Northerners think feds are ‘out of touch’ with the North, data suggests
Northerners say the federal government is “out of touch” with the North, does not meet their needs, and does not fairly represent them, according to a convenience sample study conducted by the Angus Reid Forum. The data, while anecdotal in nature, offers a glimpse into the frustrations and issues facing those living in Canada’s territories, […]
Unions wary of Treasury Board’s $6-billion ‘strategic policy review,’ and want more details on transforming some federal buildings into residential properties
With the Treasury Board president now engaged in a “strategic policy review” surrounding government operations after years of record spending and after COVID-19 upended workplace arrangements for federal public servants, Public Service Alliance of Canada national president Chris Aylward warned that “we’ve seen deceptive language like this before,” referring to former prime minister Stephen Harper’s […]
Nurse retention crisis requires action plan to address workplace violence, says nursing organizations
Health-care organizations are pushing for the federal government to step in with an action plan to address a workforce retention crisis, which has been worsened by escalating verbal and physical abuse directed towards health-care providers during the global pandemic. “Unfortunately, workplace harassment and violence is not a new issue for health-care professionals. It’s something that […]
Canola sector tops environment lobbying in March with Net-Zero concerns
Canada’s canola industry took the lead in environmental advocacy in March, partly to address how that sector will fit into Ottawa’s target of reducing nitrogen emissions by 30 per cent by the end of the decade. “There’s an emission target put out there, and so growers would be concerned, naturally. They need to be able […]
‘She is literally birthing the party’s future as Pierre Poilievre’s most essential adviser’: Poilievre’s campaign buoyed by top political player, Jenni Byrne
Political campaign organizers normally don’t attract much attention when they make public appearances on behalf of their candidates. But Jenni Byrne is a unique political operative with a storied career in Conservative circles, and as a key adviser to Tory leadership front-runner Pierre Poilievre, she isn’t holding back. In an April 12 episode of CTV […]
Housing experts say budget doesn’t address needs of ‘the other missing middle’
Two experts on affordable housing say the federal government’s 2022 budget features incremental steps “in the right direction,” but without the scale or volume needed to make a real dent in the need for affordable housing. Ricardo Tranjan, a senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, told The Hill Times the budget doesn’t […]
Charest strategist Kheiriddin says Conservatives should ‘build a big tent,’ avoid appealing to ‘anger or fear’
Candidates running for the leadership of the Conservative Party who are hoping to “build a big tent” need to do that now, and not appeal to “anger or fear” during the race, according to Conservative commentator and strategist Tasha Kheiriddin. As the party plots its future and moves towards picking a new leader on Sept. […]
Budget 2022’s employment strategy for people with disabilities not a replacement for income support, warn advocates
As MPs from all parties urge the government to fast-track legislation for a promised disability benefit left out of the budget, advocates say the employment strategy outlined in the federal government’s 2022 budget won’t work if people with disabilities lose access to existing benefits faster than they can replace that money with wages. The budget, […]
‘There are two Liberal governments’: NDP MP Green, Black class action lawsuit lawyer cry foul over feds’ attempt to quash case
With 1,300 plaintiffs now involved in a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit on behalf of federal employees who identify as Black, Caribbean, or of African descent, NDP MP Matthew Green says the government’s recent move to have the lawsuit quashed “only demonstrates the actual risk that real scrutiny would serve to the government who has, […]
Indigenous languages on federal ballots could help boost turnout, PROC hears
Directly or indirectly, including Indigenous languages on federal ballots could help to boost Indigenous voter turnout, argue witnesses appearing as part of the House Affairs Committee’s ongoing study into the prospect. But some suggest resources would be better allocated elsewhere. “Having the Inuit language on ballots would help in increasing the voter turnout,” Nunavut Languages […]
