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Mark Ramzy

@markramzy.bsky.social
5.1K followers 437 following 107 posts

I cover federal politics for the Toronto Star in Ottawa. Here to share my/colleagues' stories and other interesting things I come across. Egy/Can. Send tips: mramzy@thestar.ca.

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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
OTTAWA — The RCMP has avoided a $7.5-million fee and any finding of wrongdoing after the cancellation of one of its Black Hawk helicopter contracts, potentially ending a months-long controversy over an aircraft it chartered that was not eligible to fly in Canada. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
RCMP pays $394,000 of $7.5M contract for grounded Black Hawk helicopter
The RCMP has avoided a $7.5-million fee and any finding of wrongdoing after the cancellation of its contract to lease a Black Hawk helicopter that was not eligible to fly
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Contract cancelled for RCMP’s grounded Black Hawk helicopter
A $7.5-million contract for an RCMP border patrol helicopter has been cancelled after the Star revealed it was grounded for being ineligible to operate in Canada.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
www.thestar.com/politics/fed... As feds investigate how the RCMP awarded a $7.5-million contract to a border patrol helicopter later grounded over regulatory concerns, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is characterizing the issue as a “miscommunication” that is “being resolved.”
thestar.com
Public safety minister calls grounded RCMP Black Hawk controversy a ‘miscommunication’
Federal officials probe how the RCMP gave a $7.5-million contract to a border patrol helicopter that appeared to be offside with Canadian regulations.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 30/07/2026
Layton, meanwhile, broke his silence after the Star reported he was considering a candidacy, saying it was not the right time for him to return to politics.
thestar.com
Jack Layton’s son won’t run for NDP in Beaches—East York byelection
Mike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor, will not run for the federal New Democrats in the Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 30/07/2026
The New Democrats announced Thursday that labour activist Shannon Devine, the party’s candidate in the last federal election, has been appointed to run again in the Aug. 31 byelection.
thestar.com
Jack Layton’s son won’t run for NDP in Beaches—East York byelection
Mike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor, will not run for the federal New Democrats in the Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 30/07/2026
Mike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor and son of late NDP leader Jack Layton, will not run for the federal New Democrats in this summer’s Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation that had spooked some Liberals. Just in from @markramzy.bsky.social
thestar.com
Jack Layton’s son won’t run for NDP in Beaches—East York byelection
Mike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor, will not run for the federal New Democrats in the Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 22/07/2026
Jack Layton’s son considers run for NDP in Beaches—East York: Sources, @markramzy.bsky.social reports www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
thestar.com
Jack Layton’s son considers run for NDP in Beaches—East York: Sources
Mike Layton, a former city councillor and son of the late New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton, is considering a run for the NDP in the upcoming Beaches—East York federal
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 18/07/2026
Basil Arney got the call to get out of their Armstrong, Ont., home “as fast as you can” just after 10 p.m. “Try packing in the dark” with ash dropping everywhere, said his wife, Ella. #Wildfire evacuees shared their harrowing stories of escape with @markramzy.bsky.social in Thunder Bay:
thestar.com
They fled their home as ash rained down. Inside the harrowing evacuations from Ontario wildfires
Thunder Bay has become a hub for people from across the region forced to flee, many wondering about the what-ifs.
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 16/07/2026
The Trump administration is hosting a high-level global meeting on combating “political terrorism” in Washington — a move experts have described as a politically-motivated crackdown on left-wing movements. Canada is one of more than 60 countries attending. Just in from @markramzy.bsky.social:
thestar.com
Canada attends Trump summit targeting left-wing extremism
Canada is one of more than 60 countries attending the high-level counterterrorism meeting.
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National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 16/07/2026
Carney government won’t say if Canada will attend Trump anti-Antifa summit, @markramzy.bsky.social reports www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
thestar.com
Carney government won’t say if Canada will attend Trump anti-Antifa summit
A State Department spokesperson said more than 60 countries had been invited “from various regions, including the Western Hemisphere, Europe, and Asia.”
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 08/06/2026
Criminal profile reports, as they are called, are detailed “foundational documents” prepared by Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff during a prisoner’s intake process that identify risks and play a role in major decisions, like the likelihood of parole.
thestar.com
Carney government testing use of AI in prisons to create profile reports of offenders
Mentioned in lengthy documents tabled in Parliament and confirmed by Correctional Service Canada, the test run comes as the Carney government tries to ramp up AI adoption.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 08/06/2026
But the trial, which CSC says has not yet been used in real cases, is raising concerns from AI experts, criminal defence lawyers and the federal NDP’s public safety critic. Widespread adoption could lead to errors, exacerbate racial biases and put offenders and victims at risk, they say. #cdnpoli
thestar.com
Carney government testing use of AI in prisons to create profile reports of offenders
Mentioned in lengthy documents tabled in Parliament and confirmed by Correctional Service Canada, the test run comes as the Carney government tries to ramp up AI adoption.
