About 1 in 4 homeowners face mortgage renewal risk this year, according to the Bank of Canada. The estimate follows a warning from the Parliamentary Budget Office that 2018 household debt will reach unprecedented levels: "The financial vulnerability of the average Canadian household would rise to levels beyond historical experience."
The Department of Employment is accused of gagging free speech in a second lawsuit over its Canada Summer Jobs program. The department to date has rejected 1,559 applications from employers who refused to sign a government oath: "We will not take it lightly."
The National Energy Board is placing a rush order for security consultants amid ongoing protests against the Trans Mountain oil pipeline. The Board in a notice said it needs “protective measures” to safeguard employees: "This is unnecessary but not surprising."
Federal researchers predict a major earthquake off the British Columbia coast could trigger a 16-foot tsunami that would destroy the provincial legislature. Tsunami modeling was done for the Canadian Coast Guard that operates a Victoria station 1.5 kilometres from the B.C. assembly: "The region is now considered under high risk."
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?”
