Blacklock's Reporter

They don’t make British Columbia premiers like they used to. Richard McBride was the first to build his own navy, the first to create a university. “Any complaints?” he asked voters. McBride was so sentimental that, when confronted by a petitioner with a son in the penitentiary – “He is only a boy, Mr. McBride, and meant no harm” – he gave the woman $20. He was a glad-handing spendthrift who cheerfully accepted a case of Old Curio Whiskey from lobbyists, and told British Columbians: “Let everyone wear a smile.” In Boundless Optimism biographer Patricia Roy captures the forgotten genius and sinfulness of this flawed man who campaigned by stagecoach and ruled for three terms. READ MORE

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