A cabinet order blacklisting all plastic goods as toxic was “simply an enabling provision,” says the Federal Court of Appeal. Judges upheld the 2021 order by then-Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault but acknowledged more legal challenges are possible: "There was overwhelming scientific evidence."
Ottawa Lost: The Roxy Apt’s
The landmark was expropriated by the National Capital Commission in May 1965 and all tenants including MPs and a Supreme Court justice were evicted six months later. The building was demolished. “A disgrace,” one 89-year old tenant said of the destruction. “They are pulling down the only decent apartment building in the city.”
Book Review: Petty — And Profound
What do municipalities and First Nation reserves have in common? Both are used to being told what to do. It’s natural, then, that any review of Indigenous self-government would examine how these two get along at the most elemental level. A Quiet Evolution is the first research of its kind, and prompts the reader to wonder why nobody thought of this before.
It turns out relationships between cities and reserves can be petty or profound. Human, in other words. If Parliament ever settles outstanding land claims and accepts Indigenous property rights nationwide, it would look something like this.
“It would be easy to conclude that the Indigenous-Crown relationship is almost entirely adversarial and problematic,” authors write. “While this pessimism is certainly pervasive and somewhat justified, given Canada’s history of colonialism, a much different story seems to be unfolding at this local level.”
Feds Blame ‘Political Actors’
Heritage Minister Marc Miller in a letter to MPs says political organizers are using the internet to undermine Canadians’ trust in public institutions. He did not identify any by name: "The needs of protecting public interest journalism are urgent."
Gov’t Hired Foreign Students
Records show federal managers hire more than 800 foreign students a year while lamenting high jobless rates for Canadian students. The Treasury Board noted federal employers were supposed to hire Canadians first: "The Public Service Employment Act gives preference to eligible veterans first, then Canadian citizens."
Gridlock Frustrating Cabinet
A senior Liberal MP yesterday complained cabinet is unable to pass most of its bills despite winning the 2025 general election. MP Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North), parliamentary secretary to the Government House Leader, blamed Conservatives: "We have a Prime Minister who was just elected."
Promise ID Plan Is Voluntary
Digital identification is a convenience that will never be mandatory in Canada, says cabinet. The Department of Employment overseeing digital ID development at a cost of billions said it had “no plans” to force Canadians to use the technology: "Using this online will be completely voluntary."
Cineplex Loses $1.50 Appeal
Cineplex Corporation, the nation’s largest theatre chain, has been ordered to pay $38,987,000 plus costs for breach of the Competition Act. The Federal Court of Appeal upheld the penalty over a $1.50 online booking fee: "We are shocked."
Bank Cuts 2026 GDP Outlook
The Bank of Canada yesterday cut its 2026 growth forecast. Governor Tiff Macklem released a report warning of stubborn unemployment and weak investment: "Between October and now, what has changed?"
$263K For Committee Coach
Federal managers in the past two years billed taxpayers more than a quarter million for coaching on how to answer questions at parliamentary committees. Disclosure of coaching fees followed complaints from one deputy minister that questioning by MPs was too rough: "One source of harassment stems from short, decontextualized clips of committee appearances by public servants being posted on social media."
Gov’t Bank Plans For Layoffs
A Crown bank, Farm Credit Canada, yesterday said it is hiring counselors to provide “emotional support” for staff facing layoffs. The notice came as the Treasury Board said it will cut 1,000 executive positions government-wide: "Career transition can be a stressful time."
Trouble Ahead, Warns PSAC
Cabinet must detail the full scope of piecemeal service cuts and layoffs, the national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada said yesterday. “We are putting them on notice,” Sharon DeSousa told reporters.
Alberta Pension Ante Is 15.5%
Less than 16 percent of Canada Pension Plan contributions are paid by Alberta residents, according to figures tabled in Parliament. Cabinet has disputed a 2023 report released by Premier Danielle Smith that Alberta was entitled to more than half of receipts if it pulled out of the national program: "Many contributors have earnings in more than one province."
Reject ‘Pro-Investor’ Motion
The Commons yesterday by a 197 to 137 vote rejected a Conservative motion to repeal select federal regulations deemed anti-development. "What the Conservatives are actually proposing today is a Conservative agenda," said one Liberal MP.
Remember The Convoy: MPs
The Minister of Industry yesterday said cabinet needs new powers to protect Canadians in a “chaotic and dangerous world.” Opposition MPs in response recalled cabinet’s unlawful 2022 crackdown on the Freedom Convoy that saw anti-terrorist laws misused to freeze peaceful protestors' bank accounts: "Why should Canadians trust you with these extraordinary powers given your government’s record?"



