Blacklock's Reporter

Poet Shai Ben-Shalom, an Israeli-born biologist, examines current events in the Blacklock’s tradition each and every Sunday: “The Google search didn’t take long. ‘That’s the building I want…'”

The Canada Revenue Agency mistakenly paid out at least $22.4 million in refunds to fraudsters in an internet-fueled tax protest movement, say newly-released Access To Information memos. A total 44 taxpayers were jailed under the scheme dating from 2007: "This campaign attracts true believers."

Cabinet faces a federal lawsuit over one of the last nationally-subsidized transport companies. Crown-owned Marine Atlantic Inc. is accused of using millions in taxpayer funding to undercut private shippers. Transport Minister Marc Garneau declined an interview. “It’s before the courts so I’m not going to comment,” he said.

It’s faster to visit an employment insurance claims office in person than call the government's 1-800 number, says a federal survey. The research follows longstanding complaints of lost calls and lengthy wait times: "They would disconnect you, and you’d call back later."

Cabinet has no choice but to write off a 42-year loan to Cuba, says the Treasury Board. The 1975 loan in its day was mired in controversy after an agency was accused of lying to MPs over its terms: "Who would decide to write that off?"

The middle class is now a minority of Canadian families, says a secret Department of Finance memo. The report defined middle-income families as those earning between $32,400 and $43,800 a year but noted, “There is no consensus definition of middle class, nor is there an official definition.”

The Canadian Transportation Agency is dismissing complaints over ceaseless clanging of locomotive bells on one of the country’s busiest urban rail routes. Residents must prove actual harm and not mere annoyance, said regulators: 'It's that clang, clang, clang.'

Cabinet plans new cybersecurity measures this spring following the shutdown of two federal websites over fears of hacking. An Access To Information memo details government worries over future cyberattacks: 'It could impact the safety and security of Canadians.'

The Navy is dismantling two decommissioned vessels but says it’s still willing to offer surplus ships as artificial reefs for scuba divers. The 2015 scuttling of a toxic vessel in fish habitat in British Columbia triggered an environmental lawsuit: "If the Navy can fob a ship off on a local dive club and sink it, that saves a ton of money."

The Department of Finance has expressed alarm over “rapidly increasing housing vulnerabilities” and pledged further action in 2017. The confidential memos were obtained through Access To Information: "Taxpayers have exposure to losses."

A realtor who claimed a home was 12 percent bigger than the actual property size was sloppy but not nefarious, a Calgary judge has ruled. Alberta Provincial Court Justice Donald Higa noted homebuyers should be aware property listings may not be accurate: "You are taught how to measure a home."

Wholesome team building and ergonomic chairs are key to reducing employees’ sick days, says the federal agency with the lowest absentee rate in the Government of Canada. The Military Police Complaints Commission also credited staff picnics with boosting attendance at work: “Physical wellness is important.”

Cabinet is considering a pay raise for RCMP members for the first time in three years. The initiative follows Senate passage of a bill setting terms for a Mounties’ union: 'We are seeing people leave the force.'

Canadians must economize on home heating or pay the price, says an Access To Information memo from Environment Canada. The memo detailed a “rationale for carbon pricing” for Environment Minister Catherine McKenna: "Encourage behavioural change."

Cabinet will budget millions for a national harbour clean-up of derelict boats. A single wreck abandoned on the St. Lawrence River will cost taxpayers $34 million, said the Department of Fisheries: "Taxpayers are on the hook for a huge amount of money."