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Sudan's prime minister resigns just 6 weeks after reinstatement amid political deadlock – CBC News

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Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said on Sunday he was resigning, six weeks after returning to his post in a deal with military coup leaders he argued could save a transition toward democracy.

Hamdok, who had failed to name a government as protests continued against a military takeover in October, said a roundtable discussion was needed to produce a new agreement for Sudan’s political transition to democracy.

“I decided to give back the responsibility and announce my resignation as prime minister, and give a chance to another man or woman of this noble country to … help it pass through what’s left of the transitional period to a civilian democratic country,” he said in a televised address.

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The announcement throws Sudan’s political future even deeper into uncertainty, three years after an uprising that led to the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

An economist and former United Nations official, Hamdok became prime minister under a power-sharing agreement between the military and civilians following Bashir’s overthrow.

Ousted and placed under house arrest by the military during a coup on Oct. 25, he was reinstated in November.

Deadly demonstrations

But the deal for his return was denounced by many in the civilian coalition that had previously supported him and protesters who continued to hold mass demonstrations against military rule.

On Sunday, Hamdok said he had tried in vain to forge a consensus between deeply divided factions that would have allowed for the completion of a peace process signed with some rebel groups in 2020, and the preparation of elections in 2023.

“I have tried as far as I am able to spare our country the danger of slipping into disaster,” Hamdok said. “Despite all that was done to bring about the desired and necessary agreement to fulfill our promise to the citizen of security, peace, justice and an end to bloodshed, this did not happen.”

In the latest rallies on Sunday, hours before Hamdok’s speech, security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Khartoum as protesters marched toward the presidential palace.

People chant slogans during a protest to denounce October’s military coup in Khartoum, Sudan, on Sunday. (Marwan Ali/The Associated Press)

At least three people were killed, bringing to 57 the death toll in protests since the Oct. 25 coup, a doctors’ committee aligned with the protest movement said. Six died and hundreds were injured in countrywide demonstrations on Thursday.

The military has said it will allow peaceful protests, and will hold to account those found responsible for violence.

Among the economic reforms Hamdok oversaw were the removal of costly fuel subsidies and a sharp devaluation of the currency.

Those enabled Sudan to qualify for relief on at least $56 billion US of foreign debt, and a long-running economic crisis had shown signs of easing. The coup put the debt relief deal in doubt and froze extensive Western economic backing for Sudan.

On his return as prime minister in November, Hamdok said he wanted to preserve the economic steps taken by the transitional government and halt bloodshed after rising numbers of casualties from the crackdown on protests.

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‘Hillary was right’: Lifelong GOP voter on why he is leaving party – CNN

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‘Hillary was right’: Lifelong GOP voter on why he is leaving party

Texas Trey, a lifelong Republican voter, speaks with CNN’s Laura Coates about why he plans to leave the party before the 2024 election.


01:38

– Source:
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Alberta Politics: UCP ahead of NDP by 15-points. Naheed Nenshi is the most well-known and well-liked NDP.

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From March 14 to 21, 2024, Abacus Data conducted a survey of 1,000 Alberta adults exploring several topics as part of our regular national omnibus surveys.

This is the first time we have fielded one of our public surveys in Alberta since Rachel Notley announced she was stepping down as NDP leader, triggering a leadership election. This survey was also completed prior to the announcement on Tuesday morning by NDP MLA Rakhi Pancholi that she is dropping out of the NDP leadership race and endorsing Naheed Nenshi.

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In this report, we share results of the core political opinion questions, a bit of a deep-dive on impressions of the provincial government led by Danielle Smith, and a look at how Albertans feel about the NDP leadership candidates and how they perform in hypothetical match-ups with Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party.

The UCP holds a 15-point lead over the Alberta NDP

If a provincial election were held today, 55% of committed Alberta adults would vote UCP while 40% would vote Alberta NDP. 2% would vote for the Alberta Party while 2% would vote for another party. Since our last survey in October 2023, the UCP is down 1 while the NDP is unchanged.

Since the 2023 provincial election, the NDP is down 4 while the UCP is up 2.