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 08/06/2026
Star Exclusive: The Canadian government is considering the use of #AI to save time creating assessment profile reports of offenders as they go to federal prisons, and is running a small-scale trial to test it. New from @markramzy.bsky.social:
thestar.com
Carney government testing use of AI in prisons to create profile reports of offenders
Mentioned in lengthy documents tabled in Parliament and confirmed by Correctional Service Canada, the test run comes as the Carney government tries to ramp up AI adoption.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Parliamentary MAID review is “one-sided” and “flawed,” committee member charges
The parliamentary committee tasked with studying an expansion of Canada’s medical assistance in dying regime to people with mental illness has been "one-sided," "flawed" and risks making a recommendat...
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Toronto Star @thestar.com · 05/05/2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Canada’s next governor general, Louise Arbour, for having had “one of Canada’s most demanding judicial careers.” But that wasn’t even her most notable work, writes @markramzy.bsky.social. Here’s what you need to know:
thestar.com
From the Supreme Court to The Hague: What you need to know about Louise Arbour, Canada’s next governor general
From the bench of the Supreme Court of Canada to The Hague, Louise Arbour has had a penchant for challenging power in her long career, even if it ruffled feathers.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
More than a year later, the RCMP is still renewing multimillion-dollar contracts for border helicopters
The RCMP has repeatedly extended its temporary charters of three Black Hawk helicopters to patrol the U.S border, with no long-term solution in sight.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Carney government ‘analyzing the results’ of firearms buyback pilot project amid reports of low uptake
The Liberal government refused Wednesday to say how many banned weapons have been collected in the trial for its contentious gun buyback program, as federal sources and local reports suggest
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Insiders say Carney government rejected NDP demands before crucial budget vote, including a push for money for affordable housing, pharmacare deals. Behind the scenes: www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Insiders say Carney government rejected NDP demands before crucial budget vote
The opposition NDP wanted the minority Liberal government to devote roughly $10 billion to affordable housing, pharmacare and other priorities, but was rebuffed ahead of Monday's crucial budget vote, ...
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
NDP prepares for election as its MPs decide whether to vote against Carney government’s budget
The NDP is considering how to fast-track its campaign readiness in the case of a snap election, sources say, as its MPs weigh a budget vote that could trigger the
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Carney government expected to replace controversial border bill
An analysis by the Justice Department concluded the original version of the bill could have affected several rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 07/10/2025
Aspiring NDP leader who has raised thousands may be breaking party rules, official says, @markramzy.bsky.social reports www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
thestar.com
Aspiring NDP leader who has raised thousands may be breaking party rules, official says
Yves Engler, an author who has written several books criticizing Canadian and Western foreign policy, said he has already raised the money for his leadership bid.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Put any questions in the comments at this link
thestar.com
Canada’s gun buyback program: Join the conversation
Discuss the politics and practical challenges of the federal gun buyback with politics reporter Mark Ramzy on Monday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Carney government cancels plan to send buyback rifles to Ukraine after ‘extremely limited interest’
The Trudeau government had pledged to work with the Ukrainian military to identify which banned guns could support the country's war effort.
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Alex Ballingall @aballinga.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
@markramzy.bsky.social reports
thestar.com
Liberals’ push for gun buyback program fuelled by pressure from Quebec, public safety minister says in leaked audio
A gun-owning tenant recorded a conversation with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree without the minister’s knowledge.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Carney government’s hate crimes bill raises questions about enforcement, right to protest
Under pressure in the face of a rise in crimes targeting Jewish and Muslim Canadians, and fulfilling a campaign promise to get tough on crime, the Carney government tabled new
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Avi Lewis to launch federal NDP leadership campaign
Lewis will be the first high-profile name to announce a run in the race to replace Jagmeet Singh.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
‘We’re naive as a country about how safe our politicians are’: MPs return under shadow of Charlie Kirk assassination
The House of Commons returned Monday with appeals for collaboration and respect for political differences — and a standing ovation following a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the Donald Trump ally
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
A new federal disability benefit was supposed to be a lifeline for those in poverty. Getting it can be a daunting task
Last week, Mitchell Tremblay turned 43. Instead of throwing a party, the Guelph resident is staging a birthday fundraiser on social media in hopes of scraping together enough cash to
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis prepare NDP leadership bids
Edmonton MP Heather McPherson and Vancouver activist Avi Lewis are gearing up to launch NDP leadership bids, the Star has learned, as the party’s high-stakes race to replace Jagmeet Singh
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Carney government planning to complete gun buyback program by end of next year
In an interview with the Star, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said an October 2025 amnesty deadline will have to be pushed back.
