The Department of Public Works spent $19 million to save $17 million under a failed scheme to abolish paper cheques, say Access To Information records. Costs included $189,000 to produce videos urging Canadians to hand over their bank information: “The federal government is no longer committed to making direct deposit mandatory.”
The Canadian Automobile Association says a proposed federal bill of rights for air passengers must spell out clear obligations for airlines. MPs open hearings on the legislation next week: ‘We want to flag just how important it is to get this right.’
The finance department says children’s tax credits that cost taxpayers $245 million a year were ineffective and pointless. The subsidies to enroll kids in sports and arts programs were phased out this year: ‘They had many shortcomings.’
Cabinet is writing new loopholes into a 2015 law that required companies to report breaches of customers’ data. The industry department said new regulations “provide flexibility” for business: “Privacy breaches can carry significant costs.”
Blacklock’s Reporter pauses today to observe the 123rd Labour Day in tribute to Canadian workers nationwide. We will be back tomorrow — The Editor
Veterans Affairs Canada says it will not disqualify Chinese manufacturers from supplying “Canada Remembers” pins to commemorate wartime sacrifice. One director of a Korean War veterans group said old soldiers understand the department’s interest in cutting costs: “They make things cheaper. It’s a different time.”
The Commons transport committee faces calls to amend a cabinet bill on rail shipping. MPs open hearings September 11 on legislation promising more competitive service for shippers: “In practical terms, there really isn’t enough.”
Few Canadians have heard of two national observances despite years of promotions and subsidies by the Department of Canadian Heritage. In-house research also found sharp divisions between men and women, and Westerners and Easterners, on which events they consider meaningful: ‘The impact on vacation plans is relatively low.’
The Treasury Board in an Access To Information memo says federal employees should not count on overtime in case of a terrorist strike, street rioting or other lockdown emergencies. The memo followed pay enquiries following a 2014 shooting on Parliament Hill: “There is no regulatory authority that provides guidance on this subject.”
The National Research Council is undertaking a $1.73 million study of climate change amendments to the National Building Code. The initiative follows a 2015 Standards Council of Canada report that warned heavy snowfall and extreme weather put structures at risk: “It could potentially have some impact on costs.”
A federal survey shows most businesses have never heard of a new food safety act though Parliament passed the legislation five years ago. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has yet to introduce all regulations under the Safe Food For Canadians Act, prompted by an outbreak of meat poisoning: “Small businesses may be particularly challenged.”
Canadian National Railway Co. has lost another court ruling in a four-year legal test of railways’ obligations to shippers. A federal judge dismissed CN’s claim it could not be sued for compensation after failing to meet service commitments: “What is the point?”
Environment Canada is again accused of breaching its own Species At Risk Act. The department was cited in a 2014 Federal Court ruling for failing in its public duty: “There is no sense of urgency.”
The Canada Revenue Agency confirms it continues to catch employees snooping through individuals’ personal tax files. The Agency launched an integrity campaign three years ago to halt the practice: “The Agency has increased privacy training.”
Firefighters, police and prison staff in Canada are more likely to report symptoms of mental distress than army combat veterans, says new research. The federally-funded survey led by the University of Regina noted civilian employees are also likelier to report symptoms than front-line workers: “It is surprising.”
