Who cares about child care?
A Canada-wide system of high-quality early childhood education and child care ticks almost all the boxes: it’s good for kids, it more than pays for itself, it generates increased revenues for governments, it creates jobs, it fosters gender equality, it’s an anti-poverty measure, and it massively assists parents, especially women, in remaining in the workforce. […]
Provinces should knock off the Oliver Twist act when it comes to health care
Provincial premiers have united to play the part of victims of a malignant federal partner as they appeal through the press for a bigger annual health transfer. “If the federal [government] doesn’t increase the transfer, there’s a risk provinces and territories won’t be able to pay for all the services their populations need. At the […]
DND sees itself as infallible on Navy ships project
OTTAWA—In reading the statement by the Department of National Defence on the Parliamentary Budget Office’s (PBO) report on the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), one cannot help but be shocked by DND’s arrogance and selfishness. DND sees itself as infallible. Its cost estimates are right, the PBO’s are wrong. A new design is not an option. […]
Ongoing fed support ‘essential’ as pandemic has laid bare cracks in ‘outdated’ municipal financing system, say experts
The COVID-19 pandemic that has wreaked havoc on government finances has exposed existing cracks in how cities across the country are financed, according to experts, with Federation of Canadian Municipalities president Garth Frizzell calling the system “outdated” as the federal government continues to come to the rescue of cash-strapped cities across the country. “If we […]
Navy desperately needs new ships, but they can’t come at any price
Canada appears to be on the cusp of building some of the most expensive warships on the planet. The Feb. 24, 2021, report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates that it will cost $77.3-billion to acquire 15 Canadian Surface Combatants. With a projected $400-billion deficit this year, and the possibility of a slow recovery, these […]
After Scheer’s expenses controversy, Conservatives want party to stop spending donor dollars on personal expenses
In the aftermath of outgoing Conservative leader Andrew Scheer’s expenses controversy in 2019, members of an Edmonton Conservative riding association have proposed a constitutional amendment demanding that the party not use donor money to subsidize personal expenses of any party member, and use it only to promote the party’s political and electoral interests. “All expenditures […]
Biden’s protected-area push highlights Canada’s conservation opportunity
At the Feb. 23 bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Joe Biden’s first remarks sounded a bit like a friendly taunt: Canada should keep up as he rolls out his bold, new agenda: “We’re all best served when the United States and Canada work together and lead together,” he said. Considering the […]
Complying with Jordan’s Principle could cost feds $15-billion, says PBO
Canada’s budget watchdog says it could cost Ottawa $15-billion to comply with a human rights tribunal ruling ordering the government to compensate First Nation children impacted by the child welfare system who experienced delays or denials in services. Released Tuesday, the report from the parliamentary budget officer said the updated figure is based on a […]
Top 100 Lobbyists: Pandemic ushers in explosion of lobbying activity
The pandemic may have indefinitely suspended most in-person lobbying campaigns and social engagements, but lobbyists say they’re busier than they’ve ever been. While COVID-19 hasn’t changed the “fundamentals” of the business, for those at the top of their game, it’s driven home the need to be more attuned to the pressures facing the government, and […]
‘Everything in this budget will be driven by COVID’: former public servants, Liberal insiders lay out expectations for the pandemic budget
Expect a buttoned-down spring budget, say politicos and former government insiders, as the pandemic and vaccine rollout continue to challenge the Liberals and talk of a pending general election has faded. “In terms of shiny ponies, I think that the spends have become much more basic,” said Joe Jordan, a consultant lobbyist at Bluesky Strategies […]
