Praise and criticism of proposed Federal Accountability Act are both exaggerated
Media outlets and commentators on the so-called “Federal Accountability Act” (Bill C-2) introduced by the new federal Conservative government have, unfortunately, been exaggerating the good effects of the act or offering unlikely, worst-casescenario criticisms (and sometimes both). Some have called the act “a recipe for true accountability” while others have criticized it as “overkill” that […]
MacLeod returns to Hill as Skelton’s
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Carol Skelton has hired a veteran former Conservative Hill staffer as her director of communications. Fiona MacLeod, who is on a leave of absence from the Transport Department, started her new job in the minister’s office as director of communications last Tuesday, April 18. Born […]
Now for some good news…
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who promised to bring in more accountability and transparency to government, resumes the House of Commons this week as he moves into a critical part of his agenda between now and the summer break. Prime Minister Harper came up short on his Federal Accountability Act, indeed. However, there is still some […]
“The speculation is that if Prime Minister Stephen Harper can pass three of his five priorities before the next election, the Conservatives can win a majority. Correct or not correct?”
Mike Storeshaw Conservative strategist “Yay! Speculation is fun! Unfortunately, it’s not all that helpful to do, whether you’re in opposition or government, so I’ll avoid jumping on the bandwagon here. “What I will say is that all five of the government’s key priorities are concrete, tangible initiatives that enjoy wide public support. I hope that […]
Will the federal Liberals defeat themselves in the leadership campaign?
The individual succeeding Paul Martin as Liberal leader will face a major challenge overcoming the attacks levied against them during the upcoming leadership contest. Recent examples from the U.S. where a new party leader faced an incumbent president illustrates how counterproductive the process can be for the winner. In their quest to occupy the White […]
Forget crossing the floor legislation, maybe we should look at India’s formula for amending its Constitution
The recent raft of floor-crossings in our House of Commons has spurred some honourable members to propose legislation that would force MPs wishing to change parties in mid-Parliament (or, if you’re David Emerson, at the early onset of post-election blues) to first consult with the electorate by resigning and contesting a byelection. When compared to […]
Canadian Screenwriting Awards this week, also Treasury Board President Baird and Liberal finance critic John McCallum to speak
Canadian Screenwriting Awards this week, also Treasury Board President Baird and Liberal finance critic John McCallum to speak MONDAY, APRIL 24 Canadian Screenwriting Awards-Host Scott Thompson, formerly of the Kids in the Hall, will announce winners at the 10th annual awards gala at the Brant House, 522 King St. West, Toronto. For more information, please […]
Canada languishes in innovation and investment in telecommunications industry, says Russell
Two years ago, the CRTC began lengthy consultations about Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is a technologically proven, commercially available and rapidly growing internet application. It enables online users to communicate by voice anywhere and anytime. In Canada, the barriers to entry are so low that literally scores of companies currently offer VoIP communications across […]
Tories send message to lobbyists with tough penalties, $50,000 fine for violating cooling-off period
Federal Cabinet ministers, senior government officials and lobbyists are looking at significant new fines for violating the government’s proposed Lobbying Act, including a $50,000 fine for violations of the government’s five-year ban on ministers and senior public servants who wish to work as lobbyists. Robert Makichuk, a spokesman for the Treasury Board, the department responsible […]
Donner Prize Finalists
Donner Prize Finalists Want to know the Donner Prize finalists for the best book on Canadian public policy? The winner, to be announced in Toronto on April 27, will also win $35,000 Rethinking the Welfare State: The Prospects for Government by Voucher, by Ronald J. Daniels & Michael J. Trebilcock, Routledge. Blurb: “Rethinking the Welfare […]
