Blacklock's Reporter

Poet Shai Ben-Shalom, an Israeli-born biologist, examines current events in the Blacklock’s tradition each and every Sunday: “If you live your life like Hugh Hefner, your pupils must widen…”

A Commons petition seeks a public apology from Governor General Julie Payette over remarks she made at an Ottawa conference. Rideau Hall yesterday did not comment on the controversy: "Oh my goodness, lo and behold -- "

The Canada Revenue Agency is trying to use hydro bills to identify tax evaders. Auditors previously resorted to examining Craigslist car ads and eBay listings to spot unreported income: 'It keeps lawyers busy.'

The Department of Canadian Heritage has awarded a six-figure grant to a gay rights group for an undisclosed commemoration project. Access To Information memos suggest the department plans a national observance of 1969 Criminal Code reforms: "I am aware of the funding."

The Department of National Defence is expanding its enlistment targets. The military yesterday said it must counter “myths about life in the forces” to attract more women and minorities: "That's a big target for us."

A Federal Court of Appeal judgment upholds rights for cross-border travelers subject to searches for unreported cash. The Court ruled an obscure provision of federal law permits lawful citizens to walk away from intrusive questioning: "We as Canadians are rightfully uncomfortable with any Act that forces you to answer questions."

Library & Archives Canada is budgeting $1.58 million to collect and preserve the personal papers of former prime minister Stephen Harper. The agency yesterday did not comment on the acquisition, rated less costly than records from Harper’s predecessor: "Documents deemed to have national importance are those that bear witness to the Canadian experience."

Bank of Canada research suggests consumers use credit cards for small purchases simply to avoid pocket change. The “burden of holding coins on consumers” cannot be understated, said a Bank study: "We model consumers who dislike carrying a thick or heavy wallet."

Canadians are wary of higher energy costs, says in-house research by the Department of Natural Resources. This year's national carbon tax will add up to 12¢ a litre to the price of gas: "Climate change was not a top of mind concern."

A University of Ottawa law professor in a confidential email advocated punishment of digital media that enforce copyright. Professor Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in internet law, refused questions on his correspondence obtained under Ontario’s Freedom Of Information Act. His remarks targeted Blacklock’s: “Rewarding companies like this ultimately supports undermining fair copyright in Canada.”

Cabinet will stop purchasing regular gas or diesel-powered autos effective April 1, according to a Treasury Board directive. All new chauffeured vehicles for ministers must be hybrids or plug-in electrics: "All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero emission."

The Department of Fisheries in Access To Information memos considered public insurance for fish farmers. Lobbyists for aquaculture corporations complained of immediate risks after private insurers dropped coverage: "Companies in Atlantic Canada claim they may not be able to survive."

The Canadian Human Rights Commission has dismissed a complaint of racial profiling by border guards due to lack of jurisdiction. The case involved a New York pensioner detained four hours after attempting to drive into Canada in 2016: "It's not over."

The Department of Finance in a confidential Access To Information memo says energy consumers in provinces without a legislated carbon tax will pay at least $600 million in higher fuel costs this year. Federal legislation mandating the tax nationwide is due this spring: "The impact on consumers and businesses will depend."

Research for the Privy Council Office has uncovered a deep gloom among Canadians over wellbeing of the next generation. Staff in Access To Information memos expressed puzzlement over the data: "Why do Canadians say the previous generation had a better quality of life than they have?"