How Ottawa's main players did in 2012
John Ibbitson consults communications specialist Barry McLoughlin for his evaluation of performances - and recommendations for 2013
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird must dial back some of his comments and smooth out his rough edges.PATRICK DOYLE/Reuters
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s challenge: Reinforce the message that only his party can manage the economy.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Jason Kenney, one of the government’s best performers, can carry on with his transformation of the immigration system.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Defence Minister Peter MacKay needs to put the F-35 debacle behind him.CHRIS WATTIE/Reuters
Elizabeth May must show that the Greens are not a one-person movement.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair‘s task: ease concerns that an NDP government would harm the economy.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver needs to keep a low profile on the pipeline issue until after B.C. goes to the polls in May.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews will have his hands full crafting an online surveillance bill without lumping opponents in with pedophiles.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Public Works and Government Services Minister Rona Ambrose, another strong performer, has impressed with her stickhandling of the fighter-jet procurement process.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Jim Flaherty’s task for 2013: Retain confidence in his fiscal know-how.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press