New gas study
The Commons approved a motion from the Industry Committee to study the recent increase in gas prices which have skyrocketed of late and reached as high as 80 cents per liter in some regions. Chaired by Liberal MP Walt Lastewka, the committee plans on calling on Industry Minister Allan Rock as well as representatives of […]
Canada’s place in world has been devalued and diminished: Canada-U.S. relationship weakened by waffling
PARLIAMENT HILL–I am pleased to see that the list of terrorist groups has been expanded now to 19 under the Criminal Code and Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Act. [The newly-listed groups are: the Abu Nidal Organization, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the Sendero Luminoso organization]. I am concerned, however, by the inefficiencies and the fact that many […]
Manley’s budget falls short on accountability: AG: Move to accrual accounting a step in right direction but devil in the details
Auditor General Sheila Fraser has applauded some of the new accountability measures unveiled in the federal government’s budget last week, but admitted most will fall short of expectations, especially those relating to the country’s controversial arm’s-length foundations which would remain beyond the reach of her office. Finance Minister John Manley’s budget – which is a […]
Coast Guard is neither an enforcement nor security agency: Our role is one of support to the security community: Meisner
The following is an edited transcript of the testimony of Tim Meisner, director of policy and legislation, marine programs, at the Canadian Coast Guard, who appeared before the Senate National Security and Defence Committee on Monday, Feb. 17. Mr. Meisner was called before the committee which is looking into the need for a national security […]
Get rid of the GST
It’s no secret that Finance Minister John Manley may run for the Liberal leadership. It would be a feather in his cap to do something Paul Martin never dared to defy Jean Chretien by repealing the GST. The media spotlight would be his, the Canadian Alliance would be hard-pressed to complain, and what the heck, […]
Alliance to get tough on Campaign Finance Bill
OTTAWA–The deadlock over private members’ business came undone in dramatic fashion last week, as the Alliance finally agreed to release a torrent of government business on Thursday. “It took off like a bolt of lightning,” said Government House Leader Don Boudria of the nine bills suddenly released from opposition filibustering tactics and allowed to continue […]
Media and anti-Semitism
In his Feb. 17 column “Media hype anti-Semitism” (The Hill Times), Claire Hoy states that the vast majority of Canadians are as accepting of other cultures and religions as anybody in the world. I agree. However, what kind of standard is that when, for example, many Arab countries today advise their citizens regularly in the […]
In North, environmental bargains are much more stark: DIAND issues feasibility study for a deep sea port and road in caribou herd territory
In every part of the country, we are constantly making development bargains, trading jobs and economic development for environmental, social and cultural impacts. It is part of the rhythm of our economy. Development may be displacing farmland, eroding the network of rural society; fencing off a lake that formerly was a favourite fishing spot; draining […]
Honesty serves citizens in an insecure world: And the Canadian public deserves transparency
PARLIAMENT HILL-It gives me no great joy to be running around fulminating about inadequate security at Canadian airports. It’s not a good way to make friends — especially within my own party. That party, you will recall, is the party behind the government responsible for airport security in this country. Nor does it give me […]
Robert Ghiz leaves
Robert Ghiz, son of the late and former P.E.I. Liberal premier Joe Ghiz, left the Prime Minister’s Office last week to seek the leadership of the Liberal Party in his home province. A graduate of Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Que., Mr. Ghiz, 29, joined the PMO in 2001 as an adviser of the Prime Minister […]
