A multi-million dollar federal program to aid farmers in financial distress has little take-up, says a Department of Agriculture audit. The program intended to provide free mediation for farmers facing insolvency saw few applicants, it said: 'There is low program awareness.'
The Marxist-Leninist Party is petitioning Parliament to encourage Canadians to holiday in Cuba. Airline cancellations and a federal advisory against non-essential travel to Cuba have prompted a “really difficult situation,” MPs were told.
A federal climate panel that recommended Canadians walk or take the bus to work billed more than $180,000 in flights from Brazil to the United Arab Emirates, records show. The Net Zero Advisory Body promised “bold vision” in lowering greenhouse gas emissions: "There is no debate. The climate is changing."
Prime Minister Mark Carney will spend more on the Privy Council Office than his predecessor, new records show. Carney had promised to “work relentlessly to cut waste.”
The Department of Canadian Heritage is purchasing only Canadian-made paper flags for July 1 under cabinet's Buy Canadian policy. Federal departments in the past used Chinese suppliers for items including maple leaf pins given to new citizens at swearing-in ceremonies: "The requirement is limited to Canadian services."
MPs have approved the appointment of former British Columbia Chief Electoral Office Anton Boegman as head of a new federal registry to unmask foreign agents. Boegman promised quick action: "I promise I will work tirelessly."
The Senate has passed a bill compelling the Canada Revenue Agency to annually report on all Income Tax Act convictions and estimated value of money lost to tax evasion. “Canada needs to study the effectiveness of the Agency,” said Senator Percy Downe (P.E.I.), sponsor of the bill: "If you hide your money overseas, your chances of being caught are very low."
Near Ottawa City Hall at the corner of Cooper and Cartier Streets lived an unforgettable prime minister, Charles Tupper. His grand home like so much of the city’s architectural heritage is gone. Yet Tupper is oddly immortal. He once punched a man who interrupted his Bible reading. His autograph lists on eBay for $4,950.
They don’t make British Columbia premiers like they used to. Richard McBride was the first to build his own navy, the first to create a university. “Any complaints?” he asked voters.
McBride was so sentimental that, when confronted by a petitioner with a son in the penitentiary – “He is only a boy, Mr. McBride, and meant no harm” – he gave the woman $20. He was a glad-handing spendthrift who cheerfully accepted a case of Old Curio Whiskey from lobbyists, and told British Columbians: “Let everyone wear a smile.”
In Boundless Optimism biographer Patricia Roy captures the forgotten genius and sinfulness of this flawed man who campaigned by stagecoach and ruled for three terms.
Opposition MPs last evening called for disclosure of a secret audit on millions in cost overruns for one of cabinet’s signature programs, the Canada Dental Care Plan. A summary referred to soaring administration charges: 'Just so we’re clear, this is to produce information that has been hidden from Canadians.'
The Department of Natural Resources yesterday denied any favouritism in financing a Nova Scotia wind farm benefiting friends of the Liberal Party. “There is no conspiracy here,” said Minister Tim Hodgson.
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson yesterday blamed war in the Middle East for Canada’s housing crisis. Speaking in the Commons. Robertson stopped short of explaining the connection amid jeers from MPs: "Wow."
The Department of Public Works yesterday disclosed billions in emergency loans for Canada Post do not carry any deadline for repayment. The open-ended financing means “taxpayers will be responsible,” Conservative MP Kelly Block (Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, Sask.) told the Commons government operations committee: "Where exactly are you getting the money?"
Senators are seeing overwhelming support for a private bill to proclaim the Whiskey Jack as Canada’s national bird. Ornithologists and birders including Grammy-award winner Anne Murray petitioned the Senate to celebrate the rugged bird also known as the Canada Jay: "I think it’s time Canada had a national bird."
The Commons yesterday by a 295 to 22 vote rejected a New Democrat bill to impose new restrictions on military trading with the United States. However 15 Liberal MPs defied cabinet in voting for the measure described by Foreign Minister Anita Anand as “irresponsible.”
