In a recent farewell Q&A session, Robert Fife, the long-serving Ottawa Bureau Chief for The Globe and Mail, offered insights into his storied career and the evolving landscape of Canadian politics. As he gears up for retirement at the end of May, Fife shared his reflections on significant political moments and the challenges facing journalism today.
A Legacy of Political Reporting
Fife has spent the past decade leading The Globe’s Ottawa bureau, following a distinguished tenure with CTV National News and the National Post. His reporting has been pivotal in uncovering major political events, including the SNC-Lavalin scandal and allegations of foreign interference in the 2021 federal election.
During the session, readers were eager to understand which stories Fife cherished most. When asked about his proudest moment, he highlighted his investigative work on the SNC-Lavalin case, asserting that had the government succeeded in absolving the engineering firm, it would have set a troubling precedent for corporate accountability in Canada.
Insights on Leadership and Party Dynamics
Fife’s views on the political landscape remain as sharp as ever. When questioned about the future of Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, he noted a lack of challengers emerging to contest his leadership. However, he expressed concerns regarding Poilievre’s ability to maintain his position, citing dissatisfaction within the Conservative caucus and the recent defections to the Liberals as indicators of unrest.
His insights extended to cabinet ministers, where he praised Paul Martin for his decisive actions as finance minister, while lamenting the number of disappointing figures he has encountered over the years. “There have been so many disappointing cabinet ministers that it is difficult to single out any one person,” he remarked, reflecting a sentiment that resonates with many political observers.
The Changing Face of Journalism
Fife’s career has spanned several decades, and with that comes a profound understanding of the shifts in political journalism. He lamented the dwindling number of reporters covering national politics, attributing this decline to the weakening of access to information laws and increasing government secrecy. “The demise of newspapers and the concentration of power in the PMO are deeply worrying,” he cautioned, highlighting the challenges that journalists face in holding power to account.
On a personal note, he attributed his journalistic ethos to his upbringing in northern Ontario, where the values of honesty and accountability were instilled in him from a young age. This grounding informs his approach to storytelling, aiming to give a voice to the hardworking Canadians who often feel overlooked.
Reflecting on the Future
As Fife prepares to step back from the rigours of daily journalism, he shared his hopes for the future of Canada. He expressed confidence in the nation’s unity, despite ongoing crises in provinces like Alberta and Quebec. “Canada is an amazing country. We welcome people of all races, languages and faith,” he stated, reinforcing his belief in a collective Canadian identity.
Fife also offered advice to younger journalists, emphasising the importance of curiosity and relationship-building. “Meet as many people as you can and never give up,” he urged, underscoring the necessity of fostering trust within the political community.
Why it Matters
Robert Fife’s retirement signals the end of an era for political journalism in Canada. His contributions have not only shaped public understanding of pivotal events but have also set a benchmark for integrity and thoroughness in reporting. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Fife’s insights serve as a vital reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and the role of journalism in a healthy democracy. His departure leaves a significant void, but his legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of journalists striving to uphold the values he championed throughout his career.
