A quarter-century after a federal health minister declared tobacco was socially taboo, it so happens that 5,764,843 Canadians still smoke. Industry Canada still grants patents for improved cigarette rolling machines. And for many aboriginal Canadians, cigarettes are “an important industry that helps to provide the needs of life,” writes journalist Jim Poling, Sr.
Introduction of a lobster quota would “tear apart” Atlantic Canada, a Nova Scotia cabinet minister has told a Senate committee: "If you go down that road...you will see communities further deteriorate and erode." The exchange came amid declining lobster prices, and new regulations that will cost fishermen $565,000 a year.
Telemarketers will be charged up to $14,130 for a copy of the National Do Not Call List under a fee schedule proposed by regulators: "We definitely want a commission that is able to focus on dealing with the bad apples." Regulators will use the proceeds to pay enforcement costs.
An anti-bacterial ingredient used in scores of products like soap, toothpaste and cosmetics is now under federal review following nearly a decade of health warnings. Environment Canada says it must decide if triclosan is "toxic."
A bill to outlaw the transboundary sale of bulk water to the United States has passed the House of Commons with all-party support. Violators who ship more than 50,000 litres a day -- "no larger than a tanker truck" -- face million-dollar fines and federal prison.
Long-awaited shipping reforms affecting the movement of millions of tonnes of goods will require detailed amendments to curb the influence of large railways, say MPs: "There is no competition. The shippers are captive."
Parents and teachers are to blame for young Canadians’ gullibility in falling victim to predatory financial practices, say lawmakers. Senate hearings on a government bill to appoint a federal “financial literacy leader” erupted in laments over the ignorance of young credit-card holders and uselessness of educators: "Basically it is adding and subtracting."
The Federal Court has ruled childcare is grounds for protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act, in the case of an Alberta mother fired for refusing a work reassignment because she had to tend to her children. A federal judge called it "a prima facie case of discrimination."
A federal proposal to speed licensing times for vitamins and natural health products may not be the best for consumers, say advocacy groups. The Department of Health proposes that licensing be shortened to 180 days or less compared to current waits of two years.
Canadians are urged to curb food waste following a new national study that estimates $27 billion worth of food is pointlessly spoiled each year – the equivalent of $774 for every person: "It makes no sense -- ethically, economically or environmentally."
Tough-on-crime legislation and other campaigns by senior levels of government have added half-a-billion dollars to the cost of municipal policing, say Canada’s cities: “We don’t have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what.”
Defence analysts in Ottawa are observing “the worst procurement in history,” the refit of Canada’s fleet of search-and-rescue helicopters that is now into its third decade. Review of the purchase has dragged on through five successive prime ministers: “It is time to consider other options.”
MPs recommend charitable Canadians be offered more tax credits -- up to 10 percent more under a "stretch" credit that would reward tax-filers who give more each year. Only 1 in 5 Canadians tax-filers now give to charities.
Consumers, not federal regulators, should decide whether cellphone companies maintain existing contract terms with clients, says an industry group. The remarks opened hearings on contracts affecting Canada's 27,000,000 cellphone and data text subscribers.
Renewal of federal subsidies for public works is “critical” to sustaining the nation’s engineering sector still recovering from past recessions, an industry group has told MPs: “It’s very difficult...when you’re funding infrastructure programs that run for a couple of years and stop.”
