Canada's budget watchdog says the federal government lost at least $439 million so far this year in productivity through a policy that allows civil servants to stay home, with pay, during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Parliamentary Budget Office says most of that total was a result of employees at the Canada Revenue Agency staying home, unable to work, between March 15 and May 31. That one department accounted for just over $311 million in paid leave, far ahead of the second-costliest department, Correctional Services Canada, at more than $33.8 million. The PBO report was comp

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the a joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia. "Today, we are reporting 27 new cases, including one epi-linked case, for a total of 3,419 cases in British Columbia. "There are 294 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,934 people who tested positive have recovered. "Of the total COVID-19 cases, 12 individuals are hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self

Outgoing Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign over his role in the controversy involving the We organization.Scheer has previously called for Finance Minister Bill Morneau to be fired for trips he and members of his family took in 2017, part of which were paid for by the WE organization.Scheer now says members of the Liberal caucus who do not want to be seen as complicit should demand that their leader quit.When asked if he would be willing to force an election over the issue in the minority Parliament, Scheer said such an opportunity will not come

Restrictions on the number of people using vacation rental properties is the next order being made by British Columbia's provincial health officer to limit the spread of COVID-19. Doctor Bonnie Henry says the onus will be on owner-operators to ensure they meet local bylaws and public-health requirements. She is expected to provide details in the coming days but says the limite on the number of people will be based on the size of a space, including houseboats. Dr. Henry says the measure is necessary after large numbers of young people at parties in Kelowna led to a recent spread of the virus t

Opposition parties are asking the federal ethics watchdog to widen his probe of Bill Morneau regarding the WE organization as the finance minister continues to face calls for his resignation.Conservatives and New Democrats have written to ethics commissioner Mario Dion to probe trips Morneau took three years ago, part of which were paid for by the WE organization.Morneau admitted Wednesday he had just repaid WE Charity more than $41,000 for expenses the group covered for trips his family took to Kenya and Ecuador in 2017 to see some of its humanitarian work.WE said the Morneau family trips we

A jump in COVID-19 infections in British Columbia has prompted a tightening of restrictions by health officials for bars and nightclubs in the province. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the rise in cases, including 34 more today, is a wake up call that residents need to pay more attention in areas where transmission is spread. The amended health order prohibits liquor self service and dance floors, and says all patrons of bars and clubs must be in designated seats and measures must be in place to reduce lineups. Henry says about 1,000 people are in self-isolation after being in

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will appear before the House of Commons finance committee at a date and time yet to be arranged. The committee is investigating his government's decision to give the WE Charity a contract to run a 900-million student-volunteer program. Both Trudeau's family, and that of Finance Minister Bill Morneau have ties to the organization. Morneau testified today he unknowingly failed to repay the costs of a trip to Ecuador in 2017 to see some of WE's humanitarian work. Morneau says he sent the charity a cheque today for more than 41,000 dollars to cover the travel expense

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has an obligation to look into allegations that Gov. Gen. Julie Payette mistreated staff members.Singh says workplaces need to be safe, and employees must feel they are heard when they raise concerns.Singh was responding to questions today about a CBC News report that quoted anonymous sources as saying Payette has created a toxic environment at Rideau Hall.The CBC reported Tuesday that Payette had yelled at, belittled and publicly humiliated employees, reducing some to tears or prompting them to quit.In a statement Tuesday, the Gover

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued a joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia. "Today, we are reporting 30 new cases, including one epi-linked case since we reported on Monday, for a total of 3,328 cases in British Columbia. "There are 266 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 2,873 people who tested positive have recovered. "Of the total COVID-19 cases, 15 individuals are hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are reco