Some 25 MPs, Senators promise to ‘call out abuse and harassment’ in Parliament this fall
The 75-member Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians, now headed by NDP MP Lindsay Mathyssen and Senator Marilou McPhedran, has relaunched, and it wants to take on what it sees as a worsening environment for women in politics this fall. So far, 25 have signed the pledge.
Translation Bureau launches ‘entry-level’ accreditation pilot, raising red flags for industry association
The bureau’s plans are ‘watering down the qualification that’s required to uphold official language requirements,’ says AIIC Canada’s advocacy lead Nicole Gagnon.
House launches pilot to test options for new riding office phone service
‘I don’t think anyone really realizes how bad a problem this is unless they’re one of the people where it’s not functioning,’ says Tory Whip Kerry-Lynne Findlay of the current riding phone service.
BOIE approves new security funding, expanded MP-protection programs
Altogether, the Board of Internal Economy gave the nod to new funding totalling almost $24.6-million related to security earlier this spring.
Time to get serious about ‘silly’ season
After a six-sitting-day respite from the Hill, MPs have returned for the final House of Commons push before the summer adjournment. This scheduled five-week run at the end of the spring sitting is a dicey proposition in any session of Parliament, but prospects are particularly fraught this time around given it’s the latter days of […]
House to pilot pay-per-use electric vehicle charging for MPs, staff
The House has 21 electric vehicle charging stations on the Hill that MPs and staff currently use free of charge, with costs covered by Public Services and Procurement Canada.
Senate amends rules for regional offices, spares East Block cafeteria
The East Block cafeteria has survived the chopping block—at least for now—after Senators recently weighed closing it, and replacing it with a vending machine.
MP, House officer spending tops $132.2-million in first three quarters of 2023-24
In terms of MP office expenses, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was the highest-spender during the first three quarters of 2023-24, having spent almost all of his $535,640 budget.
Former Parliamentarians Association vows to keep lobbying for funding boost after Tories sink appeal
CAFP president and former Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey says he’s ‘disappointed, but not dissuaded’ by the lack of unanimous consent at the BOIE for a funding increase.
BOIE approves more Centre Block design decisions related to accessibility, lobbies, and more
Among the proposals given the go-ahead by the BOIE on Feb. 15 was a pitch to create a space for centralized simultaneous interpretation for the precinct.
