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This article presents predictions for upcoming elections. British reporters covering Tony Blair's campaign in 2001 amused themselves by playing" battle-bus bingo": they wrote down Blair's favourite cliché phrases on strips of paper, paid a pound each to get into the contest, then each drew three strips of paper at random. Paul Martin rewarded this apple-cheeked British Columbia Liberal's bootlicking fealty with an appointment as the party's nominee in Burnaby-Douglas. Last week Peter Mansbridge's column announced that political leaders' tours are a waste of time, which is why the CBC will have its own bus travelling the country avoiding politicians. If Peter leads The National with more stories from the CBC bus than he does from Paul Martin's, Stephen Harper's and Jack Layton's, I'll buy him dinner.

Discusses how the Canadian federal government is considering easing its financial problems by making a tax grab for some of the $550 billion now stored in pension plans and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Comment by Finance Minister Paul Martin that he is considering all options; Strong opposition that would be provoked by a government raid on retirement savings; Government arguments in favor of taxing pension savings; Controversial nature of the debate.

This article discusses Canadian prime minister Paul Martin's standing in his campaign for re-election as of June 2004. There was a moment in Paul Martin's news conference the other day in Vancouver when he paused and grabbed a paper clip that had held together his tightly scripted message. He twirled it in his fingers, pondering questions about a faltering campaign, then pushed aside his text and launched into a passionate declaration about using" every waking moment" in the remainder of the campaign to fight for what he believes to be right. There's irony in this because while Jean Charest, Dalton McGuinty and Gordon Campbell may campaign for Martin, deep down they're probably thinking their futures look better with a Conservative government to bash.Paul Martin's abyss moment may have arrived. The numbers are far from encouraging; some advisers look shell-shocked; and the media is questioning each move. But remember that oft-quoted Harold Wilson statement: "A week in politics is a long time."

The article presents an interview with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's wife Sheila. She does not glad-hand or promote the platform or herself. She doesn't work a room; she locks into a conversation and stays until the handlers drag her away. Sheila Martin candidly discusses being a politician's wife, her relationship with her husband, and living in the public eye.

Presents letters to the editor commenting on articles previously published in this magazine. Responses to the articles "Teen trouble," "Paper trail," "Gut-check time," "Why Quebecers feel especially betrayed," "They're so sorry [not]" and "Smooth reign," from the March 1, 2004 issue; Responses to the articles "The Lowdown on the low-carb diet wars" and "If at first you don't …," from the February 23, 2004 issue; Responses to "In the country of love," from the February 16, 2004 issue, Response to "Arms and the child," from the February 9, 2004 issue.

The article discusses the author's last days as a part of outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's office. He mentions various pranks that the staff talked about pulling and reminisces about his first day on the job. He notes that you can tell a lot about a country by the natures of its motorcades.

The article comments on federal subsidies for urban transit in Toronto. The three Ms--Prime Minister Paul Martin, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Toronto Mayor David Miller--recently enjoyed shaking hands over the latest venture in federal-provincial-municipal relations: the funding of Toronto's urban transit. The $1-billion package has been hailed by many parties as great public policy for Toronto and Canada. In a recent paper, Jan Brueckner, of the University of Illinois, shows that transport subsidies have the unhappy impact of encouraging urban sprawl. The case for more subsidies for urban transit in Toronto has not been justified at all. In fact, those who think a subway system has to be subsidized should visit the densely populated Hong Kong. The urban transit system is highly efficient, earning a good profit with great service. With smart cards and pricing according to distance, the Hong Kong subway system is one of best in the world. In the end, no one is addressing the key issue: how should transportation policy be developed for our cities in order to move people efficiently from home to work while keeping cities livable? The provinces and cities, accountable to the people who benefit from urban transportation policies, should work out how much money should be spent on transport subsidies paid by their residents' tax dollars. They are best able to choose between urban sprawl and other priorities. Ottawa should stay out.

This article proposes that Canada has ignored its military for too long, and that spending must increase in order to handle crises at home or abroad. There is probably no area where Paul Martin's problems are more pressing than defence. The military's basic strategy document, the 1994 White Paper, is predicated on the premise that we can relax now that the Cold War is over. And although no one knows the final bill for our one-year peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan--it ends this summer--it has almost certainly pushed the department over its $13.1-billion budget for 2003-2004. Prime minister Martin knows what he wants: the capacity to allow Canada to back its foreign policy with military force.

Offers an essay on politics and government in Canada. Focus on Scott Feschuk, who is the speech writer for Prime Minister Paul Martin; Political comment by the author on how Feschuk can shift blame to the previous administration; Discussion of Feschuk's credentials and his departure on the "National Post"; Outlook for relations between Martin and the administration of American President George W. Bush; Idea that speech writers have power and responsibility; Star columnists who have left the "National Post" newspaper.

