Politics Today is your daily guide to some of the stories we're watching in Ottawa and across Canada, by The Globe and Mail's team of political reporters.
Common Sense Revolution, take two?
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says he's just itching to fight an election, he said in an interview with the Globe's Queen's Park reporter Adrian Morrow. Mr. Hudak, a cabinet minister during Mike Harris' '90s government, wants big reforms on the level, it would seem, of his old boss and his "Common Sense Revolution." One choice quote from the interview: Mr. Hudak wants to fix "the crumbling foundation of government of the last century."
Gambling with privatization
... though when it comes to privatization, the current Ontario government isn't sitting on its hands. Ontario is looking at privatizing gambling in the province and the bidding process has already begun. Not only that, the government is exploring reforms such as new online possibilities to modernize the industry.
Not more hot air
Canadian scientists are pleading for action on climate change today, saying there is much that Ottawa can do to curb emissions. Environment Minister Peter Kent, for his part, is also giving a news conference today related to emissions.
Why you could be waiting longer at the border
As the United States heads dangerously close to sequestration – automatic slashes to the budget – Canadians might also feel a hit at the border. Fewer personnel and budget cuts might mean much longer waits at the border – not to mention putting some new cross-border initiatives in jeopardy.
Stephen Harper, the introvert
If you've ever wondered about Stephen Harper's occasional stiffness in press conferences, there's a simple explanation: he's an introvert. John Ibbitson gives a glimpse into the prime minister's personality.