Regionally, the UCP is ahead by 8 in Calgary (52% to 44%) and 38 in other communities outside Calgary and Edmonton-proper. In Edmonton, the Alberta NDP is ahead by 11 (53% to 42%).

The UCP lead by 22 among men, 7 among women and holds a commanding 39-point lead among Albertans aged 60+. Among those under 45 the two parties are basically tied.

When it comes to how Albertans feel about the performance of the Danielle Smith government, 32% approve while 38% disapprove. In Calgary, the Smith government’s net approval is -13, in Edmonton it is -20, and in the rest of the province it is +11.

Impressions of the two main party leaders are fairly similar. 38% of Albertans have a positive impression of Premier Smith while 40% have a negative impression for a net score of -1. NDP Leader Rachel Notley has a net score of -12, with 31% viewing her positively and 43% negatively.

How do Albertans feel about the provincial government?

Respondents were asked to choose phrases or words that describe the Smith government. We asked the same question to our national sample about the Trudeau government and to a large sample in Ontario about the provincial government led by Danielle Smith. We will share results of those results in the coming days.

In Alberta, views of the Smith government are mixed but generally more positive than how people feel about the Ford government in Ontario or the Trudeau government federally.

More than half of Albertans feel the Smith government is “clear on what it wants Alberta to be” rather than “unclear on what it wants Alberta to be”. Half thinks the government is “focused” while 33% think it is “distracted”. More feel it is “effective” than “ineffective” and about equal numbers feels the government is “focused on the right priorities” rather than “focused on the wrong priorities”.

34% describe the government as “unifying” while 42% think it is “divisive” and 43% describes it as “proactive”, more than feel it is “reactive”.

Overall, for a government that has taken on some controversial issues, these results suggest it is seen positively and in the right frame with a sizeable portion of the population.

But we also asked respondents whether they feel the provincial government is sufficiently focused on or addressing several key issues. Areas where most Albertans want to see the government more focused include “managing the cost of living” (60%) and “improving the healthcare system” (58). Another 52% think it could be more focused on “keeping your taxes as low as possible”.

In contrast, the provincial government is more likely to be seen as sufficiently focused on “standing up for Alberta” (49%) and “growing the Alberta economy” (37%).

One area where there’s more neutral views is on climate change. 38% of Albertans feel the provincial government could be more focused on it, 28% think it is moderately or highly focused on it, while 34% are either neutral or unsure about it.

These results suggest that so far, the Smith government has done a pretty good job managing expectations and signalling to its coalition that it’s sufficiently handling the top issues people report are important to them.

The Alberta NDP Leadership Race

In this survey, we also asked several questions regarding the Alberta NDP leadership election.

We started by assessing the impressions people have of the six candidates running to be Alberta NDP leader. A few things stand out:

1 Naheed Nenshi is by far the most well known of the candidates. 74% of Albertans had an impression of Mr. Nenshi, significantly higher than Sarah Hoffman (49%), Kathleen Ganley (60%), Rakhi Pancholi (39%), Hil McGowan (39%), or Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse (37%).

2. Naheed Nenshi is also the only candidate who has a clear net positive impression. 31% of Albertans have a positive view of him compared with 23% who have a negative view for a net score of +8. Kathleen Ganley is the only other candidate with a net positive, but just barely at +1.

3. Nenshi’s net scores are +14 in Calgary, +9 in Edmonton, and -1 in the rest of the province. Sarah Hoffman’s net scores are +2 in Edmonton, -6 in Calgary, and -3 in the rest of the province. Note, only 42% of Albertans outside the two largest cities have an impression of Ms. Hoffman.

And so apart from Mr. Nenshi, none of the other leadership candidates are household names (they rarely are in leadership races) and Mr. Nenshi has a substantial advantage when it comes to name recognition and favourability.

Now, we also tested five of the candidate in hypothetical matchups with Danielle Smith and the UCP.

From that exercise we learned a few things:

None of the leadership candidates perform as well as Rachel Notley as part of our main ballot question although Naheed Nenshi performs better than anyone else. This is likely more about his name recognition than any ability to attract Albertans who wouldn’t otherwise vote NDP – except in Calgary.

