Opposition MPs last evening called for disclosure of a secret audit on millions in cost overruns for one of cabinet’s signature programs, the Canada Dental Care Plan. A summary referred to soaring administration charges: 'Just so we’re clear, this is to produce information that has been hidden from Canadians.' READ MORE
The Department of Natural Resources yesterday denied any favouritism in financing a Nova Scotia wind farm benefiting friends of the Liberal Party. “There is no conspiracy here,” said Minister Tim Hodgson. READ MORE
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson yesterday blamed war in the Middle East for Canada’s housing crisis. Speaking in the Commons. Robertson stopped short of explaining the connection amid jeers from MPs: "Wow." READ MORE
The Department of Public Works yesterday disclosed billions in emergency loans for Canada Post do not carry any deadline for repayment. The open-ended financing means “taxpayers will be responsible,” Conservative MP Kelly Block (Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, Sask.) told the Commons government operations committee: "Where exactly are you getting the money?" READ MORE
Senators are seeing overwhelming support for a private bill to proclaim the Whiskey Jack as Canada’s national bird. Ornithologists and birders including Grammy-award winner Anne Murray petitioned the Senate to celebrate the rugged bird also known as the Canada Jay: "I think it’s time Canada had a national bird." READ MORE
The Commons yesterday by a 295 to 22 vote rejected a New Democrat bill to impose new restrictions on military trading with the United States. However 15 Liberal MPs defied cabinet in voting for the measure described by Foreign Minister Anita Anand as “irresponsible.” READ MORE
The Department of Foreign Affairs has hired another Washington consultant for tips on how to “communicate information” to Americans, records disclosed yesterday. The department has 16 offices and 486 employees in the United States but was unsure how Americans “consume information online,” according to a contractor's notice. READ MORE
Competition in journalism rests on fair play, transparency and integrity. Parliament in 2019 amended the Income Tax Act to subsidize daily news media on a promise taxpayers’ aid was temporary and transitional. Temporary, transitional aid is now a permanent, secret subsidy for 141 news corporations. It is the only federal program of its kind that does not mandate disclosure of actual payments. If recipients of $2,500 Canada Student Loan subsidies are named under proactive disclosure, taxpayers are owed similar transparency for newsrooms receiving payroll rebates up to $29,750 per employee.
