An oil spill from an abandoned Atlantic trawler cost taxpayers more than half a million dollars, Court records disclose. The former navy dive vessel HMCS Cormorant sank at Bridgewater, N.S. last year: "We have little authority".
One of Canada’s leading marijuana paraphernalia dealers has won another five-figure Federal Court judgment for breach of trademark. It is the third win for Trans-High Corporation in three years: "I understand the applicant's frustration".
Only 202 medically-released veterans have been hired under a federal “hire a veteran” bill in the past year, records disclose. Thousands more applied for jobs in the 493,000-member public service: 'It is not a priority'.
A federal agency is in court with another small business alleging a technical breach of Parliament’s anti-terror law. The Financial Transactions & Reports Analysis Centre claims $13,000 in penalties from a jeweler for paperwork errors: "It's almost as if they were nitpicking".
In a proposal long sought by golfers, a private Conservative bill before the Commons would allow tax deductions for players' expenses. A similar bill lapsed in the last Parliament: "It's a matter of fairness".
A 10-year dispute over trademark piracy has ended in a $316,000 judgment against a retailer selling fake Chanel products. The award is one of the largest issued by Federal Court in a counterfeiting case: 'Malicious, oppressive and high-handed misconduct warrants a condemnation'.
Blacklock's Reporter pauses today to observe the 122nd Labour Day in tribute to Canadian workers nationwide. We will be back tomorrow -- The Editor
Poet Shai Ben-Shalom, an Israeli-born biologist, examines current events in the Blacklock’s tradition each and every Sunday: “Physician-assisted dying gets ink…”
A new federal subsidy for families with children this year will cost $3.4 billion more than similar programs, says the Parliamentary Budget Office. Total cost of the tax-free Canada Child Benefit introduced July 1 is $16.9 billion this year: "The new program is certainly more generous".
CBC management grossly inflated revenue projections in a failed attempt to win national radio advertisers, records show. The Crown broadcaster missed its revenue targets by 94 percent: "It's like they live in a fantasy world".
Oil sands development is polluting lakes even in areas without direct drilling, say researchers. A University of Ottawa study found methods used to liquefy oil below the surface are releasing toxins into waterways: "We need to look more seriously at this".
MPs are questioning a tight deadline to report on sweeping changes to the Elections Act within 12 weeks. Members of the Commons Special Committee on Electoral Reform yesterday were told to slow their work and go to the voters with a referendum on any changes: "What is the problem we're trying to solve?"
A federally-subsidized toll bridge company is one of the most profitable corporations on earth, according to new estimates from the Parliamentary Budget Office. Authorities yesterday estimated owners of Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Bridge effectively double their money each year with a 54 percent profit margin. General Motors earns 12 percent by comparison: "It's the most expensive driving experience in Canada".
Environment Canada proposes “economic incentives” to curb Great Lakes pollution. Regulators said options include tax rebates, credits and direct subsidies: 'We have no perceived notion of whether it will work'.
Changes to the Canada Elections Act without a referendum or other public ratification will invite a Supreme Court challenge, says a former provincial Liberal leader. MPs yesterday heard committee testimony that most Canadians surveyed want a referendum on election reforms: 'Unilateral change might not be lawful'.
