The Commons justice committee yesterday erupted in cries of disgust as the Liberal majority voted 5 to 4 to cut short a hearing on the SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. political scandal. Conservative and New Democrat MPs sought to question former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould on why she abruptly quit cabinet February 12: “It’s disgusting. You should be ashamed.”
The House affairs committee yesterday served notice of oversight hearings on the biggest, costliest Department of Public Works project of its kind, the multi-billion dollar refit of Parliament Hill. MPs and senators have questioned work to date amid cost overruns and construction delays: “When we’re dealing with taxpayers’ money, we need to know where we’re headed.”
A whistleblower who accused Correctional Service managers of wasting money has won sympathy but no compensation at a federal labour board. The $123,000-a year budget manager complained of reprisal after he ordered a halt to spending on T-shirts, motivational workshops and travel: “Canadian taxpayers owe a debt of gratitude.”
The Canada Border Services Agency improperly destroyed records and misreported spending in a costly 10-year program to computerize cross-border travel, say auditors. “Critical financial controls were not established,” said an independent review.
A press ombudsman says it will take election-year complaints of advertorials in Canadian dailies. The publication of a front-page National Post ad in the 2015 campaign prompted protests and resignations: “The Council expects confusion and complaints.”
Maximum fines for transport scofflaws under new disabilities regulations are paltry, says an advocate. The Department of Transport proposes maximum penalties of $5,000 on individuals and $25,000 against corporations: “How much is enough?”
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna yesterday dismissed carbon tax critics as liars. McKenna said cabinet must “push back against inaccuracies” over the fuel charge, then repeated a disputed claim that 30° temperatures are killing people: “It is difficult.”
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls says it is accepting rush orders for grants in the final weeks of its mandate. Mid-March is traditionally the period when federal agencies distribute unspent funds before the fiscal year expires: “Events may include feasts.”
Generic drug manufacturers gave pharmacists untraceable travelers’ cheques and cash-filled envelopes to boost sales, Tax Court has heard. The case of an Ontario druggist who admitted to receiving cash payments is the first detailed in Court since the 2014 launch of a mammoth audit of the pharmacy trade: “What do they want with us?”
A federal judge has faulted the Canada Revenue Agency for refusing to accommodate a company that mistakenly paid too much tax. Auditors refused a refund since reassessment deadlines had expired: “The decision is unreasonable.”
Federal in-house research shows weak support for cabinet’s 2018 purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline. A third of Canadians nationwide supported the $4.5 billion purchase while 27 percent opposed it, according to Access To Information records: ‘It is expected that protests will continue.’
The Department of National Defence recommended troops receive standard training in crowd control after the 1970 October Crisis. The department in newly-released Access To Information files said soldiers must show “unflinching discipline” in confronting street protests: “You must challenge in a firm, distinct voice: ‘Halt – hands up’.”
Health Canada is tightening maximum recommended limits on lead in tap water. The department noted homes and schools with original plumbing installed prior to 1975 are at greatest risk: “It’s still there.”
Transport Canada is promising “seamless service” for travelers with disabilities at a $7 million annual cost to airlines, airports, interprovincial bus and ferry operators. A British Columbia lawyer challenging a breach of existing regulations said new rules are no remedy for poor enforcement of policies already in place: “You can have all the regulations you want.”
The Privy Council Office yesterday released social media posts cited as intimidating by Clerk Michael Wernick. The Clerk earlier brandished a half-inch pile of what he called cyberbully messages. They contained Facebook posts from eight people. None made physical threats: “What the hell?”