When we look at the regional dynamics, a few things stand out. In Edmonton, no one performs as well as Rachel Notley currently does. The main ballot question has the NDP ahead by 11. In all of the hypotheticals, that gap drops considerable.

In Calgary, Nenshi performs best, turning an 8 point UCP lead into a statistical tie. None of the other candidates perform better than Rachel Notley currently in Calgary.

Outside of Edmonton and Calgary, Nenshi performance as well as Notley but with all other possible NDP leaders the UCP lead grows.

Finally, another way to look at the potential impact of each NDP leadership candidate to shake up vote intentions to see how much of NDP support they retain and how much support they attract from other parties.

Naheed Nenshi does the best at attracting new supporters and retaining more of the current NDP support base. Sarah Hoffman retains more of the NDP base than other candidates, except for Nenshi, but attracts slightly less UCP and other party supporters than Nenshi. All the other candidates hold 2 in 3 current NDP supporters or less and attract few UCP candidates.

But the big takeaway is how little UCP support is attracted to any of the candidates at the moment demonstrating the level of polarization in Alberta at the moment.

It is also worth noting that given Nenshi name recognition advantage, this comparison isn’t a perfect measure of potential opportunity or risk for the other candidates but it does clearly show how challenging it will be for any of these candidates, if elected leader, to grow the NDP support base. Nenshi likely has the best chance and right now is the lower risk at losing existing NDP support.

Find out more about the The Three Threads and how the Abacus Data team looks
at polling for public affairs and advocacy.

The Upshot

According to Abacus Data CEO David Coletto: “In reflecting on the findings of our recent survey, it’s clear that Premier Danielle Smith’s position in Alberta politics remains robust ten months into her mandate.

Retaining the support garnered in the last election, her government appears not only to have maintained its winning coalition but also enjoys a reasonably favourable approval rating amidst challenging economic conditions. This standing is especially notable when compared to incumbents in other provinces.

The Smith government is perceived as having a distinct mission and vision, demonstrating effectiveness in its undertakings, and maintaining focus on what many Albertans deem the right priorities, despite criticisms around certain initiatives like the Alberta Pension Plan and on-going disputes with Ottawa – which Albertans recognize as an area the government has focused a lot on.

The Alberta NDP leadership race introduces an intriguing dynamic, particularly with Naheed Nenshi’s advantage on name recognition and favourability among the candidates. His recent endorsement by former leadership candidate and NDP MLA Rakhi Pancholi, coupled with claims of a significant increase in party membership, underscores his potential to translate personal brand into political capital. This development is crucial in leadership contests, where the ability to mobilize new members can decisively tilt the scales. Nenshi’s profile offers the Alberta NDP a formidable asset in its leadership transition, highlighting the strategic importance of both visibility and organizational support in such contests.

However, the broader challenge for the Alberta NDP, and indeed for any leader emerging from its ongoing leadership race, lies in positioning the party as a credible and appealing alternative to the United Conservative Party under Danielle Smith. Despite a leadership race that has garnered national attention, the ultimate electoral test will be in persuading UCP supporters to change their preferences. More akin to convincing cola drinkers to stop drinking cola than switching from Pepsi to Coke.

Premier Smith’s brand, characterized by having a clear vision and a focus on priority issues for Albertans, sets a high bar. The evolving political landscape in Alberta, shaped by both individual leadership qualities and collective party dynamics, continues to be a compelling study in contrasts and possibilities.”

Methodology

The survey was conducted with 1,000 Alberta adults from March 16 to 21, 2024. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are Canada’s most sought-after, influential, and impactful polling and market research firm. We are hired by many of North America’s most respected and influential brands and organizations.

We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail, and exceptional value.

And we are growing throughout all parts of Canada and the United States and have capacity for new clients who want high quality research insights with enlightened hospitality.

Our record speaks for itself: we were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in the 2019, 2015, and 2011 federal elections.

 

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Politics Briefing: Renters to receive help in next month’s budget

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Hello,

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a handful of measures aimed at helping renters today that will be part of next month’s 2024 budget, including a $15-million tenant protection fund and a Canadian renters’ bill of rights.

Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made the announcement in Vancouver.

The dollar amounts involved are relatively small, but government officials say this will be the first of several announcements over the coming weeks that will unveil specific elements of the April 16 budget.

