House Finance Committee dives into offshore tax havens again ‘to get answers for Canadians,’ says NDP MP Julian
The long-standing problems posed by the billions of dollars in offshore tax havens are once again on the front-burner in Canadian politics, following the release of the 2021 budget last month and the start of a study on the issue by the House Finance Committee. The work of the committee follows a report from the […]
‘I’m surprised that they haven’t cut him loose’: political pressure mounts on Sajjan as military controversies pile up
Speculation about Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan’s resignation or firing from cabinet has grown over the past few months, as former members of the military and opinion columnists have argued he should give up the post or be dismissed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) has defended Mr. Sajjan (Vancouver South, B.C.) in front of the […]
Information watchdog plans to up investigative hires with $3-million funding boost
With the federal information watchdog poised to beef up the office’s workforce, Canadians registering a complaint could see the time it takes for their file to be assigned to a caseworker reduced, MPs heard Friday. Speaking to the House Ethics Committee on Zoom, Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard said she was happy to get a recent […]
Oversight board for Facebook decisions a ‘good thing,’ say MPs after body upholds Trump ban
The Facebook Oversight Board’s recent decision to uphold the company’s suspension of former U.S. president Donald Trump is earning passing grades from some Hillites, though one expert is more critical, likening its formation to a “PR stunt.” Liberal MP John McKay (Scarborough-Guildwood, Ont.) commended the tech giant for setting up a “process” by which people […]
Liberals push for Bloc MP Lemire to appear before BOIE to answer for naked Amos photo leak
Liberals on the House Board of Internal Economy are pushing to have the executive body invite Bloc Québécois MP Sébastien Lemire to appear to answer questions about the April 14 sharing of a photo of Liberal MP Will Amos naked in his office. “This is a very troubling incident,” said Liberal Whip Mark Holland (Ajax, […]
‘Do the right thing’: prison segregation oversight ‘inadequate’ report finds as author, watchdog call for new law
The Liberal government’s only oversight mechanism for monitoring a new system meant to end solitary confinement is “inadequate” and lacks transparency, according to a new report based on data from the Correctional Service of Canada. Under Bill C-83, which became law in 2019, appointees known as Independent External Decision Makers (IEDM) review decisions to place […]
Budget investments not enough to replace need for new round of COVID student benefits, says Green leader Paul
Though the budget was generally well received by post-secondary student advocates, the lack of a returning Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is a gap that needs to be filled to avoid students ending up in the same rough spot as last year, says Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. The benefit was introduced last spring, providing […]
Planned U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan leaves questions over Canada’s ability to provide international assistance
With the U.S. withdrawing from Afghanistan by September, instability may follow, which could threaten the ability of the Canadian government to roll out its $270-million international assistance package to the central Asian nation. But that future is still very much in question. The Biden administration announced last month that the U.S. military would be leaving […]
U.S.-backed vaccine waiver should force Canada to support initiative, say politicos
The U.S. decision to support a waiver that could potentially lead to increased global COVID-19 vaccine production could force Canada’s hand as it has long delayed making a decision on the proposal put forward at the World Trade Organization, say analysts, including a former Liberal trade minister and WTO ambassador. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai […]
Rollout of infrastructure money ‘lagging indicator’ of effort to spur economic activity, says deputy minister
The approval of infrastructure funds is a significant “impetus” in being able to allocate funding for projects aimed at improving things like public transit and housing, says one federal bureaucrat, adding it is a “lagging indicator” of the economic activity Ottawa is helping to spur. Speaking to the House Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, Kelly […]
