Everyday science still starving for money
At first glance, the parade of cabinet ministers on university campuses across Canada on Sept. 6 might have looked like evidence of a new era in federal support for science. Scott Brison was on hand at Dalhousie University in Halifax, which will work with the University of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland’s Memorial University on a […]
Government-ethics advocate calls $250,000 in sponsored MP trips ‘unethical’
So far in 2016, about $250,000 of sponsored travel has been declared by MPs, who defend the practice as presenting important opportunities, but Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher says these trips, paid for by interest groups and foreign governments, have undue influence on MPs and should be disallowed. “Giving something to someone or doing something for […]
Ethics critic pushes for better enforcement of ‘20 per cent’ lobbying rule
An ethics watchdog wants stronger oversight from Ottawa to ensure organizations are complying with rules requiring public disclosure of lobbying activities. Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch and a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa, is calling on the federal government to stop letting organizations determine themselves if they are compliant with rules mandating registration as lobbyists […]
New medical marijuana regs show need for broader legalization policy, say producers
The government’s new approach to medicinal marijuana access is considered a setback for pot policy, says licensed producers, who add that it highlights the need to put in a comprehensive and clear legalized system. The new system will once again allow patients to grow their own supply or designate someone to grow it for them, in […]
Government-backed study finds piracy fight a low priority for Canadian rights holders
OTTAWA—The Canadian government plans to review the state of copyright law next year, but a recent government-commissioned study indicates that fighting piracy is a low priority for rights holders, who prefer to focus their efforts on generating revenues from legitimate websites and services. Piracy is likely to be a major issue in the 2017 review, […]
Cabinet hell-bent on your input
OTTAWA—Canada must be a nation of innovators. “684 ideas for #CdnInnovation,” Navdeep Bains, the federal minister for innovation, science and economic development, wrote on Twitter on Aug. 1. “Have you submitted yours yet?” Bains added a link to the website for the federal government’s “Innovation Agenda,” which features a one-minute video assuring visitors that, indeed, […]
PM on a high-stakes mission, set against idyllic backdrops
The appointment was right there July 22 in Justin Trudeau’s public itinerary, which the Prime Minister’s Office sends daily to every Ottawa reporter who cares to sign up. “The prime minister will attend the Dock Innovators Retreat,” it said. “Closed to media.” Attend the what? Googling the mysterious term provided no further information. I was finishing […]
Changing Canada’s electoral system will shift internal, external party politics: Carty
Electoral reform will have deeper ramifications than just changing the way Canadians elect Members of Parliament and it will drastically shake up party politics both within caucuses and between parties, said several witnesses, testifying during marathon of meetings last week in front of the Special House Committee on Electoral Reform. MPs from all parties heard […]
Opposition to Energy East growing in Canada and U.S.: it’s time for a moratorium on oil tankers on East Coast
TORONTO—Oil spills don’t care about borders. That’s why there is growing concern about the proposed Energy East pipeline bringing a massive increase in tanker traffic along the Canadian and U.S. East Coast. If built, Energy East would triple tanker traffic in areas like the Bay of Fundy—and with it the chance of a devastating oil […]
New medical marijuana regulations should allow pharmacist dispensing
Health Minister Jane Philpott has a golden opportunity later this month to improve access and safety for medical marijuana patients and Canadian pharmacists hope she will take it. By amending the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) to allow pharmacists to dispense medical marijuana, Canadians would have a safe, reliable and convenient alternative to mail-order […]
