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?”
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna yesterday dismissed carbon tax critics as liars. McKenna said cabinet must “push back against inaccuracies” over the fuel charge, then repeated a disputed claim that 30° temperatures are killing people: “It is difficult.”
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls says it is accepting rush orders for grants in the final weeks of its mandate. Mid-March is traditionally the period when federal agencies distribute unspent funds before the fiscal year expires: “Events may include feasts.”
Generic drug manufacturers gave pharmacists untraceable travelers’ cheques and cash-filled envelopes to boost sales, Tax Court has heard. The case of an Ontario druggist who admitted to receiving cash payments is the first detailed in Court since the 2014 launch of a mammoth audit of the pharmacy trade: “What do they want with us?”
A federal judge has faulted the Canada Revenue Agency for refusing to accommodate a company that mistakenly paid too much tax. Auditors refused a refund since reassessment deadlines had expired: “The decision is unreasonable.”