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The communications plan was described to The Globe and Mail by two senior government officials. The Globe is not identifying the officials as they were not authorized to comment on the record about the plan.

The government’s hope is that by dropping budget details in advance, the Liberals will be able to garner more attention for the measures they are rolling out, rather than have it all released in a crush of stories on budget day.

Full story by Deputy Ottawa bureau chief Bill Curry and senior political reporter Marieke Walsh.

This is the daily Politics Briefing newsletter, written by Ian Bailey. It is available exclusively to our digital subscribers. If you’re reading this on the web, subscribers can sign up for the Politics newsletter and more than 20 others on our newsletter sign-up page. Have any feedback? Let us know what you think.

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Justice Marie-Josée Hogue resumes foreign interference inquiry: Hogue opened public hearings today as part of the inquiry on foreign interference, saying she wants to release as much information as possible about meddling in the 2019 and 2021 elections but warning some details must be kept secret to protect national security. Robert Fife and Steven Chase report.

Economists defend Liberals’ carbon price as political rhetoric heats up: Dozens of Canadian economists who have issued an ardent defence of Canada’s price on pollution say the national carbon price is the cheapest way to cut the most emissions, and also dispute the notion that the carbon price is driving up inflation and the cost of living.

NDP motion on Gaza threatened to split Liberal caucus: The federal Liberals expected upward of 80 of their backbench MPs to vote with the NDP last week on a motion that included a call to recognize a Palestinian state, according to sources with knowledge of the deliberations, prompting a scramble to convince New Democrats to accept amendments and avoid exposing deep divisions in the governing party.

Drowning in debt, Canadian Olympic athletes ask for raise in monthly ‘carding’ money in federal budget: With the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris on the horizon, Canada’s athletes are asking for a $6.3-million raise to the Athletes Assistance Program, which is informally known as “carding” money, in the federal government’s April 16 budget.

‘He understands Canadians’: Inside what ‘axe the tax’ means to Poilievre’s supporters: Heading into spring, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has spent much of his time outside of Parliament campaigning across the country – and on social media – to keep up momentum as he rides high in public opinion polls. That includes a rally in Ottawa last weekend.

Canada pushes for trade in Vietnam as West lowers risks from China: Trade Minister Mary Ng, leading the largest-ever Canadian delegation to Vietnam, opened the second Canada-Vietnam Joint Economic Committee after meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi.

Ontario budget 2024: Billions for health care, rising deficits, car insurance changes and other highlights: Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy outlined a “deterioration” of Ontario’s fiscal situation and a higher deficit projection next year because of slower economic growth, inflation and higher interest rates as he tabled the province’s 2024-25 budget this week.

TODAY’S POLITICAL QUOTES

“I don’t agree that Canada is a climate laggard, and I certainly don’t agree that Saskatchewan is a climate laggard. I think Saskatchewan and Canada are leaders when it comes to developing industries that are reducing emissions with innovation.” – Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe appearing virtually today before the government operations committee about his opposition to federal carbon pricing.

“Any province that wants to put forward a similarly robust way to fight climate change, but do it in a way that works for them, is more than welcome to.” – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a news conference in Vancouver, responding to a question about whether he is open to talking to the premiers about their concerns with his government’s carbon-pricing policies.

“Your concerns are real. You are not making it up.” – Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland at the news conference, in Vancouver, with Trudeau on challenges facing young Canadians.

THIS AND THAT

Mark Carney meets China’s president: The former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, seen as a possible successor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, met today in China with Xi Jinping as the Chinese president held talks with North American business leaders. Britain’s The Telegraph reports here.

Hannah Thibedeau exit: After more than 20 years covering Parliament Hill, Hannah Thibedeau is departing the CBC. The afternoon host on the CBC News Network is having a goodbye party in Ottawa this week, an internal notice said. In 2009, says her biography on the CBC website, Thibedeau joined CBC as a local reporter and producer for Politics with Don Newman. In 2012, she joined the national bureau.

