Reposted by Lyle SkinnerAaron Wherry @aaronwherry.bsky.social · 20/09/2026I return to my contention that the real benefit of Canadian federalism is that at any given moment there's always one province whose political situation can provide entertainment for everyone else. 833257
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 18/09/202617 Independents in the BC Legislative Assembly must proportionally set a modern day record. The tally keeps changing by the hour. #bcpoli 012
Reposted by Lyle SkinnerLyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 17/09/2026The suspension of the excise fuel tax and the misalignment between valid policy objectives and constitutional law. Read my substack below 👇 #cdnpoli #cdnlawlyleskinner.substack.comTax Changes by Press ReleaseThe suspension of the excise fuel tax and the misalignment between valid policy objectives and constitutional law. 011
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 17/09/2026The suspension of the excise fuel tax and the misalignment between valid policy objectives and constitutional law. Read my substack below 👇 #cdnpoli #cdnlawlyleskinner.substack.comTax Changes by Press ReleaseThe suspension of the excise fuel tax and the misalignment between valid policy objectives and constitutional law. 011
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 14/09/2026🏮One Seat Majority Government alert in Newfoundland & Labrador🏮 #nlpoli #cdnpoli With an independent Speaker in the Chair, the government has a bare majority. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caKeith Russell announces split from PC party; will sit as an independent | CBC NewsProgressive Conservative MHA for Lake Melville Keith Russell announced Monday he is crossing the floor and will sit as an independent member rather than with Newfoundland and Labrador's PC government. 110
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 01/09/2026The irony of course is if the courts grant an injunction and require election documents to be sent out in English and in French, there is no mechanism for the notwithstanding clause to be invoked as the National Assembly is dissolved. 040
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 31/08/2026New Brunswick 511 refers to Lake Ontario as "Lake America". Granted NB is nowhere near the Great Lakes, 511 appears to use the same Google Maps servers as its basemap. #nbpoli 384
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 12/06/2026As part of the vetting process, as the LG is appointed by the Governor in Council (on the recommendation by the Prime Minister), my guess is that it would be based on the standard for being functionally bilingual in federal second language exams. If you can't pass the test, you get screened out. 020
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 12/06/2026The Supreme Court of Canada held that the New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor must be bilingual in accordance with section 16(2) of the Charter. The Charter limits the appointment process of the LG under s.58 of the Constitution Act, 1867. #nbpoli #cdnpoli #cdnlaw #cdncrown 175
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 08/06/2026Important #nbpoli Supreme Court of Canada ruling out on Friday on whether the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick must be bilingual. #cdnlaw 0113
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 05/06/2026In the June 6th Canada Gazette, Parks Canada employee Scott Reid was given permission to seek nomination and be a candidate as a councilor for Fundy Albert 3 days before the New Brunswick Municipal election!!! Mr Reid was successfully elected as a councilor #nbpoli #cdnpoli 000
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 01/06/2026This application for judicial review is unlikely to be successful. The laws regarding an MP's sessional allowance are quite clear and Parliamentary Privilege means it is up to the House of Commons itself not the individual MP to grant an exception. #cdnpoli #nbpoli #cdnlaw 041
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Oh no the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly website is offline. 100
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 11/05/2026In the Archives, I came across the Government of Canada's complete legal record surrounding the appointment of 4 or 8 additional Senators per s.26 of the Constitution Act, 1867. This is a letter to the Governor General from PCO and includes communication with the Queen's Private Secretary #cdnpoli 110
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Mes commentaires fait à Acadie Nouvelle sur les raisons pour lesquelles l'interdiction des feux de forêt au Nouveau-Brunswick diffère de celle de la Nouvelle-Écosse #nbpoli Forêts fermées en N.-É. jugées «déraisonnables»: quel impact pour le N.-B.? www.acadienouvelle.com/actualites/2...acadienouvelle.comForêts fermées en N.-É. jugées «déraisonnables»: quel impact pour le N.-B.?La Cour suprême de Nouvelle-Écosse a jugé «déraisonnable» l’interdiction de pénétrer dans les forêts de cette province l’été dernier, une mesure visant à 000
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 22/04/2026In 2006, after a government MLA quit caucus altering the balance of power in the New Brunswick Assembly, the opposition proposed changing committee composition to reflect the new minority government. #nbpoli 100
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Due to the death of candidate in the election for Saint Andrews Ward 3 The s.17(5) of New Brunswick Municipal Elections Act requires the election for that ward to be cancelled and a new by-election called within 3 months #nbpoli #cdnlaw 000
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 16/04/2026Parliament Hill has its own micro climate with a wall of fog between West Block and Confederation. 1121
