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.”
Tax Court has rebuked an ex-cop for participating in a tax scam. The retired constable admitted to filing “gibberish” returns in which he claimed fictional losses from a non-existent business: “It is incomprehensible and nonsensical.”
The Canada Revenue Agency will cut funding for taxpayers’ call centres by 35 percent next year. One MP predicted chaos in a system already rated dysfunctional by federal auditors: “I can only imagine.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada reports climate change may pose a mental health risk. The Agency in a report warned of “elevated levels of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders.”
Senators will propose amendments to a bill exempting train crews from federal privacy law. Liberals, Conservatives and Independents said workplace privacy rights must be protected in statute: “You should have thought of that first.”
The Commons finance committee is recommending cabinet introduce a homeowners’ tax credit for energy refits. Cabinet cancelled a similar grant program five years ago: “It doesn’t take much to get Canadians to do the right thing.”
Authorities have paid a private contractor nearly $34 million to wrap up the Canada Savings Bond Program. More administrative spending will be required as the last issues of the mom-and-pop bonds mature: “It’s fair to ask what value Canadians are getting.”
The Department of Finance says it has no calculation on how much tax revenue it will collect from marijuana sales. Members of the Senate finance committee yesterday expressed dismay that tax values are unknown just six months ahead of a cabinet deadline to legalize cannabis: “I find it incomprehensible.”
