Blacklock's Reporter

Canada’s centuries-old seal hunt is being compared to asbestos mining as a doomed industry. “The secret is out,” said Ontario Liberal Senator Mac Harb; “It is over.” The Senate adopted a report advocating a cull of 73,000 grey seals in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Senators also recommended Canada develop Asian markets for seal products as pet food, and include seal oil in the Canada Food Guide.

A unique study has concluded over-fished species are more resilient than previously thought, but delaying remedies reduces the likelihood of recovery. The research spanned 153 species worldwide: "It should provide good incentive to take strong action even if politicians don't want to do it."

Federal inspectors confirm detectable amounts of a drug unfit for human consumption were discovered in ground beef sold in Quebec. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it did not warrant a consumer recall. The latest incident came as cabinet extended a probe into the biggest beef recall in Canadian history.

A federal agency has issued an unusual gunfire warning to mariners plying the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River system. Shippers were told to beware of gunshots, firecrackers and "crackling rockets" near Montreal as hydro crews battle nests of cormorants.

A bill to create a national day for Pope John Paul II is a step closer to becoming law. The measure passed the Commons heritage committee following an appeal from its Polish-born sponsor: "It's not meant for Catholics, it's not meant for the Polish -- it's meant for all Canadians."

Canada is counting on the U.S. for help in a catastrophic oil spill, says the coast guard. Scrutiny of emergency planning follows a federal report that criticized preparedness for a tanker spill on the Pacific or Atlantic coasts: "What do we have in place? Do you think it is adequate?"

Health Canada is reviving its study of irradiated meat products with the blessing of the Consumers' Association of Canada. Public wariness with the process earlier led a federal agency, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., to distribute free cookies made with irradiated flour in 1988.

Police are flaying a federal cyber surveillance bill, saying the legislation is “abysmally written” and must be redrafted to permit lawful access to internet accounts. Toronto and Calgary police urged MPs to start fresh with new measures to counter cybercrime: "We’ve got way more important things to do than find out who’s sending salacious messages to their girlfriend."

Canada Post will meet costs amid “enormous strain”, but is detailing no new initiatives to counter future deficits. "We have a very competitive market," one executive told a Senate committee. Canada Post's union has proposed it branch into financial services like postal systems in Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

A Conservative senator is proposing creation of a new cabinet portfolio, minister of state for poverty reduction, to advocate on behalf of the nation’s “permanent economic underclass." Cabinet currently includes ministers responsible for sport, seniors and science. "Poverty falls into a grey zone," said Senator Hugh Segal.

RCMP members, like children, require swift discipline when they “mess up,” says a senior officer. Superintendent Michael O'Rielly told a Senate committee that police require new legislation: "When my children mess up, it is no good for me to wait..." Critics say a police disciplinary bill now before the Senate is unconstitutional.

A think tank is defending its arithmetic after claiming all taxes cost families – even charges that “indisputably” do not, say members of the Commons finance committee. The Fraser Institute came under scrutiny after it characterized oil royalties, broadcast license fees and other charges as “taxes on the average Canadian family.”

Health Canada confirms it will ban the sale of magnets sold as desktop novelties following incidents of children swallowing the items. A Canadian Medical Association report identified dozens of incidents involving the magnets, many requiring surgery on youngsters.

Environment Canada will permit horizontal oil drilling and seismic exploration at Sable Island National Park Reserve, calling it a “deal breaker” with petroleum giant Exxon Mobile. Industrial activity poses "no risk" to the park or its famed wild ponies, the environment minister says.

In an estimated million-dollar operation, the Department of Human Resources has retrieved thousands of data storage devices used by employees. It follows a mass privacy breach. The ministry rounded up and destroyed 15,600 USB keys and 159 portable hard drives used by staff, documents show.