More Canadians owe more than ever, says a Financial Consumer Agency of Canada memo. The release of the document yesterday followed a warning by bankruptcy trustees that millions of Canadians have “no margin for error.” READ MORE
Tent Is Legal Accommodation
A squatter’s tent in a city park meets the legal definition of “accommodation,” the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has ruled in a far-reaching judgment on urban encampments. The decision came in the case of a homeless Halifax man denied welfare for shelter costs since he had no shelter: "The ordinary meaning of the word ‘accommodation’ is broad." READ MORE
Campus Disorder’s Targeted
A Montréal judge has certified a class action lawsuit against McGill University for failing to curb anti-Semitic disorder on campus. The decision allowing the case to proceed to trial coincided with a new federal report condemning Canadian universities for Jew hate: "Universities are not immune from the intervention of the courts." READ MORE
Miller’s Panel A Slow Starter
A federal panel assigned months ago to combat anti-Semitism has convened one meeting to date with no agenda or work plan, a member said yesterday. Heritage Minister Marc Miller announced the panel last February with a “mission to foster social cohesion.” READ MORE
Army Cadets Hit By Inflation
The Army Cadet League, longest-running federal youth program in the nation, is petitioning MPs for millions in special funding on complaints of rising costs. Army and Air Cadets in a joint submission to Parliament said extra funding was needed for expenses from hall rentals to liability insurance: "The Cadet program is facing increasing financial pressures." READ MORE
Law Slowing Asylum Claims
The number of asylum claims in Canada has been halved since Parliament passed legislation granting cabinet new powers to suspend foreigners’ permits, data show. The Department of Immigration in a briefing note said it had rejected more claims since the law was changed: 'While it is still too early to assess trends, we can confirm an increase in asylum claims that have been found ineligible.' READ MORE
First Scrutiny Of Toll Splitting
The Budget Office will undertake the first public review of new costs on the Gordie Howe International Bridge following toll concessions to the United States, an MP said yesterday. Cabinet to date has attempted to block any public scrutiny of concessions after the Prime Minister misrepresented terms: "Canadians deserve answers." READ MORE
Guest Commentary
I’m no gambler, though there are those who’d say running for public office in Alberta as a Liberal in 1986 takes a gambling streak. I am no good at cards. I’ve never been to Las Vegas. There is a philosophical principle we share. Government must be careful in how it limits choice. I have a right to gamble if I want to gamble. I even have a right to go bankrupt doing it. But, there is something pernicious about VLTs. They are addictive. They damage families. There is ample evidence they are linked to suicide.
