Changes to tax law intended to assist new farmers are “one step forward and two back,” says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. The finance department proposes to double claims for losses by new growers with off-farm income.
An earlier opening to the billion-dollar lobster season by the Department of Fisheries is being welcomed by industry groups. Warmer waters have meant earlier molting times: “You don’t harvest tomatoes on a certain day of the year if they aren’t ripe.”
Newly generous Canadians will qualify for “super” tax credits– up to 54 percent — in an attempt to reverse declining trends in charitable giving. The initiative follows a House committee report that Ottawa try new credits to encourage more taxpayers to donate to charities.
Ottawa is criminalizing “zapper” accounting software that distorts reporting of business revenue. And regulators are warning all Canadian companies must be rid of the computer program within nine months or face fines and imprisonment.
Pacific Salmon conservation will be given increased funding with a British Columbia-based foundation expected to receive $1 million per year to improve salmon habitat: “A drop in the bucket.”
The federal treasury will extend long-sought public works subsidies, says Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. In a move praised by municipalities as a “significant gain,” Flaherty said financing of a Building Canada plan, set to expire in 2014, will be renewed.
Parliament is extending tax benefits for business, big and small, including a $1,000 Employment Insurance hiring credit for mom ‘n pop companies, and a $1.4 billion tax benefit for Canadian manufacturers and processors: “We lobbied hard for these initiatives.”
Cabinet proposes more, new and creative user fees in its drive to eliminate the $26 billion federal deficit, and hints that Cabinet will “look at options to improve the financial viability” of all Crown agencies: “Why wouldn’t they?”
The finance department is declaring war on tax deductions, credits and “loopholes,” proposing to raise billions of dollars with obscure regulations on everything from parking spots to safety deposit boxes. The finance minister says the measures would “help ensure everyone pays their fair share.”
Airlines may now impose perpetual fuel surcharges on travellers following a new ruling by federal regulators. The Transportation Agency ruled it will no longer “closely monitor” airline fees now that carriers are required to disclose full-fare prices under threat of $25,000 fines.
Canada is “looking at all our options” in a threatened tariff war with the United States over meat labeling, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz tells Blacklock’s. The U.S. has till May 23 to dismantle a discriminatory regulation that’s estimated to have cost Canadian producers $5,000,000,000.
Doctors are appealing for sweeping federal restrictions on non-essential use of antibiotics. The Ontario Medical Association reported common use of antibiotics in livestock now endangers “one of the most fundamental and life-saving tools in medicine.”
Departing Governor Mark Carney cut Bank of Canada full-time staff by 7 percent while hiring more contract employees and summer students, records show. The central bank hired some 300 students and temporary employees last year: “Everything we do affects the confidence that Canadians have.”
A federal pledge to enact a “world class tanker safety system” is largely confirmation of practices already underway save for the appointment of an expert committee, say analysts. Cabinet named three members to a Tanker Safety Expert Panel to monitor the sector.
A foundation created in memory of a House speaker and First War combat veteran has wound down. Organizers cited declining interest in the work of the foundation, created in 1980 to honour the contributions of a parliamentarian who spent 50 years in public life.
