggcellenttwist on tradition Our Caramel Eggnog will get you and your guests in the holiday spirit! Find this recipe and more at eggs.ca SEASON’S GREETINGS!

Une tradition déliciœufsementrenouvelée Notre lait de poule au caramel mettra vos invités dans l’esprit des Fêtes! Obtenez cette recette et plein d’autres à lesoeufs.ca MEILLEURS VŒUX!

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