MPs last night took a last stand over a New Democrat bill mandating labeling of genetically-modified foods. Cabinet opposes the measure, fearing it would hurt sales: “We need to take note of the fact the people have called for this.”
Clean-up of a single military rifle range in Ontario will cost taxpayers $9 million, says Defence Construction Canada. Disclosure of ongoing decontamination costs follows an Atlantic court ruling that held the military liable for failing to warn adjoining property owners of toxic chemicals: “Property values have been reduced.”
Passage of a bill to ban the import of aquarium whales would set a precedent in criminalizing zoos, a researcher has told the Senate fisheries committee. Legislators were urged instead to federalize inspection of animals in captivity: ‘What about every animal in the food industry?’
Parliament’s Budget Office says a cabinet bill would hamstring its investigations and turn the office into a “political instrument”. The Office has published numerous damning reports on carbon taxes, defence spending and budget cuts: “I don’t think this is fair.”
A federal judge has ordered reconsideration of a four-figure Canada Pension Plan dispute. A British Columbia pensioner has fought for repayment of $1,231: “They spent $100,000 trying to keep my twelve-hundred dollars.”
Most refugees wait an average of up to two years or more to enter Canada, says the Department of Immigration. Release of new data followed complaints of illegal immigrants crossing the border in Manitoba and Québec: “Get in line.”
The Senate agriculture committee says cabinet should allow more flexible hiring of migrant workers. Processors have complained of chronic labour shortages despite paying 60 percent better than the minimum wage: “Recruitment is constant.”
Canadian teenagers are more likely to daily smoke marijuana than tobacco, says University of Waterloo research. Legislation in Parliament to legalize recreational cannabis would outlaw use by minors: “These kids are old enough to drive.”
The Senate yesterday approved a motion urging that cabinet test a national guaranteed income program. Senators proposed the government fund pilot projects similar to a 1974 Manitoba program disbanded due to costs: “I know there are some people who may like or dislike the idea.”
Transport Minister Marc Garneau says three-year funding for VIA Rail is just enough to meet ongoing deficits. Garneau yesterday told the Commons transport committee that subsidies are not sufficient to refit aging passenger cars and locomotives: “We have to do our homework.”
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and MPs yesterday demanded assurances cabinet will not strong-arm collections of a national carbon tax. The finance department in Access To Information memos said the tax is an issue in renegotiating cash transfers to provinces – a measure one MP called “a gun to the head”.
Loan defaults under federal small business guarantees have increased 21 percent since 2013. The cost of claims rose as cabinet increased loan limits to $1 million: “Is this big program with a large bureaucracy really what we need?”
The Department of Canadian Heritage is budgeting $10 million for a national Indian Residential Schools monument. Staff in Access To Information memos expressed concern a smaller, more modest memorial would be dwarfed by a $7.4 million National Holocaust Monument: “The memorial would require up to five years to build.”
The finance department will not introduce any new tax credit for commuters after eliminating a $200 million-a year program, say officials. The department rated a 15 percent Public Transit Tax Credit as ineffective: “Credits are not the best way.”
A federal department is purchasing book scanning technology to copy thousands of library titles. Publishers and writers have objected to use of scanners as a breach of copyright: “Once a scanner is in use, copyright lines are easily crossed.”
