Blacklock's Reporter

Poet Shai Ben-Shalom, an Israeli-born biologist, writes for Blacklock’s each and every Sunday: “In the lobby of a federal building three faces were smiling from the wall: Her Majesty the Queen, The Right Honourable Prime Minister, and The Honourable Minister…”

Federal internet censors should target hurtful words against politicians, says Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault. The Minister added pending regulations may include an internet kill switch to block websites deemed hurtful, but called it a “nuclear” option: "News regulations for online platforms are needed."

Few Canadians, 24 percent, rate climate change targets a very high national priority. The findings are detailed in research by the Department of National Defence: "Thinking about the issues presently facing Canada, which one do you feel should receive the greatest attention from the government?"

China’s ambassador in Ottawa says more Canadians should visit the People’s Republic, promising the “vast majority” shouldn't worry about being kidnapped by police. “China is not a police state,” said Ambassador Cong Peiwu: "It’s nothing like that. If you walk on the Chinese streets, it’s quite safe."

Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly has signed a pledge she will avoid all discussion of future federal contracts with her boyfriend’s company. The undertaking to the Ethics Commissioner follows Blacklock’s disclosure the boyfriend received more than $42,000 in federal funds: "She has never played any role in the awarding of government funds to this company."

A federal judge has dismissed an immediate injunction to block construction of an Alberta resort in the habitat of a threatened songbird, the Bank Swallow. The challenge to the Department of Environment to save the birds goes to a full hearing April 26: "The nesting sites do not face a risk of destruction from any activity that is likely to occur over the short term."

The Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery yesterday rejected mandatory disclosure of all federal grants and subsidies sought by member organizations. Media instead adopted an ethics code requiring only new applicants for membership to reveal financial conflicts of interest: “That’s cleared up.”

The federal Competition Bureau yesterday said it’s receiving more than 300 public submissions daily over Rogers Communications’ proposed $26 billion buyout of an Alberta rival, Shaw Communications of Calgary. The agreement must be approved under the Competition Act: "Are prices too high?"

Auditors have cited two Canadian embassies in Africa for improper contracting at taxpayers’ expense. The Department of Foreign Affairs has conducted ongoing audits of missions overseas following the 2017 discovery of a $1.7 million fraud ring at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti that saw thirteen employees fired: "Strong management practices are critical."

A federal guaranteed basic income program would cost billions but lower poverty rates, the Parliamentary Budget Office said yesterday. Analysts said a guaranteed income would be a disincentive to work: "The overall cost of a guaranteed basic income would rise from $85 billion in 2021 to $93 billion in 2025."

Travel agents have petitioned the Commons finance committee for a $200 million bailout. Agents blamed federal travel restrictions for a shutdown of their entire industry amid “recalled commissions” for flights they booked: "It’s because the government is imposing travel restrictions that we are being hindered from operating our business."

A Covid contractor awarded a rush order for $149 million in test kits after “a couple of good meetings” in the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday filed for bankruptcy court protection. Spartan Bioscience Inc. of Ottawa owes taxpayers at least $25.2 million: "Had a couple of good meetings with the CEO of Spartan."

Federal regulators should take down websites with hurtful words, says a former Supreme Court chief justice. Beverley McLachlin yesterday said enforcement measures must be taken against internet publishers deemed to hurt democracy: "The consequences ultimately would be to shut them down, which happens in non-democratic countries all the time."

A Toronto publisher who publicly opposed a federal newspaper bailout sought and received funding under the $595 million program, according to records. “No statement, thanks,” said David Skok, editor of The Logic Inc.: “I founded The Logic on the belief that journalistic independence comes from financial independence.”

A federal judge has struck a cabinet order delaying local elections under the Indian Act in the name of pandemic safety. A similar law affecting voters in 338 parliamentary ridings remains on the books: "The government is asking me to tolerate an invalid exercise of power because it was done for a good reason. This is simply incompatible."