Canada’s tax policies offer “little incentive” to retrofit older commercial and apartment buildings for energy efficiency, says an industry group. Major refits in Canada qualify for 4% tax depreciation, compared to tax deductions of up to 100 percent in the United States and UK.
In a “surprise” and rollicking ruling, a federal judge has granted a Philippines brewery the right to market horse-brand beer in Canada despite claims of trademark infringement by Molson. "This is a case about beer," said the judge, "and a case of beer is a serious matter."
A Conservative-sponsored bill requiring union organizers to publish personal data under threat of $1,000-a day fines faces lengthy scrutiny in the Senate. "We do not filibuster," said the Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, who promised "numerous" amendments and very thorough committee hearings on the contentious bill.
A consumer advocacy group is urging more federal oversight over internet speed claims. The Public Interest Advocacy Centre proposed “complete and precise disclosure” to computer users on download times and other performance issues, noting 75 percent of Canadians surveyed are unaware of the speed tier they've bought from internet providers.
A Conservative-sponsored bill requiring union organizers to publish their salaries, health benefits and other private data on a government website is “Nixonian” and “very dark,” says a Conservative senator. The legislation faces scrutiny in the Upper House after passing the Commons on a 147-135 vote.
The country’s largest new home builder has lost a multi-million dollar tax judgment over an “extremely careless” GST collection plan, a federal judge has ruled. The developer declined to speak to Blacklock’s Reporter after the ruling.
A federal regulators’ failed proposal on fisheries policy has prompted advocates to organize a new industry association. “There are concerns there is a movement afoot to corporatize the industry,” said the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association.
Federal agencies propose to raise millions of dollars in new user fees on industry, from operators of grain elevators to owners of Great Lakes freighters: "We all knew this would happen sometime."
Fewer than 6 million Canadians – less than a quarter of those who file federal tax returns – are contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan, new data show. Analysts noted the low rate followed the 2008 financial panic and economic slowdown.
A Federal Tax Court judge invoked Shakespeare in voiding charity receipts from two Toronto men who claimed to donate almost a fifth of their income to a church that failed a federal audit: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
A farm animal rights group that famously championed humane treatment of livestock and once advocated a Canada-wide veal boycott has quietly disbanded. The Canadian Farm Animal Care Trust was stripped of its charity status for failing to file a federal tax return.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has accepted an application by a school to register “I Love Ottawa” for promotional use. Federal law permits the use of the maple leaf in trademarks so long as applicants "conform to good taste."
A British academic book publisher is suing a Canadian librarian and his employer, McMaster University, for $3 million for alleged defamation in a blog post. McMaster in a statement said it "strongly supports the exercise of free speech."
The RCMP is apologizing over an “innocent” Parliament Hill encounter that provoked allegations of Muslim profiling. Majority Leader Sen. Marjory LeBreton vowed to investigate the "very alarming" incident, though police tell Blacklock's it was an honest misunderstanding.
The House has opened debate on legislation to end 172 years of practice in alerting Canadians to changes in federal regulations. Promoters of the bill have declined interviews. Critics fear the measure will permit rule-making by stealth: "I am suspicious."
