Canadians have told Department of Health researchers they resent being made to feel guilty over opioid deaths of “homeless drug users”. Data show more Canadians die of accidental drug overdoses than are killed in traffic accidents: ‘They are users with a tendency to make poor choices.’
An order that Canada Revenue Agency pay $62,955 for workplace misconduct is the first since Parliament passed an anti-harassment bill. A federal labour board effectively doubled the maximum damages payable under the Canadian Human Rights Act: “The Agency failed.”
The federal prison service yesterday ordered 21 golf carts but swore they are not for use on the links. The Correctional Service earlier faced a public outcry over disclosures that inmates at British Columbia penitentiaries enjoyed pitch-and-putt courses: “The benefits are great.”
Cabinet yesterday ordered that new historic commemorations address “colonialism, patriarchy and racism” in Canada. A federal board will also review past designations dating over a century, though staff cautioned no statues will be removed: “Nothing can be immune from review.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce yesterday disputed cabinet claims most people will profit from carbon tax rebates. Higher fuel taxes and the cost of a pending Clean Fuel Standard will exceed cash rebates, the Chamber said: “This government opted for political expediency.”
A majority of Canadians, 8 in 10, say Parliament should order a review of the entire tax code for the first time since 1966, according to a survey by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. The Income Tax Act is so complex Canada Revenue previously bought 10,000 software kits for volunteers to help taxpayers file returns: “It’s a vital initiative.”
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation yesterday appealed to legislators to extend Access To Information to Parliament. The Commons, Senate and parliamentary agencies are currently exempt from the 1983 law: “We have to embarrass governments into fixing things.”
New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh yesterday told reporters he opposes a $595 million bailout of news corporations as a handout to “those who are rich and powerful”. Singh corrected himself after telling reporters he misheard the question: “I thought you said used corporations.”
Provincial austerity programs have slowed public works despite billions in federal subsidies intended to “foster economic growth”, the Parliamentary Budget Office said yesterday. Spending by most provinces has been under budget by billions: ‘Spending lapses are not unusual, however — ‘
The Commons justice committee yesterday erupted in cries of disgust as the Liberal majority voted 5 to 4 to cut short a hearing on the SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. political scandal. Conservative and New Democrat MPs sought to question former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould on why she abruptly quit cabinet February 12: “It’s disgusting. You should be ashamed.”
The House affairs committee yesterday served notice of oversight hearings on the biggest, costliest Department of Public Works project of its kind, the multi-billion dollar refit of Parliament Hill. MPs and senators have questioned work to date amid cost overruns and construction delays: “When we’re dealing with taxpayers’ money, we need to know where we’re headed.”
A whistleblower who accused Correctional Service managers of wasting money has won sympathy but no compensation at a federal labour board. The $123,000-a year budget manager complained of reprisal after he ordered a halt to spending on T-shirts, motivational workshops and travel: “Canadian taxpayers owe a debt of gratitude.”
The Canada Border Services Agency improperly destroyed records and misreported spending in a costly 10-year program to computerize cross-border travel, say auditors. “Critical financial controls were not established,” said an independent review.
A press ombudsman says it will take election-year complaints of advertorials in Canadian dailies. The publication of a front-page National Post ad in the 2015 campaign prompted protests and resignations: “The Council expects confusion and complaints.”
Maximum fines for transport scofflaws under new disabilities regulations are paltry, says an advocate. The Department of Transport proposes maximum penalties of $5,000 on individuals and $25,000 against corporations: “How much is enough?”
