Cabinet yesterday tabled a bill to impose sweeping curbs on strikes and circumvent Federal Court challenges on its repeated use of executive powers to quash legal walkouts. Labour Minister Patty Hajdu said she did not like “people fighting with people.” READ MORE
The Commons science committee yesterday tabled a report on political conflicts at Canadian universities without any mention of anti-Semitism. It was a striking omission, said Opposition MPs: "It is an important topic within the study that should have received more attention." READ MORE
Swearing-in ceremonies for Governor General Louise Arbour cost $388,733 and counting, cabinet disclosed yesterday. The expense exceeded those run up by Arbour’s predecessor, but compared to $330,000 in talent fees paid by a Crown bank to hire CBC comic Rick Mercer as pitchman: "These are tough times. We have to make tough choices." READ MORE
The military tolerates too many off-colour jokes despite a decade-long campaign of culture change, says a Department of National Defence report. Investigators said while progress had been made, “sexualized jokes and microaggressions are often overlooked.” READ MORE
Most renters have not given up on home ownership despite the housing crisis, CMHC said yesterday. Findings of a Canadian Housing Survey showed renters were counting on home equity to help their children and provide security in retirement: "Canadians continue to aspire to housing that better meets their needs yet many still face challenges in doing so." READ MORE
Cabinet will press ahead with a bill to regulate the internet, says Prime Minister Mark Carney. Bill C-34 is a third attempt to regulate political speech in the name of social stability: "This fall we will press ahead with the Act to protect Canadians online." READ MORE
Any decision on whether to mandate face and fingerprint scanning of air passengers on domestic flights is up to cabinet, says the federal agency responsible for airport security. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) proposes to introduce biometric scanning on local flights by 2031: "CATSA will not be the authority to determine whether biometrics should be mandatory." READ MORE
Some MPs come to Ottawa driven by passion for public affairs, others arrive by mishap. I’d worked as an educator for 30 years, teaching English, history and social studies. Current events were always very important in my class. Then I saw how Parliament works. I was shocked at the process. Debate is limited by closure. Many MPs are indifferent and never participate. There is no attempt at thoughtful analysis. Legislation is hastily passed and dissent is not tolerated. Is this too cynical?
