Cabinet promises to immediately ban overtly partisan advertising by federal agencies. Government research showed past billboard and TV campaigns were costly but largely ineffective: “From this day forward government advertising using tax dollars is unacceptable”.
Cabinet faces a Senate logjam in attempting to speed passage of bills rushed through the Commons under closure. Legislation targeted for quick approval include a bill to allow unions in the RCMP, and another to grant Air Canada a liability waiver for breaching terms of its privatization: “Every vote now for us is a free vote”.
Cabinet is paying $1.3 million in bonuses and travel expenses for three months’ work by a panel of executives hired to study the post office. The Department of Public Services acknowledged more than half the task force’s entire $2 million budget will be paid to panel members under contract: ‘Per diem rates are confidential”.
Greenhouse gas emissions will rise based on historic trends and current regulations, says the National Energy Board. The agency yesterday predicted a 22 percent increase in fossil fuel consumption by 2040: “I just don’t know how we’re going to meet our targets”.
Automakers in breach of safety laws may negotiate settlements with Transport Canada under new legislation introduced in the Senate. The bill sanctions out-of-court settlements with automakers: ‘It’s an important new element’.
Cabinet will not meet its climate change targets without far-reaching policies like a federal levy on gas guzzlers and more investment in rail, a Senate panel has been told. Analysts said carbon taxes alone will not reduce greenhouse gas emissions: “Extra fees on light trucks would help”.
A federal judge has cited the government’s anti-terror financing agency for procedural unfairness. The ruling followed a six-year government prosecution of a halal butcher who wired $50 cash payments to families overseas: ‘Think of the taxpayers’ money that was spent on this case’.
A national pharmacare plan would cost $14 billion a year, say private insurers. The Commons health committee heard testimony that private drug coverage is already costing employers $5 billion annually and excludes millions of Canadians: “That’s wasted money”.
Natural Resources Canada tried to bill $34,500 to copy electronic records under the Access To Information Act. The department was cited for breach of federal law. Cabinet has ordered all agencies to halt the practice of levying fees to release public documents: ‘It was simply to obstruct’.
Canadians would see a $350 billion increase in electricity rates to meet cabinet’s greenhouse gas emission targets, says a utility lobbyist. The Canadian Electricity Association endorsed a carbon tax but only if the U.S. agrees: “It will not be an easy lift”.
Regulators must ensure “fair” access to internet bandwidth for rural customers, says the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance. The appeal followed a confidential federal report that concluded there is no business case to be made for universal high-speed access: ‘Why would we?’
The Royal Canadian Mint sold a celebrated electronic currency program for dimes on the dollar after financing its sale, new data show. Taxpayers and legislators who want a full accounting of losses on the program should file an Access To Information request, the Mint said: “I don’t believe that will be disclosed”.
Cabinet will closely monitor VIA Rail after the Crown service confirmed passenger trains now have a 30 percent chance of running late. Transport Minister Marc Garneau said on-time service should be corrected: “Passengers want to be on time”.
MPs are protesting an animal rights bill so far-reaching critics fear it would criminalize agricultural practices, transport of livestock, medical research and the Atlantic seal hunt. The bill’s Liberal sponsor appealed to the Commons to modernize animal cruelty laws: “It is wrong”.
Department of Fisheries staff are so stressed management is hiring a dedicated mental health professional for its British Columbia employees. Staff already have access to a 24-hour counselling service run by Health Canada: ‘Even good-natured ribbing may hurt’.
