The Department of Agriculture forecasts “tension” with the drought-stricken U.S. over access to cross-boundary water supplies. In a report released through Access To Information, the department said water shortages may see American ecosystems stressed beyond repair: 'The U.S. may seek to divert water from the Great Lakes and other systems...'
Canadians are seeing greater exposure to an anti-bacterial soap additive banned in Europe, according to new Health Canada data. Environmental groups have appealed for restrictions on triclosan amid worries over its long-term impact: "What we really need is swift action".
Only four months after promising preferential hiring for veterans, cabinet has issued a new job posting for Sergeant At Arms without any mention of military service as a requirement. The House of Commons post for years was filled by veterans, including two Victoria Cross winners: "We want to show we're hiring the best candidate".
Municipal councillors can be sued for defamation if they misspeak in their official duties, courts have confirmed. The Supreme Court declined to hear further appeals in the case of one county councillor publicly insulted by colleagues who then claimed immunity from libel: 'It's two centuries of precedent'.
Royal commissions were once fodder for stand-up comics though the memory is bitter-sweet. The notion seems quaint now. Governments confronted difficult issues by convening public hearings and reaching for consensus. Now they announce policy change on the drive in from the airport at Davos, Switzerland and shoehorn it into a 452-page omnibus budget bill. At least, that’s what the Prime Minister did when he raised eligibility under Old Age Security to 67 years in 2012.
So it’s with genuine nostalgia that readers will enjoy Commissions of Inquiry and Policy Change, an affectionate tribute to the consensus politics of yesteryear. It mattered. Editors note that when the Literary Review of Canada compiled a list of the country’s 100 Most Important Books, six were reports of commissions.
The Canadian Tourism Commission is resuming promotions in the U.S. three years after budget cuts eliminated all general advertising to American travelers. The commission’s president earlier described the cuts as short-sighted: "Canada is the only G8 country that has reduced investment".
Shippers and airlines are seeking details of a proposed 15¢ per kilogram federal fee to screen air freight. Transport Canada has proposed shippers conduct their own security screening or face cargo charges: "You can’t create a security program and not charge for it".
An FM radio station has again been cited for vulgarity by a national standards panel, this time over an expletive-laced rant against urban bicyclists. It’s the third citation in five years against the Québec City station. Broadcasters cussed bicyclists in colourful shorts who slow morning traffic: "You big idiot – stay at home. You deserve to be run over by a car".
Bell Mobility Inc. has lost a bid for a Supreme Court hearing over 75¢ fees it charged for non-existent 911 emergency service. Justices declined to hear the company’s appeal of a Yellowknife court ruling that the class action lawsuit proceed: "The costs in this case must be worth millions already".
Aquaculture firms have won long-sought amendments to federal law permitting chemical use in fish habitat, including coastal waters. Fisheries Minister Gail Shea yesterday enacted new regulations allowing use of licensed pesticides previously banned under the Fisheries Act: "There are serious concerns".
First regulations under Bill C-51 the Anti-Terrorism Act take effect August 1 with enforcement of a federal blacklist of passengers forbidden from air travel. Airlines must report any so-called “listed person” who attempts to board any domestic or international flight: "They did not do anything to actually fix the problems".
A finicky federal appointee at the Asia Pacific Foundation billed for a $522-a night room at a luxury Vancouver hotel though “nice” accommodation was available just across the street at a 39% discount, records show. “I treasure a good hotel,” said the foundation’s chairman.
The Department of Agriculture is losing ground in scientific research that made Canada a world wheat exporter, delegates have told an Ottawa conference. The criticism followed one industry report that concluded the nation “is slipping behind other countries” in agricultural science: "Where are the long-term ideas going to come from?"
In a confidential memo one advocate called “unbelievable”, the Department of Fisheries says it has no scientific data to support Canada’s claims that seals are to blame for dwindling groundfish stock. The cabinet memo stamped SECRET said claims were “anecdotal commentary” and had no basis in research: "It is a classic case of putting pure politics ahead of science".
A pending Supreme Court hearing on legal firing under the Canada Labour Code will clarify rules for an estimated one million employees in federally-regulated industries, say legal analysts. Judges agreed to hear the case of an Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. staffer fired without cause: "This has been a debate in legal circles for years".
