RCMP, union stand behind plan to deploy body-worn cameras for front-line officers, but critics warn drawbacks may outweigh benefits
The federal government, the RCMP’s top brass, and the police force’s union are all squarely behind a recent push to see more than 10,000 body-worn cameras deployed nationwide to help “pull the police services into the 21st century,” says the force’s union head, while others have questioned its perceived benefits. Brian Sauvé, president of the […]
Artificial intelligence another avenue for government to thwart transparency
OTTAWA—Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in use at federal agencies are rarely publicly known or sufficiently scrutinized. Yet the algorithms in play to either assist or replace the judgment of human decision-makers can make predictions, recommendations, and decisions that can significantly impact individuals and public policy. One example recently brought to light: the Globe and Mail […]
With recent debate on Standing Orders, MP Lamoureux urges pursuit of modernization, but not all MPs are as keen
The use of written speeches, debate time, speaking lists, dress codes, the creation of a dual Chamber, and ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly were all in focus during recent debate on Standing Orders and procedure—a debate longtime modernization advocate Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux was happy to kick off on Feb. 1. […]
Creating one million jobs requires co-operation
In its Speech from the Throne last September, the federal government committed to making “the largest investment in Canadian history in training for workers.” That investment will be crucial to achieving its ambitious goal of creating more than one million jobs to restore employment to pre-pandemic levels. Achieving that goal will require co-operation between governments, […]
PROC’s prorogation probe a precedent-setting exercise, says NDP’s Blaikie
The Procedure and House Affairs Committee’s ongoing study into the government’s report on prorogation—the first of its kind, as newly required by the House of Commons’ Standing Orders—is “establishing an important precedent,” says NDP MP Daniel Blaikie, who hopes the committee uses it as a chance to consider deeper reforms, including giving the elected House […]
Dominant reflex of security and intelligence network ‘to keep info as secret as possible,’ should ‘hardwire’ transparency into day-to-day work, say experts
Canada’s first ever National Security Transparency Advisory Group, given the job of advising the deputy minister of public safety and other government officials on how to fulfill the 2017 National Security Transparency Commitment, has recommended that Canada’s intelligence and security community should “hardwire” transparency into it’s day-to-day work—and that for “enhanced transparency to be sustainable, […]
Trudeau needs to move quickly to deny any pension or remuneration to former disgraced GG
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to move quickly to deny any pension or remuneration to the disgraced former governor general of Canada. Notwithstanding government claims that the law requires payment, when the law is an ass, it should be amended. When the initial post-retirement pension was introduced, no one foresaw the removal of an office-holder […]
‘It’s long overdue’: unions, FBEC weigh in on top leadership’s push for greater diversity, inclusion in federal public service
Union leaders and a Federal Black Employee Caucus representative say the steps are “long overdue,” following Privy Council Clerk Ian Shugart’s recent “call to action” to senior bureaucrats to diversify the leadership ranks in the federal public service, and Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos’ recent announcement to increase diversity and inclusion within the larger bureaucracy and address […]
Freelance translators raise concerns over proposed terms of new contract
Consultations are underway for a new contract for federal freelance interpreters, with their association sounding the alarm that conditions being considered could put them more at risk. With fewer staff available to cover virtual proceedings, and in need of more breaks to address injuries sustained over the last 10 months, according to the Canadian chapter […]
Updated mandate letters allow Grits to showcase pandemic fight without being attacked for abandoning promises, say politicos
With the release of updated mandate letters, the federal government has positioned itself as confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, yet not shying away from past commitments that could lead to opposition attack. After months of waiting, the Liberals released supplementary mandate letters on Jan. 15 for cabinet ministers focused on the pandemic and economic recovery, but […]
