Transport Minister Marc Garneau says French language requirements at Air Canada have the airline operating with “one hand tied behind its back”. The former Crown corporation has protested it’s the only national airline subject to bilingualism law: “Unfortunately, they did leave a few strings attached.”
The Commons industry committee yesterday proposed sweeping changes to a federal anti-spam law. MPs described current regulations as vague, overly broad and uncertain as to their effectiveness: ‘It leaves many puzzled.’
The Senate national finance committee yesterday asked cabinet to launch a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act for the first time since 1962. Senators described the 3,129-page Act as unmanageable and far-reaching: “Our tax system has become a ponderous, unwieldy monster.”
The Commons privacy committee yesterday urged greater protection for travelers from intrusive searches of cellphones and laptops. The recommendation follows warnings that Canadians should have no expectation of electronic privacy when crossing the border: “It is just not realistic.”
Environment Canada yesterday said it will not increase an ethanol mandate in motor fuel “in the short term”. The department released an outline of climate change regulations on all fuels to take effect in 2019: “The economic analysis we’ve done is at a very rough level.”
A federal agency promises more transparency after losing four court rulings over arbitrary fines on scofflaws. The Federal Court has repeatedly cited the Financial Transactions & Reports Analysis Centre for imposing random penalties without explanation: “The court decisions were pretty clear.”
Cabinet faces a drawn-out Senate fight over workplace cameras. Transport Minister Marc Garneau yesterday said he will not permit any amendments to a bill exempting rail workers from federal privacy laws, despite all-party opposition at the Senate transport committee: “First of all, we need to pass this bill.”
The federal treasury will reap more than a quarter-billion dollars a year from the national carbon tax, says the Parliamentary Budget Office. The fee originally described as “revenue neutral” is subject to the GST in a scheme critics called a tax on tax: “Double taxation simply is not right.”
A cabinet bill promising air passenger rights is little more than I.O.U., the Senate transport committee was told yesterday. Canada is currently the only G-7 country without statutory compensation for travelers who suffer lost luggage, flight delays or denial of boarding: “If it’s important, why isn’t it in there?”
Senators yesterday faulted cabinet for poor planning with legislation promising more competitive freight rates. Cabinet asked lawmakers to speed passage of the bill without full hearings just weeks after its introduction in the Senate: “We’ll never get anything accomplished.”
Fruit juice should be dropped from the benchmark Canada Food Guide, witnesses yesterday told the Commons health committee. Health advocates described juice as a sugar-laden beverage of little nutritional value: “It is little more than a soft drink without the bubbles.”
Authorities say they do not know how many shark fins imported into Canada as delicacies are taken from endangered or threatened species. The Senate fisheries committee last night pressed for answers as lawmakers consider a first-ever import ban on fins: “Environmental crime is a big deal.”
Cabinet will introduce promised regulations this winter to allow labour to intervene in cross-border trade disputes. Reforms were promised in the March 22 budget but never enacted: “We are taking action to ensure they are heard.”
Parliament should mandate counselling for jurors both before and after trials on violent crimes, the Commons justice committee was told yesterday. Jurors appealed for help after complaining of having to pay out-of-pocket for counselling: “How does one prepare themselves?”
The Commons yesterday passed into law a bill proclaiming Charlottetown as the cradle of Confederation. The vote settles a contrary claim by Québec City as the birthplace of national union in 1864: “The passing of this bill means a great deal.”
