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 […]
CSIS and Coast Guard appear before Senate National Security Committee (Part 2)
Mr. Lachance: Yes, they have been worked out. Senator Smith: Are there still any of any consequence? Mr. Meisner: I am not sure. There are obviously wrinkles, but they are day-to-day management things that I am not sure can be attributed to the move or the fact that we have gone through changes in the […]
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 […]
CSIS and Coast Guard appear before Senate National Security Committee (Part 5)
Mr. Elcock: I am not sure I would characterize it that way. There is no question that, as the Cold War ended, there was a perception in the intelligence community, and perhaps even stronger beyond the intelligence community, that somehow the world had fundamentally changed. It seemed we would no longer need spy agencies or […]
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 […]
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 […]
Buzzword: accountability
One of the first things Finance Minister John Manley mentioned when he released his federal budget last Tuesday in the House of Commons were the words “accrual accounting.” He got some good laughs when he turned to MPs and teased them about possibly not grasping the term, well-known in the accounting world. But Mr. Manley […]
Name calling does hurt [US foreign policy]
In a deeply ironic way, the anti-war protesters have been paying the United States the highest possible compliment. The many millions who demonstrated were saying in effect that they don’t regard the U.S. as Rome. Rome, and the Romans, never gave a damn what the Gauls and Celts and Bactrians and Scythians and the rest […]
Campaign bill puts the squeeze on backbench MPs: Forces MPs to compete with ministers for funding
OTTAWA–Backbench Liberal MPs who already feel burdened from having to pay hefty levies to their party are crying foul over the government’s new plans to double the pain by limiting corporate donations through its new political finance bill. Some say the move is unfair because it will force backbenchers to compete for funds with high-profile […]
Political courage
Bums, liars, losers, nincompoops, ninnies. Federal politicians have been called worse. But for every bad one, there are even more good ones and despite the negative hype out there, most federal politicians are actually hard-working, thoughtful, committed people who really do want to make a difference here in Ottawa and across the country. Sometimes, however, […]
