The Department of Natural Resources spent $62.5 million on 112 green vehicle charging stations, the equivalent of $558,000 each, says Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr. “We’re on a trajectory of growth,” Carr told the Commons natural resources committee.
Health Canada faces a consumer pushback with a proposed campaign to have Canadians drink less soda pop. In-house research found most consumers don’t believe sweetened beverages like soda, fruit juice and chocolate milk are the leading source of sugar intake in the nation’s diet: "They do not feel compelled."
The Department of Finance proposes new anti-fraud rules on federal safekeeping of unclaimed cash after Blacklock’s uncovered $7 million in suspicious payments from dormant savings accounts. No police were called after Bank of Canada staff admitted to paying millions in "high risk" claims: 'How could an amount that size be paid out without an audit?'
Finance Minister Bill Morneau has vetoed a Commons trade committee proposal to charge GST on Canadian sales by foreign-based internet retailers like eBay. Small businesses complained tax-free electronic retailing hurt local storekeepers: "We need a taxation system that is fair."
Canadians flooded the Prime Minister’s Office with more proposed changes to O Canada after MPs voted for gender-neutral lyrics. Critics had warned of endless pleas for revisions once the anthem was opened to amendment: "Can’t you leave well enough alone?"
A planned 6 percent rise in stamp prices will cost Canadians, mainly small business, a total $26 million next year, says the post office. The Crown corporation noted mail volumes fell by millions the last time it raised prices in 2014: "It makes no sense at all."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been fined $100 for another breach of Parliament’s ethics code, this time involving a gift from the Premier of Prince Edward Island. Neither the breach nor fine were disclosed until Parliament prepared to adjourn for summer recess: “The Prime Minister has great respect for the work of the Commissioner.”
Canada Post is raising stamp rates 6 percent in a hike originally vetoed by cabinet three years ago. The rate increase would see consumers pay up to $1.05 to mail a domestic letter that cost 54¢ as late as 2010: "It hurts small business more than others."
Federally-regulated employers are liable for compensation payments of up to $20,000 to individuals who suffer discrimination on the basis of ability. A cabinet bill says offences would include “attitudinal” barriers to the disabled: "The legislation has to have teeth."
Corporations that flagrantly breach federal privacy law would be subject to maximum $30 million fines under a Commons bill. It follows complaints by the House privacy committee that scofflaws face few sanctions in Canada: "What we need is a regulator."
A Conservative MP yesterday protested quick passage of a cabinet bill waiving jail time for white-collar criminals. The provision inserted in a 560-page omnibus budget bill passed into law without debate or committee scrutiny: “How does that make Canadians safer?”
Cabinet has quietly approved another carbon tax exemption, this one for commercial aviation in the Territories. A Conservative senator who won the concession predicted more appeals for tax waivers as the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act takes effect: 'The precedent has been set.'
One in five Canadians do not trust federal departments with their personal information, says in-house research by the Treasury Board. The findings echoed a 2017 study that found a significant minority is wary of surrendering bank account numbers to the government for direct deposit of tax refunds and benefits: "Is it safe?"
Senators yesterday expressed wariness over the appointment of a Canada Revenue Agency manager as the next Parliamentary Budget Officer. The Agency spent five years stonewalling requests for information from the last Officer, senators said: "That is a question I’ve asked myself a lot."
An Asian ban on Canadian wheat exports should end by August, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency yesterday told the Commons agriculture committee. Japan and South Korea suspended shipments after an unlicensed strain of genetically-modified wheat was found in southern Alberta: "This is new for us."
