Specialty drugs lost in a mysterious mishap at a federal warehouse included $20 million in medicines needed to counter a “biological threat,” says a Public Health Agency memo. MPs on the Commons health committee were briefed on the incident behind closed doors last February 10: "I can confirm there was loss of a quantity of treatment for a biological threat." READ MORE
Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner yesterday said Canadians deserve a judiciary free of politics, but would not discuss his own criticism of the Freedom Convoy. Wagner declined to recuse himself from sitting in judgment on protestors he described as anarchists and hostage takers, though none were charged with either offence: "Can you explain why you will not recuse yourself?" READ MORE
Cabinet today for the third time in five years will table legislation to regulate legal internet content. Attorney General Sean Fraser has said cabinet would not revive terms of previous bills that lapsed on complaints of censorship and federal over-reach: "What’s the urgency?" READ MORE
Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith (Beaches-East York, Ont.) yesterday in a farewell speech to the House likened his political career to “pushing a boulder up a hill.” The former housing minister is to resign with the Commons’ adjournment for summer recess, expected June 19: "I’ve had some roles." READ MORE
Cabinet yesterday again extended an amnesty for various “assault style” firearms pending a final Supreme Court judgment. The amnesty was deferred to an unspecified date in 2027: "The government is providing certainty." READ MORE
A defence industry start-up whose chief lobbyist is the brother of Deputy Defence Minister Christiane Fox won a private audience with the Prime Minister to discuss drone technology, records show. The Privy Council yesterday had no comment: "Can you assure Parliament and Canadians that you won’t be using your office as a public office holder to further the interests of private individuals?" READ MORE
It will take 1,000 years at current construction rates to fully restore housing affordability for the poorest Canadians, says Housing Advocate Marie-Josée Houle. The cabinet advisor in her annual report to Parliament said new supply of public and co-op housing was critical: "The current pace of building deeply affordable homes is so slow it would take over 1,000 years." READ MORE
Defenders of the Senate often use that phrase about “sober second thought.” It is no joke. Senators should be chosen, not as beneficiaries of taxpayer largesse but because they have the brains and the practical experience to see the flaws in proposed laws. Voter anger and outrage at the Canadian Senate is not new. From the outset, prime ministers used their power to appoint to the Red Chamber as a reward for party supporters and faithful allies in the cabinet and caucus.
