The Federal Court of Canada has dismissed a request by former Parliamentary Budget Officer, Kevin Page, to clarify the office’s mandate.
In his application, Page had also sought ”judgment affirming he has the jurisdiction to seek the information” relating to the $5.2 billion in fiscal savings outlined in the 2012 federal budget. Page had in vain asked federal departments and agencies to supply him with detailed information on proposed cuts, staff reductions and the budget’s impact on social services.
Later today the New Democrats and Green Party leader Elizabeth May will ask the Parliament of Canada to side with Canadians and vote to stop the Harper’s Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPA) from becoming law. They will vote on a motion tabled last week by Don Davies, the NDP’s MP for Vancouver Kingsway, urging the Harper Government not to ratify the discredited agreement.
Unfortunately, it appears the Liberals have abandoned us at this greatest hour of need; they will vote with the Conservatives in support of FIPA. If there’s a greater act of betrayal, please let me know.
Apparently, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s forthcoming Liberal Opposition Day motion seeks to defend Conservatives MPs who are being muzzled by Stephen Harper. At least that’s how most of the media has interpreted the motion, to be debated and voted in the House of Commons Monday.
“Justin Trudeau riding to the rescue of rebellious Conservative backbenchers,” says the National Post. The Toronto Star says the same thing, but adds: “Justin Trudeau will try to tap into a budding rebellion by Conservative MPs by moving a motion next week weakening party control over which MPs can speak in the Commons.”
New Democrat Aboriginal Affairs critic, Jean Crowder, is calling on Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to respect Canada`s First Nations. And take their land and other outstanding claims seriously.
That this House call on the government to: (a) abandon its confrontational approach to First Nations, Métis and Inuit in favour of a nation-to-nation dialogue; (b) make treaty implementation, as well as the settlement and implementation of land claims, a priority, including in Labrador; and (c) begin negotiations in good faith with NunatuKavut Community Council on their comprehensive land claim that has been without a response since 1991.
The Harper Conservatives will not be introducing the comprehensive “election reform act” they promised Canadians, after all.
The bill was due to be tabled in Parliament on Thursday. Apparently, the Conservatives have discovered a “last minute” issue with their own piece of legislation. An issue so important the justice Canadians demanded in the wake of the 2011 robocalls scandal had to be delayed.
Apparently, Isabelle Lapointe no longer works for her lover, Harper-appointed Conservative Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu. Man, that was lightning fast. Brutal too, I suppose. Exactly eight days since various media reported the office romance around March 5.
TORONTO – One of Canada’s leading free speech groups is warning that a low-profile bill – coming up for second reading debate in the House of Commons today – could severely weaken the journalistic integrity of the CBC and cripple its ability to protect its journalistic sources.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) has written to government ministers and opposition members to express its grave concerns about Bill C-461 which proposes amendments to both the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
In Parliament earlier this week, New Democrat MP for Scarborough-Rouge River Rathika Sitsabaiesan and fellow NDP MPs urged the Harper government to take a principled stance on Sri Lanka. They called on the Conservatives to support international calls for an independent investigation into allegations of war crimes committed at the end of the Sri Lankan civil war.
The House of Commons has passed Bill C-279, the NDP’s transgendered rights bill, by a 149-137 vote. The bill, sponsored by New Democrat Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca), now proceeds to the Senate.
This is a great victory for human rights in Canada. The bill prohibits discrimination against transgendered Canadians.
OTTAWA – A Quebec senator is in the spotlight over reports that he is in a romantic relationship with one of his employees on Parliament Hill.
Conservative Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, 64, is the latest member of the red chamber to come under scrutiny as part of the ongoing controversy surrounding expense claims.
RT @nationalpost: Why the Liberals were able to predict their victory in B.C. while public election polls missed the mark http://t.co/azF2r… 8 hours ago
Apparently, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s forthcoming Liberal Opposition Day motion seeks to defend Conservatives MPs who are being muzzled by Stephen Harper. At least that’s how most of the media has interpreted the motion, to be debated and voted in the House of Commons Monday.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
Photos
Google Page
RECENT COMMENTS