Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 03/10/2026www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comCanada’s first ‘fentanyl czar’ was appointed to stop Trump’s threats. Now he has two new jobsKevin Brosseau, man of multiple titles, describes himself as a broker and an amplifier, but not a politician. 000
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026OTTAWA — 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.comRCMP pays $394,000 of $7.5M contract for grounded Black Hawk helicopterThe 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 002
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 15/09/2026www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comContract cancelled for RCMP’s grounded Black Hawk helicopterA $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. 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 15/09/2026www.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.comPublic 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. 000
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 30/07/2026Layton, 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.comJack Layton’s son won’t run for NDP in Beaches—East York byelectionMike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor, will not run for the federal New Democrats in the Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation. 042
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 30/07/2026The 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.comJack Layton’s son won’t run for NDP in Beaches—East York byelectionMike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor, will not run for the federal New Democrats in the Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation. 152
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 30/07/2026Mike 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.socialthestar.comJack Layton’s son won’t run for NDP in Beaches—East York byelectionMike Layton, the former Toronto city councillor, will not run for the federal New Democrats in the Beaches—East York byelection, ending days of speculation. 263
Reposted by Mark RamzyNational Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 22/07/2026Jack 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.comthestar.comJack Layton’s son considers run for NDP in Beaches—East York: SourcesMike 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 173
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 18/07/2026Basil 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.comThey fled their home as ash rained down. Inside the harrowing evacuations from Ontario wildfiresThunder Bay has become a hub for people from across the region forced to flee, many wondering about the what-ifs. 62712
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 16/07/2026The 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.comCanada attends Trump summit targeting left-wing extremismCanada is one of more than 60 countries attending the high-level counterterrorism meeting. 232816
Reposted by Mark RamzyNational Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 16/07/2026Carney 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.comthestar.comCarney government won’t say if Canada will attend Trump anti-Antifa summitA State Department spokesperson said more than 60 countries had been invited “from various regions, including the Western Hemisphere, Europe, and Asia.” 144
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 08/06/2026Criminal 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.comCarney government testing use of AI in prisons to create profile reports of offendersMentioned 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. 123
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 08/06/2026But 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. #cdnpolithestar.comCarney government testing use of AI in prisons to create profile reports of offendersMentioned 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. 096
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 08/06/2026Star 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.comCarney government testing use of AI in prisons to create profile reports of offendersMentioned 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. 127
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 08/05/2026www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comParliamentary MAID review is “one-sided” and “flawed,” committee member chargesThe 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... 000
Reposted by Mark RamzyToronto Star @thestar.com · 05/05/2026Prime 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.comFrom the Supreme Court to The Hague: What you need to know about Louise Arbour, Canada’s next governor generalFrom 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. 0319
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 03/05/2026www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comMore than a year later, the RCMP is still renewing multimillion-dollar contracts for border helicoptersThe 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. 001
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 19/11/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comCarney government ‘analyzing the results’ of firearms buyback pilot project amid reports of low uptakeThe 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 031
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 18/11/2025Insiders 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.comInsiders say Carney government rejected NDP demands before crucial budget voteThe 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, ... 033
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 12/11/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comNDP prepares for election as its MPs decide whether to vote against Carney government’s budgetThe 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 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 07/10/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comCarney government expected to replace controversial border billAn 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. 031
Reposted by Mark RamzyNational Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 07/10/2025Aspiring 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.comthestar.comAspiring NDP leader who has raised thousands may be breaking party rules, official saysYves 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. 122
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 29/09/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Put any questions in the comments at this linkthestar.comCanada’s gun buyback program: Join the conversationDiscuss the politics and practical challenges of the federal gun buyback with politics reporter Mark Ramzy on Monday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 25/09/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comCarney 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. 010
