The pandemic prompted more tax avoidance, says the Canada Revenue Agency. Expanded use of internet sales “amplified the risk online that income is not reported or is under-reported by individuals and businesses especially since it cannot be identified using conventional techniques,” said an Agency report.
More than a third of doctors are routinely bullied or threatened by patients, says the president of the Canadian Medical Association. A majority, 75 percent, have been harassed at some point since the outbreak of the pandemic, Dr. Katharine Smart said in a letter to senators: “We are witnessing an escalation.”
Commons Speaker Anthony Rota yesterday said China-made pandemic masks will be banned from Parliament Hill by month’s end. MPs earlier passed a motion invoking a similar boycott at federal offices nationwide: ‘We have notified our supplier of our requirement.’
Federal budgeting to pay out legal claims has increased more than fifty percent in four years, says the Treasury Board. Anticipated costs were mainly related to Indigenous settlements not including a $40 billion payout to be detailed today: “That’s significant dollars.”
The military paid out more than $6 million in Covid danger pay, figures show. Soldiers reassigned as nursing home attendants were given the same hazard bonus as members of bomb disposal units: “The military served in these facilities for months while being away from their families.”
Accidental marijuana poisonings now account for more non-fatal hospitalizations than opioids, the Public Health Agency disclosed in a year-end report. Most patients were teenaged girls: “Cannabis use is becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada.”
Mining promoters are petitioning MPs for federal tax credits on moon exploration. Cabinet two years ago declared outer space was a national asset: ““Canadian mining corporations would typically be entitled to a foreign tax credit.”
Reid Sirrs, last Canadian ambassador to Afghanistan, has abruptly left Ottawa ahead of questioning by a Commons committee. Sirrs was hurriedly reassigned to Buenos Aires: “Shelter in a safe place.”
Most Canadians, including the vaccinated, oppose measures that stigmatize or punish fellow citizens who decline Covid shots, says in-house Privy Council research. Confidential polling found any domestic vaccination passport scheme was widely unpopular: “Personal choice in this regard should be respected.”
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s ban on everyday single use plastics will cost consumers almost a quarter billion a year, officials disclosed. Regulations originally scheduled to be finalized last Friday will not be fully enforced until 2024 at the earliest: “These costs are significant.”
Investigations are expected into billions in Covid contracting, says Procurement Ombudsman Alexander Jeglic. The Ombudsman in a report to Parliament said the pandemic was no excuse for sweetheart contracting: “Transparency in federal procurement is more important than ever.”
New pandemic benefits will see workers affected by Covid lockdowns eligible for up to $8,400 in federal payments. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Friday expanded application rules at an undisclosed cost: “What does this mean?”
We wish you a happy New Year. Blacklock’s pauses this week for our annual holiday break and will return January 3 — The Editor
Warmest regards to friends and subscribers for a safe and happy holiday. Blacklock’s bids you the best of the Christmas season — The Editor
Federal regulators yesterday fined the Canadian operations of China’s largest state-controlled bank. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China paid $701,250 for breach of the Proceeds Of Crime And Terrorist Financing Act, the largest penalty of its kind issued this year: “We will be firm.”
