The Budget Office yesterday said “the deficit is broadly unchanged” despite claims by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne that cabinet found $60 billion in savings. Budget analysts predicted cabinet will add a third of a trillion in new debt by 2030, a total $333,400,000,000: "This reflects the pace of federal borrowing." READ MORE
Provinces will be consulted on a level of immigration that “works for Canadians,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said yesterday. His comments followed Alberta voters’ approval of four referendum questions to limit access to health, education and welfare by foreigners in Canada on temporary permits: "It’s very important to do our jobs." READ MORE
Canada will see more unpredictable and severe labour disputes if Labour Minister Patty Hajdu’s proposed strike ban becomes law, union executives yesterday cautioned MPs. Amendments inserted in an omnibus budget bill would grant Hajdu new powers to bypass pending Federal Court rulings and unilaterally end strikes at ports, airports, railways and other federally-regulated workplaces: "Governments should stay the hell out." READ MORE
The Senate rules committee yesterday opened hearings into media leaks of a confidential report. Senators acknowledged they were unlikely to find who sent draft reports to the National Post and CBC: "Media love these types of stories." READ MORE
Canadians using food banks will not be allowed to catch their own lobster for protein, the Department of Fisheries said yesterday. It rejected a Commons petition sponsored by Green MP Elizabeth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands, B.C.) to permit a recreational lobster catch to ease “rising food insecurity in Canada.” READ MORE
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith last night thanked provincial voters for rejecting a referendum to pursue independence. It was the first vote of its kind nationwide since a 1995 Québec referendum: "Thank you to all." READ MORE
The Liberal-appointed Senate yesterday faced an unprecedented rebuke after thousands of Albertans voted to abolish the Upper Chamber. It was the first referendum of its kind since Alberta pioneered Senate elections 37 years ago: "The Senate continues to lose credibility as an institution." READ MORE
I have served in the legislature, provincial cabinet and House of Commons but none are as maligned as the Senate. Many Canadians do not understand or appreciate what the Senate does or why, or the importance of its work. The scandals don’t help. Yes, the Senate has made mistakes. Canadians are questioning why the Senate is even necessary. There’s no question Canadians have lost confidence in the accountability of Senators.
