Newly-disclosed records show cabinet in secret session in 1992 feared consequences of rising immigration quotas. “Canadians perceived the immigration system to be out of control,” then-Immigration Minister Bernard Valcourt told cabinet: "The refugee system was being abused and the number of failed claimants who could not be removed was growing at the rate of 1,000 per month." READ MORE
Many homebuyers tell federal focus groups they would not buy prefabricated houses as promoted by Prime Minister Mark Carney. A Privy Council report said that, while buyers acknowledged factory-built homes were less expensive, many preferred traditional construction: "Several were of the impression that traditional homes typically had better plumbing and electricity systems." READ MORE
Hotelkeepers say they could help ease the housing crisis with a change in federal mortgage insurance rules. Hotels Canada, the industry lobby, petitioned MPs to extend insurance to developers of mixed use buildings: "This policy could create 21,000 new rental units." READ MORE
Opposition MPs seek parliamentary hearings into an attempt by the Department of National Defence to conceal a 2023 training session with members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. “Canadians deserve answers,” Conservative MP James Bezan (Selkirk-Interlake, Man.), vice-chair of the committee, said yesterday. READ MORE
Posting photos of homeless people or street addicts on the internet would be criminalized under a Commons petition sponsored by Deputy Government House Leader Arielle Kayabaga. The petition follows complaints, including from MPs, of public disorder in major cities: "There are needles around on the street. There is excrement on the street." READ MORE
Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday claimed cabinet will generate billions through foreign management of the nation’s largest airports though all are currently under 60-year leases with local authorities. The Opposition sought details: "We want to see how it is going to save money for Canadians, because if it doesn’t save money, then why do it?" READ MORE
Newly-declassified records show then-Prime Minister Brian Mulroney cautioned his cabinet that abolition of the Senate was “not an acceptable political option” for Canada. Confidential accounts of the 1992 meeting were disclosed through Access To Information in advance of a first-ever referendum in Alberta to “abolish the unelected federal Senate.” READ MORE
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was “a wild show,” he wrote. He listed a half dozen close calls. A university friend was killed by a sniper while they were shaking hands. An enemy shell made a direct hit on the post he had just turned over to a new officer and “blew him to pieces.” Another shell landed six feet away and failed to explode: “If it had exploded we would be going yet.” Percy traded in his uniform and returned to Ottawa where he lived out his life serving God and the Presbyterian Church.
