Feds’ opening offer in contract talks an ‘insult,’ would put 90,000 bureaucrats in a virtual wage freeze: PSAC
The government’s initial offer to four of the core public service groups currently negotiating new contracts is an “insult” that would put them in a virtual two-year wage freeze, says Public Service Alliance of Canada national president Chris Aylward. PSAC has asked for a 3.75 per cent raise, and while the 0.75 per cent economic increase […]
Federal departments miss quarter of annual targets: results report
About 24 per cent of government programs tracked at the departmental level missed their performance targets in 2017-18, according to annual results reports released in November, up from about 16 per cent last year. Eleven departments or agencies missed more than 40 per cent of their targets, including Infrastructure Canada (72 per cent), the Royal […]
PSAC asks for 3.75 per cent pay hike, as contract talks kick into high gear
The largest federal public service union is asking for a 3.75 per cent annual raise for its four largest bargaining groups as it negotiates a new three-year contract with the government—more than their opening bid in the last round of contract talks. In 2014, the Public Service Alliance of Canada asked for a three per […]
Procedure and House Affairs Committee proposes changes to e-petition system
Canadians should have the ability to flag issues in the House of Commons faster when they start petitions online, but getting thousands of signatures won’t make the Chamber take up their cause, according to a House committee’s review of the e-petition system. In a report tabled Nov. 8 by Liberal chair Larry Bagnell (Yukon), the […]
NDP court battle with BOIE wages on, as Parliament fights to keep courts out
The NDP’s unprecedented court battle with the House Board of Internal Economy continued last week, with the Federal Court of Appeal hearing arguments on whether or not two 2014 decisions by the board, ordering NDP MPs to repay roughly $4-million, are immune from judicial oversight. Reached by The Hill Times after the daylong hearing on […]
Feds have spent less than half of controversial $7-billion budget fund, critics question lost oversight given ‘unchanged’ spending pace
The Liberals have allocated less than half of the budget spending from a controversial $7-billion fund that outraged opposition MPs, who argued it fundamentally undermined how Parliament scrutinizes government spending. They say the pace of the roll-out shows the revamped system didn’t justify the lost oversight. The government transferred $2.89-billion, or 41 per cent, to departments since […]
NDP questions why Trans Mountain buy not in spending estimates
The NDP is questioning why the multi-billion-dollar Trans Mountain pipeline purchase isn’t in the first round of extra government spending requests, saying it impedes Parliamentarians’ ability to ensure transparency and accountability of taxpayers’ money. But the Liberals say the purchase is being handled as a loan between two Crown corporations. To facilitate the planned expansion, […]
Successful rollout of leaders’ debates commission still up for debate
It seems there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the leaders of so-called fringe parties to get a spot on stage at next year’s leaders’ debates. On Oct. 30, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould announced details about the creation of an independent Leaders’ Debates Commission, a task that’s been on her to-do list […]
Norman case will only get ‘uglier’ for Liberals already damaged by interference optics: politicos, experts
As the case against Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, accused of leaking cabinet confidences, makes its way before the Ontario Court of Justice during the countdown to election 2019, the Liberals will be tarred by the perception of political interference in an ongoing drama analysts say will only get uglier. With the trial scheduled for next summer—during […]
NDP to support Liberal election bill, Tories won’t, after committee makes 73 changes
After more than 17 hours of line-by-line deliberation in committee, the House of Commons will get its chance this week to settle on 73 proposed changes to the Liberals’ sweeping election reform bill, but critics say the legislation is still flawed. “It’s better than nothing,” said NDP MP Nathan Cullen, his party’s democratic reform critic. […]