New chief military judge: Captain Catherine Julie Deschênes is taking up the role from Lieutenant-Colonel Louis-Vincent d’Auteuil, interim judge since March, 2020. The chief military judge, like other military judges, also presides over courts martial but has additional responsibilities for the administration of their office. Defence Minister Bill Blair announced the appointment today.

Gould in Boston: Karina Gould, who has been on maternity leave from her role as government house leader, was at the Harvard Kennedy School this week, speaking about public-sector programs to support families and their impact on key social and economic outcomes. Gould’s press secretary, Philippe-Alexandre Langlois, confirmed the personal trip. Bernadette Jordan, Canada’s consul general to Boston and the New England states, posted on the event.

Commons, Senate: The House of Commons is on a break until April 8. The Senate sits again on April 9.

Deputy Prime Minister’s day: Chrystia Freeland, in Vancouver, joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the housing and renters announcement.

Ministers on the road: Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, in St. John’s, participated in a fireside chat hosted by Energy NL with Premier Andrew Furey and Energy NL chief executive officer Charlene Johnson. Housing Minister Sean Fraser, Marci Ien, Minister for Women, Gender Equality and Youth, and Justice Minister Arif Virani made an affordable-housing announcement in Toronto. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez, in Montreal, made a housing and affordability announcement.

In Québec City, Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos were scheduled to make a housing announcement. International Trade Minister Mary Ng is in Ho Chi Minh City, leading a trade mission in Vietnam this week. Families Minister Jenna Sudds, in Edmonton, made a housing announcement. Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for southern Ontario, was scheduled to make a housing announcement in Waterloo. Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal and Treasury Board President Anita Anand, in Winnipeg, made a housing and affordability announcement. Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez, in Toronto, attended an event hosted by PARO Women’s Enterprise Canada to celebrate female entrepreneurs from across Canada.

Commons committee highlights: Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe appeared by video conference before the government operations committee on main estimates related to government spending.

PRIME MINISTER’S DAY

In Vancouver, Justin Trudeau made a housing announcement, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Harjit Sajjan, the president of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.

LEADERS

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was scheduled to hold a rally in Edmonton.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, in B.C., held a caucus meeting and later spoke at a youth nuclear disarmament gathering in Victoria hosted by Mines Action Canada.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was scheduled, in Ottawa, to join the Public Service Alliance of Canada picket line in support of striking Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services workers. However, his schedule for the day was cancelled.

No schedule released for Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet.

THE DECIBEL

Today’s edition of The Globe and Mail podcast features international correspondent Nathan VanderKlippe on how the local high school in the Colorado mountain town of Aspen – often called a snowy “playground for the rich” – is dealing with real estate pressures affecting teachers. Student-built tiny homes for the teachers is one solution. The Decibel is here.

TRIBUTE

Trevor Harrison: The family of the late Liberal political volunteer and staffer have created a scholarship in his name linked to brain tumours, an affliction which led to his 2022 death. The $2,000 award through the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada aims to provide financial support to politically engaged students, affected by a brain tumour, who want to make positive contributions to public policy or politics through civic engagement. Scholarship details are here. Former Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff eulogized Harrison.

PUBLIC OPINION

Alberta NDP leadership race: Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is the most well known of the candidates seeking to lead the Alberta NDP, and the only candidate with a clear, net-positive impression, according to newly released research from Abacus Data.

OPINION

The Liberals’ dithering on defence is indefensible

“Years of neglect cannot be overcome overnight. But the defence policy update needs to lay out a clear and credible path to Canada meeting its obligations to NATO (not to mention, to the members of the armed forces). A failure to do so will relegate Canada to the periphery of NATO discussions, as well as making it clear to the United States that it needs to assume responsibility for the defence of the Arctic. So, what will the Trudeau Liberals pick: a hard road to rebuilding relevance, or continued decline? The moment of decision is approaching – swiftly.” – The Globe and Mail Editorial Board

The Liberals broke the immigration system at high speed. They’re repairing it by baby steps

“They filled the pool with a firehose. Now they’re bailing with thimbles. After years of the Trudeau government flooring the growth accelerator on temporary immigration, Immigration Minister Marc Miller last week announced a tap of the brakes. The overdue move is welcome – though so far it’s more pledge than plan, with many details about execution (not this government’s strong suit) still to come.”

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