Stephen Magusiak

1 week ago | pressprogress.ca | Stephen Magusiak

It may soon be easier for big money to influence government policy in Alberta. Through a series of proposed legislative amendments, Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party plans to open the door to increased political influence by corporations. Introduced the day after the federal election, Bill 54, the Election Statutes Amendment Act, promises major changes to political financing in the province, which has raised concerns from government-accountability advocates.

2 weeks ago | pressprogress.ca | Stephen Magusiak

Analysis by Stephen Magusiak, Reporter Many of the figures closest to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have been tied to the largest corporate lobbying firms in the country. After winning control over the official opposition in September 2022, Poilievre quickly got to work placing pro-business allies into key positions of power within the party. These included top advisors, executives and policy makers — not least of whom is key advisor Jenni Byrne, whose ties to the world of corporate...

2 weeks ago | pressprogress.ca | Stephen Magusiak

Jenni Byrne, among the most powerful figures behind Pierre Poilievre’s election campaign, has been described as one of the most important power brokers in Canada: “merciless,” a “ruthless tactician,” the “most powerful woman in Ottawa.” Writing in Maclean’s, Simon Lewson speculated Byrne could easily become Poilievre’s chief of staff should the Conservative leader become prime minister.

3 weeks ago | pressprogress.ca | Stephen Magusiak

Podcast Meet the Corporate Lobbyists Connected to Pierre Poilievre and his Inner-Circle Geoff Dembicki from DeSmog is pulling back the curtain on the influence of corporate lobbyists on Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives by PressProgress April 21, 2025 Who is lobbying Pierre Poilievre? An interactive map from DeSmog shines a light on the links between Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and various corporate lobbying interests and right-wing advocacy groups. The map connects the dots between...

4 weeks ago | pressprogress.ca | Stephen Magusiak

Analysis by Stephen Magusiak, Reporter Right-wing figures are floating Alberta secessionism if Mark Carney’s Liberals win the federal election, threatening a referendum on independence if the election doesn’t turn out the way they hope it does. As Pierre Poilievre’s chances of winning continue dropping, right-wing voices across the province, from fringey convoy figures to the opposition leaders alike, are starting to bang the drum for Alberta’s separation from the rest of Canada. Alberta...