Category: federal

Security Committee Finds Gaps in Federal Cyberdefences That Place Vital Data at Risk

OTTAWA—The committee of MPs and senators which oversees federal security policy has uncovered gaps in Canada’s cyberdefences that could leave many agencies vulnerable to state-sponsored hackers from countries like China and Russia. In a new report, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians says cyberthreats to government systems and networks are a significant risk…


Despite Raging Inflation, Fed Issues Wimpiest Statement Ever

Commentary  All the Fed pledges to do is monitor the situation while hiding behind COVID-19 concerns. Please consider the Federal Reserve’s Jan. 26, 2022, FOMC press release, emphasis mine. Indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months but are being affected by…


Religious Bill Sparks More Debate

The Australian Christian Lobby has stated that they will withdraw their support for the religious discrimination bill if a clause allowing religious schools to discriminate against same-sex attracted and gender-diverse students is withdrawn. The Senate legal and constitutional affairs committee is hearing from religious groups, legal experts, and education representatives on Thursday as part of…


Don’t Fight the Fed

Commentary Don’t Fight The Fed. That mantra has remained a call to arms of the financial markets and the bullish media over the last decade. Armed with its zero interest rate policy and the most aggressive monetary campaign in history, investors elevated the financial markets to heights only rarely seen in human history. Yet, despite…


Federal Transport Minister Asks for Investigation Into Sunwing Party Flight to Mexico

MONTREAL—Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has asked Transport Canada to investigate reports of “unacceptable” behaviour on a recent Sunwing Airlines flight from Montreal to Cancun, Mexico. Videos of the Dec. 30 flight shared on social media appear to show passengers not wearing masks as they gather in close proximity, singing and dancing in the aisle…


Federal Documents Hint at Sweeping Economic Impact From Central Bank ‘Digital Loonie’

OTTAWA—Internal government documents show Finance Department officials believe there could be sweeping implications for the economy if the Bank of Canada ever issued its own cryptocurrency. The Bank of Canada has spent years looking at whether to introduce a digital currency, but so far hasn’t seen an immediate need to issue one. In one briefing…


The Fed Has Stepped Up: Now Can Stocks Survive?

Commentary Last week, the Fed finally drew a clear line. We’re probably going to get a quarter-point rate hike by May—and then another by July—and at least one more before Thanksgiving. A year from now, overnight lending rates could be a full percentage point above where they are today. If you’ve been conditioned to get…


Federal Government Stays Mum as Manchin Says ‘No’ to Biden Bill With EV Tax Credits

WASHINGTON—The Prime Minister’s Office isn’t saying anything about a key U.S. senator’s decision to put President Joe Biden’s controversial electric-vehicle incentives on ice. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a key Democratic vote in the evenly divided Senate, confirmed today that he’s a “No” on the $1.75-trillion Build Back Better bill. The legislation includes tax credits…


Ottawa Stays Mum as Manchin Says ‘No’ to Biden Bill With EV Tax Credits

WASHINGTON—The Prime Minister’s Office isn’t saying anything about a key U.S. senator’s decision to put President Joe Biden’s controversial electric-vehicle incentives on ice. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a key Democratic vote in the evenly divided Senate, confirmed today that he’s a “No” on the $1.75-trillion Build Back Better bill. The legislation includes tax credits…


Minister Apologies to Victims of Military Sex Misconduct, Says Ottawa Failed Them

OTTAWA—Defence Minister Anita Anand apologized to victims of military sexual misconduct on behalf of the federal government Monday, saying Ottawa has long failed to protect those who willingly signed up to protect Canada. “I apologize to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that…