Reposted by Mark RamzyAlex Ballingall @aballinga.bsky.social · 22/09/2025@markramzy.bsky.social reportsthestar.comLiberals’ push for gun buyback program fuelled by pressure from Quebec, public safety minister says in leaked audioA gun-owning tenant recorded a conversation with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree without the minister’s knowledge. 011
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 20/09/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comCarney government’s hate crimes bill raises questions about enforcement, right to protestUnder 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 020
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 19/09/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comAvi Lewis to launch federal NDP leadership campaignLewis will be the first high-profile name to announce a run in the race to replace Jagmeet Singh. 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 16/09/2025www.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 assassinationThe 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 210
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 14/09/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comA new federal disability benefit was supposed to be a lifeline for those in poverty. Getting it can be a daunting taskLast 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 000
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 29/08/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comHeather McPherson, Avi Lewis prepare NDP leadership bidsEdmonton 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 020
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 18/08/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comCarney government planning to complete gun buyback program by end of next yearIn an interview with the Star, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said an October 2025 amnesty deadline will have to be pushed back. 010
Reposted by Mark RamzyNational Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 14/08/2025Gun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback program, @markramzy.bsky.social reports. www.thestar.com/politics/fed... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.comthestar.comGun-control advocates fear Mark Carney will delay buyback programAn 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 253
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 15/08/2025www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/u...nytimes.comThese Are the Voters Who Should Scare Democrats Most 111
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 11/08/2025Great read from @alexboyd.bsky.social www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comIs 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. 251
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 04/08/2025With Texans in Tow, Hochul Vows to Redraw New York’s House Maps www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/u...nytimes.comWith Texans in Tow, Hochul Vows to Redraw New York’s House Maps 041
Reposted by Mark RamzyRobert Benzie @robertbenzie.bsky.social · 02/08/2025NEW: @thestar.com’s @moirawelsh.bsky.social on the challenges for @maritstilesndp.bsky.social and the @ontariondp.bsky.social. www.thestar.com/politics/pro...thestar.comCan 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." 122
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 02/08/2025Lashing Out Over Russia and Jobs Data, Trump Displays His Volatile Side www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/u...nytimes.comLashing Out Over Russia and Jobs Data, Trump Displays His Volatile Side 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 10/07/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comFederal NDP plans to have a new leader by end of MarchIn 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. 020
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 29/06/2025www.thestar.com/news/canada/...thestar.com25 years ago new immigrants to Canada told us their dreams. We checked in to see how they’ve faredPeople we caught up with said they faced a lot of obstacles when they arrived. We look at how the immigrant experience has evolved today. 040
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 28/06/2025www.thestar.com/opinion/what...thestar.comWhat one story defines Canada? We asked six writersBeyond the cliches about politeness and maple syrup, what is this Canadianness we seek to preserve? 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 08/06/2025Once Champions of Fringe Causes, Now in a ‘Trap of Their Own Making’ www.nytimes.com/2025/06/08/u...nytimes.comOnce Champions of Fringe Causes, Now in a ‘Trap of Their Own Making’ 020
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 31/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comHunt for new NDP leader raises tension before race even beginsPotential 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. 010
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 27/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comPomp and celebration meet King Charles in Ottawa before throne speechIt's King Charles first visit to Canada since his ascension to the throne. 000
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 24/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comMark Carney’s promise to ‘build, baby, build’ has some Canadians fearing the worstIt'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. 000
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 14/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comElection campaign has made crime ‘top of mind’ for Carney governmentPrime 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 000
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 10/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comPierre Poilievre said no to Joe Rogan. That’s left some bruised feelingsAfter 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 020
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 10/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comFacing internal discord and financial uncertainty, new interim NDP leader says party will ‘punch above’ its weightDon Davies insists the NDP will be a force in Parliament, despite losing official party status following its worst ever national election results. 000
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 02/05/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comVeteran 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. 054
Mark Ramzy @markramzy.bsky.social · 24/04/2025www.thestar.com/politics/fed...thestar.comTo stop Pierre Poilievre, I put Canada before the NDP, Jagmeet Singh tells the StarThe 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 131