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
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
Newly-declassified records show the military lifted a ban on gay recruits in part after overestimating by fourfold the number of LGBTQ members in the Canadian Armed Forces. Canada was among the first countries to announce recruitment of gay soldiers, sailors and air crew: "Upwards to 10 percent of the military could have homosexual orientation to some degree." READ MORE
Foreign agents have until October 3 to register with Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner Anton Boegman under threat of $1 million fines. The long-promised initiative came into force yesterday: "Citizens need to see this work in action." READ MORE
The federal Green Party today opens a campaign to choose its sixth leader in seven years, a parliamentary record. Current leader MP Elizabeth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands B.C.), 72, confirmed her retirement after suffering a 2023 stroke and disastrous 2025 election: "I am so lucky to be alive." READ MORE
A long-promised national flood insurance program would see homeowners at greatest risk pay about $350 in surcharges under threat of being disqualified from disaster relief, according to Access To Information records. The finance department has been reviewing details of the program since 2020: "The premium threshold is currently envisioned as being set at $350." READ MORE
The Canada Revenue Agency “turns a blind eye to rich taxpayers and corporations” when it comes to audits, says in-house Agency research. Public skepticism followed a significant drop in the number of audits targeting wealthy tax filers: "Rich people have an easier time tax cheating than middle class Canadians." READ MORE
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.
