June lobbying a success with wage subsidy extension, groups say
Some associations are calling their June lobbying efforts a success, after the government agreed to a widespread push to extend the emergency wage subsidy program. The pandemic has necessitated fast-paced policy development and economic response, and companies report their government relations arms are busier than ever. Though June’s 2,002 recorded communications were down compared to […]
The other side of Canada’s deficit coin
For every transaction in the economy, there is someone on the other side: someone who is paying money always has someone on the other side receiving it. Last Wednesday’s economic and fiscal snapshot revealed a historic $343-billion deficit, 15 times higher than where the federal deficit stood at the end of last year. This came […]
NDP calls for wealth tax bill ‘immediately,’ PBO pegs revenue at $5.6-billion
NDP finance critic Peter Julian is calling on the federal government to immediately introduce legislation to bring in a wealth tax, which a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer says could bring in $5.6-billion in new revenue. Finance Minister Bill Morneau (Toronto Centre, Ont.) said on July 8 that the government was on track […]
Unfazed by the deficit hawks, Morneau uses ‘snapshot’ to preview environmental, social justice priorities
OTTAWA—Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered the bill for the federal government’s COVID-19 response, including a $343-billion deficit, but brushed aside demands for a blueprint to rein in the huge debt caused by the pandemic. Morneau’s 168-page fiscal release, which was more like a family album than a snapshot, will disappoint some Canadians because it was […]
Feds’ fiscal snapshot puts deficit at more than $340-billion, with promise of an update in fall
Finance Minister Bill Morneau unveiled a plan on Wednesday for managing the unprecedented levels of spending aimed at buffering the economic shock of the pandemic, projecting a deficit of more than $300-billion and promising another update in the fall. In a 168-page document released as much of the country is steadily adjusting to the new […]
Lobby groups push feds to pivot to recovery phase, say more cash needed for key sectors
Associations are pivoting to recovery in their federal advocacy asks, with those among the most actively lobbying government in May pushing for flexibility on some of the government’s emergency measures and calling for more funding to protect at-risk industries. The busiest groups lobbying last month include members in the post-secondary education, oil, and forestry sector […]
Where’s the money?: Questions loom over need for better foreign policy funding
Following Canada’s failure to win a seat on the UN Security Council, foreign affairs experts and former diplomats are raising the concern that funding for Global Affairs is insufficient despite budget increases over the last four years. Former Chrétien-era cabinet ministers and past diplomats Allan Rock and Sergio Marchi penned an op-ed this week in […]
Singh booted from Chamber during estimates debate after racism spat with Bloc
Debate on the latest supplementary estimates, which were later adopted “on division,” hit a momentary snag after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh accused a Bloc Québécois MP of being “racist” over his refusal to support a motion recognizing systemic racism in the RCMP. Mr. Singh was booted from the House by the House Speaker after refusing […]
Second wave of virus could cut GDP by nearly 10 per cent, experts looks to future of relief programs
A recent Léger poll suggests the public is picking up on what public health officials have been warning for months: a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is possible, even likely, if existing preventative measures aren’t kept in place. Fear of a second wave is widespread, with 76 per cent of respondents to the poll […]
More pandemic help for seniors coming this summer: Seniors Minister Deb Schulte
Seniors in Canada have experienced some of the most negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, staying safe at home has meant added expenses. Deliveries come at a premium and some groceries are costing more. Prescription dispensing fees have increased in many provinces. The Government of Canada responded early. In April, more than four […]