Discusses how Canadian Liberals are girding for a fight over social reforms. Minister of Human Resources Lloyd Axworthy's plans for social program reform; Need for social programs to get people into the labor force and end dependence on welfare; Critics who say that Axworthy, long identified with the left wing of the Liberal party, is fronting for Finance Minister Paul Martin.

The article presents a humorous look at methods of electing new leadership in Canada as Paul Martin leaves the leader's post and the Liberals convene in Montreal. The author suggests that Stéphane Dion may have a chance after 10 months of campaigning. The Liberal party is portrayed as having drifted from its core mission and needing to focus on Canadian prosperity.

The article looks at partnerships formed in 2005. Barrick Gold wanted to merge with Placer Dome, but Placer Dome was looking to merge with mining company Newmont Mining. Canadian Auto Workers' union leader Buzz Hargrove stood together with Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin.

This article reviews Canadian prime minister Paul Martin's latest controversies. We knew more about this "new" Prime Minister on his first day in the hot seat than we have known about any "new" prime minister since maybe Louis St. Laurent. In last week's episode, That Darned Paul hired a "star candidate" who was a key figure in his leadership campaign 14 years ago, before millions of Canadians were old enough to vote. It is all quite comforting, just like Eddie Haskell razzing the Beav behind Mrs. Cleaver's back. I invited readers of my Weblog to vent their fury at the sight of a co-founder of the Bloc Québécois on the fast track to a cabinet job in Ottawa. The response was voluminous -- and bland. Almost nobody really cared. Hounded by clowns, true to old habits, familiar as the faces at a class reunion 14 years after everyone graduated, That Darned Paul begins another season of hijinks.

Evaluates the activities of Canadians and others. Way that the palace guards of Great Britain may end the tradition of wearing headgear made from pelts of Canadian black bears; Firing of a pizza shop employee for stopping to aid a gunshot victim in Manitoba; Way that Ontario's education minister was jeered and splashed with water while leaving a meeting with Catholic teachers; Way that Ernie Eves, premier of Ontario, sent the legislature home amid plans to deliver the March budget from a TV studio; Paul Martin, who turned over his shipping business to his sons.

The article profiles Liberal Member of Parliament Stéphane Dion who is running a campaign to replace Paul Martin as leader of Canada's Liberal Party. Dion's key opponents include Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae. The article provides data from polls about who Liberals would prefer as their leader. The article suggests that Dion's lofty goals and inability to express himself clearly in English are hindering his campaign.

This is an article that focuses on the last minute campaign efforts of Canadian politicians prior to elections in 2004. Media polling stops in a campaign's last days. As the campaign entered its final weekend, Stephen Harper picked up the phone and made some calls. Paul Martin's Liberal campaign, almost devoid of any project the average Canadian voter could identify, was based on warning that Conservatives couldn't be trusted. Hours after Martin released his platform in his hometown of Windsor, Ont., near the end of the campaign's second week, he appeared again in front of reporters in Montreal to warn that Harper couldn't be trusted to protect a woman's right to choose on abortion. At mid-campaign, a nasty bit of gossip had begun circling among Chretien people in Ottawa: Martin's fate would depend on the campaign's outcome.

The article comments on Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's grand pronouncements, stirring appeals, and commitments. This is what happens when you follow Martin around for even a little while on the campaign trail. In the space of a single week, Martin had skated himself offside the truth on climate studies, phone-in calls, referendum elections, tax policy, daycare, handguns, and gaseous emissions. Instead of spending five billion dollars over five years, Martin announced $10 billion over 10 years. His new commitment does not take effect until 2009, almost certainly after the term of the government.

Comments on politics and government in Canada as of June 20, 2005. Details of an alleged scheme by the Liberal government in which tax funds were diverted in Quebec; Results of an independent inquiry into the allegations lead by Judge John Gomery; Claim that several government programs are accused of mismanagement of funds; Potential role of Prime Minister Paul Martin in the corrupt use of government funds; Details of Martin's political career in Canada; Opposition to Martin's policies in Canada's legislature; Details of relations between Conservatives and Liberals in the Canadian government; Impact of the Liberal Party on economic conditions in Canada; Potential impact of the Gomery inquiry on the political power of Canada's Liberal party.

