Natural Resources Canada is spending on research for “clean coal” technology that is commercially unviable without a price on carbon emissions, says an expert: ‘Who’d build a plant 10% less efficient when you’re not forced to do that?’
Cabinet has taken another step to slapping $1 billion worth of tariffs on U.S. goods from Wisconsin cheese to Washington apples. The World Trade Organization complied with Canada’s request for a panel hearing in a five-year dispute over meat labeling.
Some of the country’s largest farm groups vow to oppose curbs on chemicals cited by Health Canada for “affecting the environment”. The action comes as critics campaign against the pesticides currently used on everything from grapes to potatoes.
Researchers urge that Canada and the U.S. standardize policies to save endangered species. Scientists concluded Canadians could be more transparent, Americans could be less subjective: “This is important.”
Jobless rates for youth in what was Canada’s manufacturing heartland now approach rustbelt levels, according to new research. Unemployment among young workers is worse than in Ohio, Wisconsin or Minnesota, and nearly approaches Illinois’ 18% rate: “It’s worrying.”
The Canadian Wheat Board proposes to speed its privatization ahead of a 2016 cabinet deadline with a grain-for-shares scheme. It would see $5 shares swapped for every tonne of grain delivered in what the board called a buying “opportunity” for farmers. The board was established as a Crown agency in 1935.
Citizenship & Immigration Canada proposes to compile a database of 2.2 million individuals’ fingerprints in the name of national security. It will be the biggest non-criminal file of its kind in Canadian history. Authorities acknowledged mistakes will be made.
Federal investigators have opened a probe of the nation’s largest rent-a-car firms alleging deceptive trade practices, Blacklock’s has learned. A judge ordered Avis and Budget Rent A Car to submit records regarding one of the most common billing practices in the business: “They want to ask us some questions.”
The Canadian Coast Guard confirms it provided an icebreaker at no cost to a Danish shipping company in the Northwest Passage though it proposes a general fee increase on other commercial shippers. Officials declined an interview.
Most small businesses consider regulations a minor irritation but curse federal tax filings as the most time-consuming chore, says Industry Canada. Small businesses typically submit two forms a month to the government, at a yearly cost of $3,444: “More and more and more.”
New wireless carriers’ entrance into most provinces has been slow and subscription growth has been even slower, according to new CRTC data. Only four provinces succeeded in attracting new subscribers last year: “I’m still shackled to my contract.”
Middle-class Canadians are so deep in debt more than 7 in 10 could not scrape up $5,000 in cash in a family emergency, according to federal studies. Most said they would borrow the money; 9% reported they “could not handle it”. The research was compiled by Employment Canada.
Cities are pressing Transport Canada for mandatory disclosure of all dangerous goods moved by rail. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities said, three months after the fatal Lac-Mégantic wreck, they have no assurances of regulatory changes: “This simply cannot continue.”
The Tax Court trial of a realtor who claimed a McDonald’s Happy Meal and his daughter’s cellphone fees as business expenses has provided a glimpse into the trade. The self-described “number one” condo salesman pleaded guilty to falsifying his tax return following two Canada Revenue audits: “I do not find him to be credible.”
MPs will debate a proposed $50 million tax credit for employers who hire young workers, especially in depressed areas. New federal data show the youth jobless rate has dropped below 11% only once in the past thirty-five years: “This is about hiring.”