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 15/04/2026Effective April 1st (no joke), the NB Cabinet now allows folks in a dinning room licensed premise to drink liquor while standing by repealing s.33 of NB Regulation 84-265. #nbpoli #cdnlaw 120
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 14/04/2026With 5 polls reporting in Terrebonne, there is a 1 vote difference between the Bloc and Liberals. 110
Reposted by Lyle SkinnerLyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 04/04/2026New article discussing the history of the Speaker's casting vote and a BC precedent that creates a procedural loophole which may influence how a Canadian Speaker votes in the Commons. #cdnpoli #nbpoli #bcpoli #cdnlaw open.substack.com/pub/lyleskin...open.substack.comA one seat majority government and the Speaker's casting vote: Governing by a threadA lack of clear precedent for how a Canadian House of Commons Speaker should vote at 3rd reading of bills and a procedural loophole for declared matters of confidence 095
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 04/04/2026New article discussing the history of the Speaker's casting vote and a BC precedent that creates a procedural loophole which may influence how a Canadian Speaker votes in the Commons. #cdnpoli #nbpoli #bcpoli #cdnlaw open.substack.com/pub/lyleskin...open.substack.comA one seat majority government and the Speaker's casting vote: Governing by a threadA lack of clear precedent for how a Canadian House of Commons Speaker should vote at 3rd reading of bills and a procedural loophole for declared matters of confidence 095
Reposted by Lyle SkinnerJacques Poitras @poitrasj.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Irving Oil has been buying Saudi crude since the company’s Saint John refinery opened in 1960. Now that relationship is in jeopardy: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caWar disrupts Irving Oil’s longtime Saudi crude supply | CBC NewsNew Brunswick-based Irving Oil is looking for new supply options as the U.S. war on Iran threatens one of its most reliable, and long-standing, sources of crude oil. 4117
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 27/03/2026www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caSpeaker rules politicians can’t call each other eager beavers in Sask. legislature | CBC NewsThe decision from Speaker Todd Goudy came during question period on Thursday before a vote on the 2026-27 provincial budget. 000
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 20/03/2026Why New Brunswick can place tolls on the Trans-Canada near Nova Scotia but not Quebec. #nbpoli #tolls #nspoli open.substack.com/pub/lyleskin...open.substack.comTolls for thee but not for me: Why the province of New Brunswick can presently place tolls on the Trans-Canada near the Nova Scotia boundary but not Québec.An agreement with the federal government places a 27 year ban on tolls for certain parts of the Trans-Canada Highway. However, New Brunswick can ask the Government of Canada to waive this provision. 031
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 17/03/2026For reference: section 9 of the New Brunswick Highway Corporation Act provides for the legislative framework for the province to establish a toll highway in the province including a scheme for enforcement. #nbpoli 040
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Watching the New Brunswick Budget Speech on the Assembly's livestream and I can hear presumably cheering / noise from demonstrators outside of the Assembly. This is very loud given that folks are no longer allowed immediately next to the Legislative Assembly chamber windows. #nbpoli 001
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 03/03/2026I keep updating my paper on the procedural implications of a one seat majority government in the House of Commons. BC keeps generating more precedents: sometimes in line with convention, sometimes not so much. BC Speaker votes for budget #cdnpoli vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...vancouversun.comVaughn Palmer: Speaker breaks tie to advance NDP's mess of a budgetVaughn Palmer: Vote shows that, however bad this budget is, the NDP can manage with its bare, one-seat majority 052
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 22/02/2026I am relieved to learn there is no shootout for the gold medal hockey game. Simply sudden death 3 on 3 for 20 minute periods. 110
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 22/02/2026Due to the Hockey game, I wonder which places in New Brunswick are presently offering full meal service this morning to be able to serve liquor starting at 6 am. Otherwise service starts at 9 am. 000
Reposted by Lyle SkinnerJacques Poitras @poitrasj.bsky.social · 20/02/2026Why the New Brunswick legislature removed two colonial-era portraits: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caEarl exits, lord leaves: N.B. legislature removes colonial portraits | CBC NewsYou can say this about the First Earl of Sheffield and Lord Glenelg: they had a good run in New Brunswick for two long-dead, nearly unknown British officials. 192
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 18/02/2026With the CPC floor crossing & if the Liberals win all 3 by-elections, they would have a 1 seat majority government. The Speaker is limited on how they vote: only if there is a tie and they follow certain practices to preserve the status quo. I discuss below 👇 nationalpost.com/news/politic...nationalpost.comWhy a one-seat majority might be the worst-case scenario for federal LiberalsNational Post fleshes out a roadmap of the various procedural moves the Liberals could take were they to become a majority government. 110
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 13/02/2026With the Terrebonne election being annulled, Tatiana Auguste ceases to be the MP. The process for a by election only commences once the Speaker of the House of Commons is informed of the Vacancy by the Supreme Court of Canada. #cdnlaw #cdnpoli 161