This is an article that discusses politics in Canada. The first shudder of snap-election fever had barely rippled through Ottawa before tacticians in all parties started whispering it wasn't, couldn't be -- come on now, let's be serious -- the real thing. The fall of a minority, they reasoned, is supposed to be based on a solid calculation. But recent polls haven't been uplifting for either Liberals or Conservatives. And the issue that first set off election speculation -- a Kyoto policy provision in the government's omnibus budget legislation -- doesn't exactly lend itself to stump speeches and campaign ads. Stephen Harper threatens to force an election over the Kyoto measure, which seems highly unlikely since he has left no doubt recently that Conservatives want the next campaign to be fought over the sponsorship affair and Liberal ethics. Yet new developments that could make a spring campaign a real possibility are emerging at Justice John Gomery's sponsorship inquiry. Testimony given last week at the hearings in Montreal was considered explosive enough that some observers predicted the Tories and Bloc Québécois would consider defeating the government, and try to make Liberal corruption the ballot question. Liberals are betting any fresh details on Chrétien-era malfeasance won't stick to Martin. They want to negotiate around the Kyoto fuss, take the summer to regroup, and pray the fizz starts to go out of the sponsorship story. INSET: TWEAKING THE LANGUAGE LAWS.

Analyzes the response by Canadian finance minister Paul Martin to the report that Prime Minister Jean Chretien refused to retire from his post. View that the remarks of Martin during a press conference were disingenuous; 'Scrum' technique of aggressive questioning by media consultants of politicians; Conclusion that Martin's comments would be interpreted as evasion by the public.

The article focuses on former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin. Books are being published that offer negative reviews of Martin, including "Heart Matters," by Adrienne Clarkson, "The Way It Works: Inside Ottawa," by Eddie Goldenberg, and "Right Side Up: The Fall of Paul Martin and the Rise of Stephen Harper's New Conservatism," by Paul Wells. Martin has made efforts to refurbish his reputation. He is concentrating on First Nations issues and is in discussions to create an investment pool without public funding for the Aboriginal peoples.

The article discusses whether Canadian Prime Minster Paul Martin's adviser and spokesman, Scott Reid, can improve the prime minister's image. In the world of politics, where everything is manufactured and packaged for maximum effect, Reid offers an unexpected glimpse of something real, a man expressing genuine commitment to someone he believes in. In the years since Martin became prime minister, his reputation has gone from that of a seasoned veteran who righted the country's fiscal ship to an indecisive, evasive plodder, more adept at avoiding confrontation than forming a clear vision for government. Fair or not, much of the responsibility for that slide falls on the shoulders of Reid. Even those friendly with Reid say he is a hothead who struggles to control his temper when trouble hits.

The escalating feud between the vengeful incumbent, Jean Chrétien, and his impatient heir, Paul Martin, will erupt into new bitterness at the Liberals' mid-summer caucus, in North Bay, Ontario, from Aug. 19 to 21, 2003. The issue is the Senate, which has bored generations of Canadians who dismiss that institution as nothing more than a red velvet trough for political patronage.

Carolyn Buffalo was fuming mad. In late April 2003, she had sat deep into the early morning hours watching the House of Commons standing committee on Aboriginal affairs debating the new First Nations Governance Act. Or merely going through the motions, in her view. Some Liberal MPs were reading newspapers and magazines. One was poring over his tax return, says Buffalo, a Native lawyer for the four nations of the Maskwachiys in central Alberta. Then she got on a plane to Calgary and by happenstance ran into Paul Martin, the front-runner for the Liberal leadership. She lit into him. "I told him the committee was disrespectful to us," she recalls. "I told him they didn't care about our views, that if [Indian Affairs Minister] Robert Nault had come into the room and ordered them to bow like sheep, they would have done it." The 20-minute run-in may not have been pivotal in Martin's declaration, two days later, that as prime minister he would not implement the controversial legislation without further consultations. Because negotiating real self-government and land treaties could take most of the century, why not modernize the 127-year-old Indian Act as an interim measure and put the best practices of democratic government, transparent administration and accountability to work in the hundreds of Native bands spread across the country?

Focuses on the dispute between Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin and Industry Minister Allan Rock over the Liberal party's membership rules. Details of the dispute; Their accusations against one another; Why Jack Siegel, co-chairman of the Liberal constitutional and legal affairs committee, opposes the Martin-backed membership restrictions.

Reports on the problems Canada is facing in terms of overall productivity in the late 1990s. Indications of a brain drain caused by Canadians moving to the United States; The effect of Canada's high federal and provincial taxes on the problem; Efforts of Canada's Finance Minister Paul Martin to rectify the problem; Reasons for the declining productivity in Canada such as the shift to North American free trade; Where Canada places in terms of the productivity level of industrialized countries.

Presents the author's opinion about employment insurance in Ottawa, Ontario. Price of premiums; How Finance Minister Paul Martin has liquidated employment insurance surplus; Martin's refusal to tackle employment insurance imbalance. INSET: Excess baggage.

Examines how Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin's budget has signalled difficult times for the country's culture. How, by 1998, virtually every area of the arts will feel the impact of a projected 24% cut to the department of Canadian heritage; Effect on television, film production, magazines, book publishing and others.

