Inside Politics

Orders of the Day - Alas, no, the PM will not be facing off against Putin in a Canada-Russia rematch.

by Kady O'Malley Posted: January 9, 2012 9:13 AM Last Updated: January 9, 2012 9:24 AM
The Prime Minister's Office was quick to pour cold -- ice, even -- water on the suggestion that the PM is preparing to take to the hockey rink as part of a special anniversary rematch of the 1972 Canada-USSR series. 

According to the terse one-line bulletin issued in response to the remarkably detailed report that appeared on the front page of the Toronto Star, "this story is false," which seems pretty darned categorical.   

In any case, now that we've gotten that bit of breaking non-news out of the way, Happy New Year, everyone! Are we all rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on 2012? I hope so, because even leaving aside the Mayan calendar-portended apocalypse, all indications are that it's going to be another action-packed year in Canadian politics, despite the fact that, for the first time in ages, the spectre of a general election won't loom over every confidence vote.

(Fear not that journalists will have to cold turkey the shameless speculation habit: there's still the NDP leadership race, the future of the Liberal Party, and, if all else is exhausted, the Old Faithful of political punditry, the possible cabinet shuffle.) 

Headlining the list of PMO-designated Notable Events for today is a Montreal appearance by Human Resources Minister Diane Finley, who will meet with reporters after holding pre-budget consultations with unidentified "business and community leaders."

Also on the ministerial circuit today: A day-long aquacultural adventure for Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield, who will start his day at the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre, where he will announce funding for "four innovative (aquaculture) projects" on Vancouver Island. After that, it's off to the Longhouse at Robert Ostler Park, where he's set to "welcome new vessels" into the British Columbia Aquaculture Regulatory Program, thus "marking the first year of its" -- the department, that is -- "regulation of the aquaculture industry in the province." 

Out on the east coast, ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt begins his "winter tour" with a visit to the headquarters of the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association, and across the Northumberland Strait, Nova Scotia MP Gerald Keddy unveils new support to "help local residents with disabilities find jobs."

Finally, back in Ontario, Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent hosts a town hall session for "veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties" at the Dr. Starr Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Sudbury.

Tags: blackberry jungle, orders of the day