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Constitutional Note: Premier Lantz is the 34th Premier of Prince Edward Island not the 36th Premier. In PEI, premiers who have multiple ministries are not double counted. Premiers Stewart & Lea had non consecutive ministries and were only counted once. #peipoli #cdnlaw www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caRob Lantz sworn in as 36th premier of P.E.I. premier after winning PC leadership | CBC NewsRob Lantz was sworn in as the premier of Prince Edward Island on Monday after winning the permanent leadership of the province's Progressive Conservative Party over the weekend. 240
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 24/01/2026I wish I was home in Fredericton right now as it is a balmy -31c with windchill as opposed to Ottawa-Gatineau which is -37c with windchill 🥶 090
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 23/12/2025My interview with CBC PEI Island Morning on the constitutional issues surrounding potentially 4 PEI Premiers in less than one year. #peipoli #cdncrown Have a listen 👇 Island Morning with Mitch Cormier - www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...cbc.ca© CBC/Radio-Canada 2025. All rights reserved. 020
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 15/12/2025I will be appearing on CBC Island Morning tomorrow at 7 15 Atlantic to talk about what it means, constitutionally speaking, for Prince Edward Island to have potentially 4 different premiers and 4 governments in roughly a year. #peipoli #cdnlaw 020
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 28/11/2025NB power already had a winter no disconnect policy around 2006 ~ 2010. With today's announcement, I am curious when the prior policy was removed? I recall looking into the file in 2010 👇 From a June 26, 2009 EUB ruling #nbpoli 100
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 12/11/2025This is a wonderful tribute to my friend Colin Wilmot who was my homeroom seatmate at Fredericton High School. MacLean: My classmate who never came home tj.news/new-brunswic...tj.newsMacLean: My classmate who never came homeMacLean: My classmate who never came home 020
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 04/11/2025A discussion on the changes to enhance the independence of New Brunswick's Chief Medical Officer of Health and issues for consideration. #nbpoli #cdnlaw open.substack.com/pub/lyleskin...open.substack.comBill 2 and the independence of the Chief Medical Officer of HealthA step in the right direction but clarity is needed. 010
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 03/11/2025I am pleased that the Speaker of the House of Commons clarified that amendments which extend the GST housing rebate scope in bill #C4 do not require a Royal Recommendation and are admissible. Any MP or Senator can move an amendment to lower a tax. #cdnpoli #cdnlaw 120
Reposted by Lyle SkinnerJacques Poitras @poitrasj.bsky.social · 30/10/2025What if? Long ago, I requested through RTI, and reported on, Premier Frank McKenna's speaking notes in the event of a Yes vote in the Quebec referendum, which was 30 years ago today. I dug them out recently to show younger colleagues. 1173
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 27/10/2025Contested election appeals are appealed directly to the Supreme Court of Canada (Per Saltum) under section 532 of the Canada Elections Act within 8 days of a decision. This is a rare bypassing of a normal appellate court and the SCC must hear it without delay #cdnlaw #cdnpoli 132
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 21/10/2025My favourite time of the New Brunswick Parliamentary Calendar. The Prorogation Ceremony formally marking the end of a session of the Legislative Assembly followed by a 2 hour break where MLAs can have a lunch unburdened by any legislative obligations until the Speech from the Throne. #nbpoli 040
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 14/10/2025Happy to talk to CBC NB about New Brunswick's 1785 election. You really can't find a more chaotic experiment in democracy: on one hand, all men who lived in NB for 3 months could vote. However in Saint John the local sheriff "rigged" the election! #nbpoli #cdnlaw www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caNo parties, only men voting and no secret ballot. New Brunswick did elections differently in 1785. | CBC NewsWhen it comes to democracy, New Brunswick's first ride was more than a little bumpy. It was 240 years ago this week that politicians first hit the campaign trail in the newly established British colon... 030
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 11/10/2025Home. (Although not literally Maugerville) #nbpoli I love that they now sell Big Potato hats. 180
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 10/10/2025Discovered in the New Brunswick provincial archives that the Hanington government did not first resign in 1883 when defeated on a confidence vote. Rather the entire executive council wrote to the Lieutenant Governor requesting a dissolution and a new election LG Wilmot rejected the advice! #nbpoli 180
Lyle Skinner @lyleskinner.bsky.social · 10/10/2025The easy fix (which the bill doesn't do) for Quebec to amend its interpretation act to define the term "Officer of Quebec" as meaning the "Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec" so that there is still a constitutional linkage to the office. Quebec can't alter the formal name of the office. 000
Reposted by Lyle SkinnerJacques Poitras @poitrasj.bsky.social · 03/10/2025Top N.B. official says Nova Scotia pushed to have New Brunswick pay larger share of $650 million Chignecto Isthmus project: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caNova Scotia pushed New Brunswick to pay more of Chignecto upgrade cost, official says | CBC NewsA senior New Brunswick government official says the Nova Scotia government tried to force the Holt government to pay a larger share of a $650 million upgrade to infrastructure on the narrow strip of l... 072