An editorial is presented arguing that former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made the wrong decision when he rejected the U. S. plan for a continental missile defence system. Martin was attempting to distance himself from the Bush administration in 2005, but following North Korea's actions, the move looks foolhardy.

This article comments on the competition of Canadian provinces for federal money. Since last summer, John McCallum, the federal revenue minister, has been scouring the federal budget for billions of dollars he can shift from old programs toward more productive new programs. McCallum has met 17 times with members of the Liberal caucus to get their input. As it turns out, the same concerns that obsess Liberal MPs -- regional jealousy and the federal-provincial divide -- are starting to drive provincial politics to an unprecedented extent. Two weeks ago, I wrote about the hornets' nest Paul Martin stirred up by handing Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams a $2-billion cheque to compensate for shrinking equalization payments. So three classic Liberal obsessions -- cities, immigration and federalism -- are interacting in dangerous and unpredictable ways. Very little of this is Paul Martin's fault.

This is an article that contains news from Canada as of May 24, 2004. Matthew Kalijarvi, 20, of Sudbury, Ont., was found guilty of child pornography charges and sentenced to half a year in jail for surreptitiously taking nude photos of his 17-year-old girlfriend and posting them on the Internet. Ottawa and the Nova Scotia government announced a $400-million plan to clean up the infamous Sydney tar ponds. Canada's new National Microbiology Laboratory, patterned after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, will be based in Winnipeg. On May 7, Stacy-Ann Sappleton, 26, of Tecumseh, Ont., flew to New York City to discuss wedding plans with her future in-laws. Bono came to town--Ottawa, to be exact--to laud Prime Minister Paul Martin's recent commitments to fighting HIV/AIDS, among them giving $100 million to the World Health Organization to bring anti-retroviral drugs to AIDS patients in developing countries.

Presents an editorial on two topics. The seeming failure of the Kyoto accord due to the pulling out of Russia by President Vladimir Putin; Purpose of the accord which was to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases; Refusal of the United States to ratify; Reconsideration of the Canadian position with the incoming prime minister Paul Martin; Thoughts on the reorganization of Air Canada currently in bankruptcy and how the creditors are not getting what they are due; Vote by Air Canada's board to accept buy out offer from Trinity Time Investments; Higher offer from Cerberus Capital of New York which was rejected; Belief that bidders of all nationalities should be welcomed in the process.

Discusses the shift in focus for Paul Martin now that John Manley stepped out of the race for Canada's new prime minister. Importance of keeping Manley in the government; Inevitable doom that Sheila Copps faces; Change taking place in the Martin entourage; Maurice Strong, the millionaire environmentalist and businessman, who will be on deck to help Martin implement his international agenda.

I'm going to take the long way around to saying some nice things about Jack Layton, but let's begin by observing an oddity: nobody ever seemed to get angry when I criticized Paul Martin. For a few hours on a recent Monday night, it was possible to believe Stephen Harper might finally be figuring out how to play this game. He showed up at the biggest Canadian Alliance fundraiser Toronto has seen since the height of Stockmania in 2000. For 20 minutes he delivered the rationale for an Alliance government in terms that would surely have appealed to more than the 12 or 15 per cent of Canadians who say, in recent polls, that they'd vote for Harper's party. Despite hard work and Layton's formidable skills in French, two more by-elections on June 16 showed the New Democratic Party (NDP) to be in a closer fight with the Marijuana party in Quebec than with the Liberals. Alone among the leaders facing Paul Martin, Layton has already turned his mind to serious preparations for next year's election. As a former president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Layton will go head-to-head with Martin on urban issues.

Compares Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin with Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Biographical information; Their personalities as seen in favorite hobbies, likes and dislikes; Their reputations for stubbornness, hatred of small talk, and formidable tempers; Their mutual dislike for technology.

Looks back at the finance ministers that Canada has had since the mid 1970s and discusses the changes that Finance Minister Paul Martin has been able to make since taking office. How Canada's budgetary deficits ballooned during the time Pierre Trudeau was in office; How Martin has been able to cut federal expenditures and trigger a shift toward the private sectors as the animator of the economy; Problems with Martin's budget.

Editorial. Ponders what government spending and tax cut choices should take precedence with Canadian Minister of Finance Paul Martin now that the budget deficit has been significantly cut. Credits for low-income earners; Child tax benefits; Improvement of environment and home care programs.

Considers how these are frustrating times for Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin, as he is poised to roll out his new budget. Warning issued by Moody's Investors Service over Canada's credit rating; How critics are exacerbating the problems Martin is attempting to solve with cries of imminent financial doom; Prime Minister Jean Chretien's anger over Moody's disclosure.