Tim Harper | Authors | Toronto Star

Tim Harper

Tim Harper's national affairs column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Tim has spent two decades in the nation's capital and another six years in Washington covering politics from both sides of the border. Reach him at 613-237-2415.

Ex-Harper minister Kellie Leitch first to join Conservative leadership race: Tim Harper

Tue Apr 05 2016

Kellie Leitch starts back in the pack in the marathon race to replace Stephen Harper but has a strong network of Ontario support.
Honest talk from an environment minister under pressure: Tim Harper

Mon Apr 04 2016

Catherine McKenna worries about energy and environment becoming a national unity crisis and knows a misstep could blow up in her face
The (somewhat tepid) case for Thomas Mulcair: Tim Harper

Fri Apr 01 2016

We know who Thomas Mulcair is. What is the NDP in 2016?

The Liberal privacy campaign that died with the election: Tim Harper

Wed Mar 30 2016

In opposition, Liberals condemned a Conservative move to share Canadians’ banking data with Americans. Now they back it.
Comfort with budget deficits may be another generational divide: Tim Harper

Fri Mar 25 2016

Conservatives trying to rally the troops over deficits are heard by their base, but are not reaching younger voters.
The Liberals have a lot of political cover for this budget: Tim Harper

Tue Mar 22 2016

If you want us to balance the budget, you’ll have to elect us again, the Liberals say, and even that is not explicitly promised.
Big spending, big deficit, big hopes in first Liberal budget: Tim Harper

Mon Mar 21 2016

Beyond Tuesday's maiden Liberal budget, another shoe will drop in an expected federal deal with Bombardier.
Canada’s Conservatives and their crazy uncle downstairs: Tim Harper

Fri Mar 18 2016

Conservatives ran from the Harper era smack into Donald Trump who is equating right wing with insanity.
The UN needs reform and Trudeau should push for it: Tim Harper

Tue Mar 15 2016

Today's Security Council includes despots and human rights abusers. Our bid for a seat should acknowledge the need for change.
The woman I would put on our currency: Tim Harper

Mon Mar 14 2016

Viola Desmond is a civil rights heroine whose story of defiance and bravery is not properly known in this country.
Forty years later, a Trudeau is a Washington celebrity again: Tim Harper

Thu Mar 10 2016

Dismiss showmanship in politics at your peril. That’s what it takes to get noticed in Washington.
Canada back in the sun, out of the dark in Washington: Tim Harper

Wed Mar 09 2016

A recent history of Ottawa-Washington relations reminds that often what could go wrong, did go wrong.
Thomas Mulcair fights for his job at heart of biggest failure

Sat Mar 05 2016

The NDP leader goes behind closed doors to plead for another chance in downtown Toronto where the party was wiped out.
Like old times, premiers drag their elephants into the room: Tim Harper

Fri Mar 04 2016

A return to consensus under Justin Trudeau gets a stern test in Vancouver.
Official Washington awaits visit by “anti-Trump” Trudeau: Tim Harper

Wed Mar 02 2016

But can a rookie prime minister and a lame duck president actually do any business at next week’s state dinner?
The bright shiny object amidst the Conservative rethink: Tim Harper

Mon Feb 29 2016

Kevin O'Leary can take a lot of oxygen out of the room, but Conservatives are determined to take long, hard look at their future
Call for assisted dying for our young will prove most emotional, contentious: Tim Harper

Fri Feb 26 2016

A joint committee wants minors to have access to physician-assisted dying after a three-year study period.
Justin Trudeau and Bill Morneau belly up to the craps table: Tim Harper

Wed Feb 24 2016

Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau may get away with doubling down now, but need a longer-term plan
Burning down the Harper legacy serving Trudeau well: Tim Harper

Mon Feb 22 2016

So far, the real strength of the Trudeau Liberals is tearing down the house Stephen Harper built.
Why is Bob Rae on the outside looking in at the new government? Tim Harper

Fri Feb 19 2016

The man who did the heavy lifting before Justin Trudeau has been offered nothing by the new government.