Senate Ethics Officer James O’Reilly yesterday said he “does have authority” to take public complaints against political appointees. O'Reilly said he “cannot comment further at this time” regarding insults posted by Senator Charles Adler (Man.) on his official Twitter account: "The respectful exchange of ideas and information is a basic characteristic of the Senate." READ MORE
Cabinet yesterday dismissed broadcaster Tom Clark as Canada’s $232,000-a year New York Consul midway through his term. Liberals had attempted to defend Clark following an outcry over his expenses: "We need you now more than ever." READ MORE
Elections Canada has approved a new logo for the Green Party. The “new look” needed federal approval as a legal requirement, said an Access To Information memo: "We hope Canadians notice how fundamentally different we are." READ MORE
A federal immigration museum faces years of operating deficits, according to management. The Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax earlier blamed losses in part on changing public opinion about foreigners: "Social cohesion in our country is threatened." READ MORE
Friends who help friends file their taxes for a few hundred dollars still owe a duty of care, a court has ruled. Even a “nominal fee” establishes a business relationship, wrote a British Columbia judge: "I accept that friends can become clients and clients can become friends." READ MORE
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand’s department last year fired 25 Canadian diplomats including one caught in secret contact with a foreign government. Neither the fired diplomat nor the foreign state were identified: "A report was received from a partner department that an employee was in contact inappropriately with foreign government officials." READ MORE
Cabinet yesterday would not release terms of a multi-billion dollar concession to the U.S. over the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed he agreed to share toll revenues with the United States, a breach of a 2012 agreement: "Carney has negotiated a terrible deal for Canada." READ MORE
We hold sacred the right to vote. The first ballot cast by my brother and I was discussed around the dining room table. We talked about whether a government was good or bad. My parents cherished those conversations because we were free to have them. This shaped my family’s outlook on life. We were taught that Poles lost democracy because they did not cherish freedom enough. When it comes to democracy, there’s a difference between theory and practice.
