Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must release complete recordings of his remarks to a home equity tax lobby, the Opposition said yesterday. Trudeau has not commented on his appearance at an invitation-only meeting with a lobbyist who complained homeowners “reaped substantial gains in wealth.” READ MORE
Fears of saboteurs yesterday prompted cabinet to grant federal rail inspectors new powers to combat “security incidents.” The Department of Transport said incidents of sabotage were growing but would not disclose numbers: "There has been a disturbing trend." READ MORE
Cabinet yesterday without notice said it will more than double Nexus permit fees at a $23 million annual cost for frequent cross-border travelers. New rates take effect October 1: "No consultations." READ MORE
Cabinet is reviewing millions in funding for a Black charity whose directors are accused of inside dealing, says a Department of Social Development memo. Grants for the Black Business and Professional Association totaled $5,217,345 in the past three years: 'Should the government determine funds were used inappropriately it will respond.' READ MORE
Climate tax credits will cost billions more than claimed by cabinet, the Budget Office said yesterday. Analysts uncovered the error in calculating actual expenses of credits intended to meet 2050 targets that are “not likely possible,” according to one of Canada's largest utilities: "Budget Office estimates are $10 billion higher." READ MORE
A British Columbia lobby yesterday would not release a complete recording of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks to a “private town hall” with home equity tax advocates. Reporters and the public were barred from attending the hour-long meeting June 25, according to the University of B.C. host Generation Squeeze: "Wrong idea at the wrong time in the wrong country. Maybe try Denmark." READ MORE
Government spokespeople must "correct" Canadians' thinking, says a report by Treasury Board President Anita Anand’s department. The Board yesterday did not comment on its claim 4,600 federal spokespeople were defenders of “the heart of our democracy.” READ MORE
My grandparents settled in Wainwright, Alberta in 1915. They saw the peak of the wheat boom, then the crash, then the Depression. It was a life filled with chores. You learn the value of money if you don’t have much. I got my first credit card at 18 and bought a $500 stereo, then Dad explained compound interest to me. “Have fun paying it off,” he said. It was a $500 lesson. Dad wouldn’t turn the heater on in the car because he thought it cost. My brother needed transportation so he saved up for a Toyota Echo and paid cash. In 2003 I bought a home in Edmonton and the mortgage officer told me, “You can afford twice what you’re putting down.” I replied, “But I don’t need it.”