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Reposted by Mark Ramzy
National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 14/08/2025
Gun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback program, @markramzy.bsky.social reports. www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
thestar.com
Gun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback program
An imminent delay, a lack of updates from Ottawa, and Mark Carney's attempts to keep premiers happy, vow to drastically cut spending, and emphasis on border security, are raising questions
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/u...
nytimes.com
These Are the Voters Who Should Scare Democrats Most
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Great read from @alexboyd.bsky.social www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Is that a real photo of a forest fire, or just ‘AI slop’?
The B.C. Wildfire Service is calling out social media users who post fake, AI-generated images of the very real forest fires it is battling.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
With Texans in Tow, Hochul Vows to Redraw New York’s House Maps www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/u...
nytimes.com
With Texans in Tow, Hochul Vows to Redraw New York’s House Maps
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Robert Benzie @robertbenzie.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
NEW: @thestar.com’s @moirawelsh.bsky.social on the challenges for @maritstilesndp.bsky.social and the @ontariondp.bsky.social. www.thestar.com/politics/pro...
thestar.com
Can Marit Stiles save Ontario’s sliding New Democrats?
After a disappointing election defeat and a stunning collapse of the federal NDP, the leader of the Ontario party says she needs to give her members "reason to hope again."
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Lashing Out Over Russia and Jobs Data, Trump Displays His Volatile Side www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/u...
nytimes.com
Lashing Out Over Russia and Jobs Data, Trump Displays His Volatile Side
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Federal NDP plans to have a new leader by end of March
In a closed-door meeting, the NDP's federal council agreed on a roughly six-month race starting in September, said sources familiar with the discussions.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
thestar.com
25 years ago new immigrants to Canada told us their dreams. We checked in to see how they’ve fared
People we caught up with said they faced a lot of obstacles when they arrived. We look at how the immigrant experience has evolved today.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
www.thestar.com/opinion/what...
thestar.com
What one story defines Canada? We asked six writers
Beyond the cliches about politeness and maple syrup, what is this Canadianness we seek to preserve?
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Once Champions of Fringe Causes, Now in a ‘Trap of Their Own Making’ www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/u...
nytimes.com
Once Champions of Fringe Causes, Now in a ‘Trap of Their Own Making’
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Hunt for new NDP leader raises tension before race even begins
Potential high-profile candidates have signalled a lack of interest and the process of even deciding how to orchestrate a leadership contest is already mired in conflict.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Pomp and celebration meet King Charles in Ottawa before throne speech
It's King Charles first visit to Canada since his ascension to the throne.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Mark Carney’s promise to ‘build, baby, build’ has some Canadians fearing the worst
It's a goal that was central to the Liberal leader's pitch in an election campaign dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump's economic aggression towards Canada.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Election campaign has made crime ‘top of mind’ for Carney government
Prime Minister Mark Carney is placing a heavy emphasis on cracking down on crime after some Liberals say the issue cost them GTA seats to the Conservatives in last month's
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Pierre Poilievre said no to Joe Rogan. That’s left some bruised feelings
After an election in which the Conservatives were beaten by the Liberals, an upset that would have been unimaginable just a few months ago, and in which Poilievre lost his
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Facing internal discord and financial uncertainty, new interim NDP leader says party will ‘punch above’ its weight
Don Davies insists the NDP will be a force in Parliament, despite losing official party status following its worst ever national election results.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Veteran New Democrat slams party for ‘absolutely disastrous campaign’
Former NDP MP Charlie Angus says the party ran an “absolutely disastrous campaign” that “missed the moment” and focused too much on leader Jagmeet Singh.
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Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
To stop Pierre Poilievre, I put Canada before the NDP, Jagmeet Singh tells the Star
The NDP leader stood by his decision not to plunge the country into an early election last fall while support for Justin Trudeau's Liberals plummeted
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Alex Ballingall @aballinga.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Our Tonda MacCharles took a look at Liberal Leader Mark Carney: www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Mark Carney says he’s built to meet this moment of crisis. Is he ready for everything else?
The stakes for Carney, for the Liberals fighting for a fourth term, and for the country with Donald Trump’s eyes on Canada’s resources and sovereignty, couldn’t be higher.
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