Cabinet yesterday proposed regulations mandating environmental assessments of new wind farms and commercial airport runways, but not fracking or oil sands subject to emissions caps. Environmental groups called the proposal ludicrous: “The world is watching.”
Health Canada yesterday acknowledged new packaging rules will do little to lower tobacco use. Regulations mandating the sale of cigarettes in plain brown boxes stripped of manufacturers’ logos take effect February 7, 2020: “It is difficult.”
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna’s senior policy analyst on climate change yesterday acknowledged a ‘friendship’ with the executive director of a group seeking federal climate change funding. Clare Demerse did not comment: ‘They are friends socially.’
Airlines yesterday told the Commons transport committee a proposed privatization of airport screening is rushed, and may result in higher costs for travelers. Executives protested the measure was inserted into a 392-page budget bill without notice: “We all know what that means.”
The Prime Minister’s chief of staff Katie Telford faces questioning in a civil lawsuit alleging bad faith in the treatment of a cabinet appointee. Ontario Superior Court dismissed an attempt by federal lawyers to shield Telford from the $250,000 claim.
A fifth province yesterday appealed to the Senate energy committee to rewrite or kill a cabinet oil and gas bill. “It’s very hard not to conclude this bill is a no-pipeline bill,” said New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.
The Senate ethics committee yesterday recommended a six-month suspension for a legislator accused of posting racist mail on her website. Senator Lynn Beyak (Non-Affiliated, Ont.), a former Rainy River realtor, did not comment: “The committee sincerely hopes Senator Beyak will swiftly comply.”
Millions in newspaper subsidies will be divvied up by a cabinet-designated “body”, not an expert panel of journalists, officials last evening told the Commons finance committee. MPs questioned political influence in deciding which newspapers are rewarded with taxpayers’ aid: “This is a political process.”
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna yesterday said new clean fuel regulations are not finalized and cannot be costed. Industry lobbyists predict the Clean Fuel Standard will effectively double the price of natural gas: “How do you justify the dramatic multiple cost?”
An Ontario Court has rejected a claim from General Motors of Canada Co. for damages after employees blocked access to corporate headquarters to protest a factory shutdown. Livelihoods were at stake, a judge ruled: “Democracy should be able to withstand some short-term challenges to civility.”
Finance Minister Bill Morneau yesterday blamed greenhouse gas-related climate change for Ottawa River flooding. Records indicate the river has flooded frequently since 1837: “Something has been going on for a long time.”
The Commons industry committee yesterday proposed national adoption of a British Columbia program to slash the number of small business regulations. Federal agencies enforce some 30,000 rules, by official estimate: ‘Most are uncoordinated.’
A Senator who voted on 2018 federal bills while a director of a company applying for federal grants said he was assured there was no conflict of interest. Senator Colin Deacon (Independent-N.S.) founded a Halifax firm that received $3.04 million in government aid including $119,980 in grants after Deacon sought to join the Senate and was sworn into office: “I never, ever expected to be selected.”
A charity created by survivors of one of the most haunting ordeals of WWII is closing 74 years after the war’s end. The Canada Revenue Agency said the Winnipeg Grenadiers Hong Kong Trust Fund will be wound up at the request of trustees: “They were wonderful.”
New anti-harassment rules will cost federally-regulated employers $119 million a year, says the Department of Labour. Staff estimated 1 in 4 workplaces will see harassment complaints: “Getting these things in place might take a year or more.”
