A labour arbitrator has dismissed another union petition opposing vaccine mandates, this time at a Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. plant in British Columbia. The company had a right to ask workers to show proof of vaccination even if the science was “uncertain,” said the arbitrator: “We are collectively in my view at a time of scientific uncertainty at least from a legal perspective.”
A total eight vaccine death and injury claims have been paid to date in Canada with almost 700 awaiting completion of medical reviews, federal records show. The eight anonymous claims are the first to be paid under a $75 million vaccination compensation program launched in 2021: “Benefits outweigh the potential risks but it is still a drug.”
Executives responsible for junior and minor hockey in Canada yesterday disclosed out of court settlements cost nearly as much as two years’ worth of federal subsidies. Hockey Canada does not publish audited financial statements though it received $9.4 million in federal grants since 2021, according to accounts: “It seems money can buy anything at Hockey Canada.”
The Commons heritage committee yesterday had hockey executives swear to tell “nothing but the truth” in answering questions on payouts and investigations into alleged sexual misconduct. It marked only the third time in the past decade a Commons committee compelled witnesses to testify under oath: “Would that drive home the culture, that you come to a Senate and Commons committee and tell the truth?”
Cabinet has contracted ongoing repairs to the failed Phoenix Pay System program to continue for another eleven years, according to records. The bungled software has now cost taxpayers $2.8 billion and counting: “It’s pretty sad when the government is spending money on consultants to fix the problems created by consultants.”
Employers struggling with labour shortages will hike pay an average 6.1 percent this year, Statistics Canada said yesterday. Federal regulators have said they are closely watching wage gains: “When you talk to companies they’re telling us they are having a hard time attracting workers.”
Police compiled a blacklist of names of crowdfunders linked to the Freedom Convoy, according to Access To Information records. A secret list of individuals and their credit ratings was sent to Farm Credit Canada, a Crown bank: “Follow the money.”
Public Works Minister Filomena Tassi called police over contracting irregularities, records show. Staff in Tassi’s department discovered an unidentified consultant falsified time sheets and billed identical hours to several federal agencies at the same time: “The case has been referred to the RCMP.”
The Commons ethics committee yesterday voted 6-5 to investigate whether the RCMP spied on parliamentarians. The probe follows an admission from police they used spyware to monitor smartphones: “Why? For what purpose?”
The Department of Health says it has been flooded with 69,000 emails and letters from Canadians petitioning for a ban on animal testing by the cosmetics industry. Cabinet promised a bill seven months ago: “Science has not yet progressed.”
The Department of National Defence says it will not bow to “public pressure” on whether to award a Canadian combat veteran the Victoria Cross for the first time in 78 years. MPs and petitioners have sought consideration for an Afghan War hero: “Awarding national honours is designed to be insulated from political influence and public pressure.”
Internal documents confirm a federal bank, Farm Credit Canada of Regina, told employees to secretly record the names of customers who supported the Freedom Convoy. The Access To Information records contradict the agency’s public denial it began blacklisting clients “in support of activity related to the Freedom Convoy.” Staff emails showed managers were still compiling names of customers even after cabinet lifted the Emergencies Act: “If you become aware of a customer’s involvement report it immediately.”
Rideau Hall is responsible for costly air catering charges run up by Governor General Mary Simon, says the air force. Simon’s staff attempted to blame the military for meal expenses that were the equivalent of $218 per plate: “I cannot believe the Department of National Defence decides what the Governor General will eat.”
The CEO of Rogers Communications yesterday said his company is still counting on a $26 billion buyout of rival Shaw Communications of Calgary. MPs on the Commons industry committee questioned the deal following a network blackout affecting 12 million Rogers customers: “You’re saying that with a straight face?”
The Department of Finance yesterday launched a two-year review of the “risks to monetary sovereignty” from bitcoin. It follows the February 14 Emergencies Act freeze of some $7.8 million held in 170 bitcoin wallets and 267 bank accounts belonging to Freedom Convoy sympathizers: “Is it fair to say that you do not see this as a legitimate form of currency?”
