DEI targets cost Canada $36 million in weaker research
Researchers examining nearly 2,000 Canada Research Chairs found that increasingly stringent diversity targets were associated with lower research output, even after accounting for factors including career length, discipline, and year of appointment.
The study estimates the productivity gap costs the program roughly $18 million annually, while another $18 million was directed toward what researchers describe as scholarly activism in the social sciences and humanities.
Together, researchers estimate the impact at roughly $36 million, or 12 per cent of the program’s $300 million annual budget, raising questions over whether Canada’s diversity targets are delivering value for taxpayers. Keep Reading
NO SANCTION: Carney MP broke ethics rules by directing taxpayer funds to family businesses
The federal ethics commissioner found Liberal MP Lori Idlout violated parliamentary conflict-of-interest rules by claiming taxpayer reimbursements for purchases from businesses owned by herself and her spouse.
The expenses included more than $2,000 in purchases from Idlout’s own Iqaluit gallery, along with accommodation at a bed and breakfast wholly owned by her spouse. The commissioner found each transaction furthered the private interests of Idlout or her spouse.
Despite finding the violations were neither trivial nor inadvertent, the commissioner recommended no sanction, citing Idlout’s repayments and characterizing the conduct as a good-faith error in judgment. Keep Reading
Another church fire, this time in Vernon, B.C.
A church in Vernon, B.C., has sustained “substantial damage” after a fire broke out Monday, with crews from four fire departments working to extinguish the blaze.
No one was injured, and the church said it was “incredibly grateful that everyone is safe.” Its offices will remain closed until further notice.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, with Vernon Fire Rescue Services and RCMP continuing their investigation as the latest incident adds to a string of church fires across Canada. Keep Reading
Two more B.C. Conservative MLAs quit as caucus exodus deepens
Donegal Wilson and Scott McInnis have both quit the B.C. Conservative caucus, bringing the number of MLAs who have left under Kerry-Lynne Findlay to nine just weeks before the crucial Abbotsford-Mission by-election. Keep Reading
Smith’s immigration crackdown wins majority support in Alberta: poll
A majority of Albertans back Premier Danielle Smith’s push for tougher immigration rules, with a new poll showing all five of the province’s immigration referendum proposals have majority support. Keep Reading
Canada awarded millions to Iranian ex-VP’s son investigated over alleged IRGC ties
Canadian governments handed more than $2 million in contracts to an Iranian ex-VP’s son despite national security concerns and allegations tying him to military projects and procurement benefiting the IRGC. Mohammad Reza Ghafouri Fard, who does business as “Sal Ghafouri,” received more than $2 million in federal and provincial contracts through two Alberta companies, including from the RCMP and the Department of National Defence. Keep Reading
Carney hands Century Initiative co-founder Barton a cozy federal gig
Mark Carney has appointed Century Initiative co-founder Dominic Barton to a top federal role, bringing back a former Trudeau adviser who has advocated for growing Canada’s population to 100 million by 2100. Keep Reading
Élections Québec to provide voter information in French only
Élections Québec will provide voter information in French only ahead of the election, despite the agency’s failed attempt to secure an exemption, leaving eligible English-speaking voters to request separate documentation. Keep Reading
‘I’m not optimistic’: Ontario mom warns parents after years-long fight with school board
Ontario mom Catherine Kronas spent two years fighting her school board over land acknowledgements, was investigated and suspended twice, and ultimately cleared, but now warns that parents have little power to challenge the education system. Keep Reading
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate for seventh consecutive decision
The Bank of Canada announced that its benchmark interest rate will remain at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday, marking the central bank’s seventh consecutive hold. The decision was widely expected by economists as uncertainty around the escalating Canada-U.S. trade war and instability in the Middle East continues to persist. Keep Reading
Why has Enbridge’s Line 5 been shut down for a week?
Enbridge’s Line 5 has been shut down for a week after an unoccupied subcontractor truck struck the pipeline in Wisconsin, releasing roughly 1.3 million gallons of natural gas liquids. The Aug. 25 accident near Saxon, Wis., occurred when a parked flatbed truck rolled into an open excavation and struck the pipe, forcing Line 5 itself to shut down while crews responded to the release. Keep Reading
Alto high-speed rail price tag rises to $150 billion with operating costs
The Alto high-speed rail project’s projected price tag has ballooned to as much as $152.7 billion when operating and maintenance costs are included, far above the government’s previously cited $90-billion estimate. Keep Reading