Catherine Morrison

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Another Conservative MP crosses the floor to join Liberal caucus

Another Conservative MP crosses the floor to join Liberal caucus

OTTAWA -- Toronto-area MP Michael Ma is leaving the Conservatives to join Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals.

Canadian Armed Forces member charged in foreign interference investigation

Canadian Armed Forces member charged in foreign interference investigation

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces has been arrested and charged in a joint police operation looking into foreign interference and security of information. Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar, a member of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, has been charged with multiple offences under the National Defence Act and others.

Canadian Armed Forces member charged in foreign interference investigation

Canadian Armed Forces member charged in foreign interference investigation

OTTAWA -- A member of the Canadian Armed Forces has been arrested and charged in a joint police operation looking into foreign interference and security of information.

CRA aiming to hire 1,700 call centre staff ahead of busy tax season

CRA aiming to hire 1,700 call centre staff ahead of busy tax season

OTTAWA -- The Canada Revenue Agency is looking to hire or rehire about 1,700 call centre workers over the next few months to manage an influx of calls during the upcoming tax season.

CRA aiming to hire 1,700 call centre staff ahead of busy tax season

CRA aiming to hire 1,700 call centre staff ahead of busy tax season

The Canada Revenue Agency is looking to hire or rehire about 1,700 call centre workers over the next few months to manage an influx of calls during the upcoming tax season. Melanie Serjak, an assistant commissioner at the CRA, told reporters Wednesday the agency is aiming to reach a total of about 4,500 agents to handle a "very high forecast"...

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., resigning next year

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., resigning next year

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., said Tuesday she will end her tenure in Washington, D.C., in the new year. In a statement posted to social media, Hillman said it's the right time to put in place a team to see through the negotiations on renewing the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade. The ambassador said she will remain available to...

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., resigning next year

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., resigning next year

Ottawa -- Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., said Tuesday she will end her tenure in Washington, D.C., in the new year.

PM says back-to-office plan for bureaucrats coming soon as MPs call for flexibility

PM says back-to-office plan for bureaucrats coming soon as MPs call for flexibility

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday his government's plan to get public servants to spend more time in the office will come into "sharper view" over the next several weeks.

Hundreds of federal public servants warned this week of job cuts

Hundreds of federal public servants warned this week of job cuts

OTTAWA -- Hundreds of workers have been warned they may lose their jobs as the government moves to shrink the size of the public service.

Hundreds of public servants warned this week of job cuts, union says

Hundreds of public servants warned this week of job cuts, union says

OTTAWA -- A federal union says hundreds of workers have been warned they may lose their jobs as the government moves to shrink the size of the public service.

Secretary of State for CRA pushes back against auditor general's findings on accuracy

Secretary of State for CRA pushes back against auditor general's findings on accuracy

OTTAWA -- The secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency is pushing back against some of the auditor general report's recent findings and argues that Canadians get timely, accurate info from the agency.

Government says it's working on long-term plan to improve CRA services

Government says it's working on long-term plan to improve CRA services

OTTAWA -- The federal government says it's working on a long-term strategy to address problems at the Canada Revenue Agency as the agency's 100-day plan to improve its services reaches its end point next week.

More than 27,000 public servants were paid $150,000 or more last year

More than 27,000 public servants were paid $150,000 or more last year

More than 27,000 federal public servants were paid at least $150,000 in the last fiscal year, a document tabled in Parliament shows. It says more than 20,000 employees received compensation -- salaries, bonuses, benefits and overtime pay -- of between $150,000 and $199,999 in 2024-25. The document, prepared by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, shows that nearly 5,000 employees...

More than 27,000 public servants were paid $150,000 or more last year

More than 27,000 public servants were paid $150,000 or more last year

OTTAWA -- More than 27,000 federal public servants were paid at least $150,000 in the last fiscal year, a document tabled in Parliament shows.

Government sending early retirement info to about 70,000 public servants

Government sending early retirement info to about 70,000 public servants

The federal government is in the process of sending information on its planned early retirement program to almost 70,000 employees as it works to reduce the size of the public service. Mohammad Kamal, director of communications for the Office of the President of the Treasury Board, says letters are being sent to roughly 68,000 public servants who may be eligible...

Government sending early retirement info to about 70,000 public servants

Government sending early retirement info to about 70,000 public servants

OTTAWA -- The federal government is in the process of sending letters with information on its planned early retirement program to almost 70,000 employees as it works to reduce the size of the public service.

Ministers McGuinty, Anand announce more than $200 million in funding for Ukraine

Ministers McGuinty, Anand announce more than $200 million in funding for Ukraine

The government is pledging another $235 million in funding for Ukraine, with National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announcing Canada's latest commitments. McGuinty says Canada will work with NATO allies to purchase a package of critical military capabilities sourced from the United States valued at around USD $500 million. Canada's contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine...

Ministers McGuinty, Anand announce more than $200 million in funding for Ukraine

Ministers McGuinty, Anand announce more than $200 million in funding for Ukraine

OTTAWA -- The government is pledging another $235 million in funding for Ukraine, with National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announcing Canada's latest commitments.

Treasury board president "looking into" potential changes to return to office rules

Treasury board president "looking into" potential changes to return to office rules

Treasury Board president Shafqat Ali on Monday denied having any knowledge about discussions to potentially order public servants to return to the office full time in 2027. Ali was responding to questions from reporters after the Canadian Association of Professional Employees president Nathan Prier wrote to Ali to ask about rumours of the impending change. "I'm hearing from news outlets...

Treasury board president "looking into" potential changes to return to office rules

Treasury board president "looking into" potential changes to return to office rules

OTTAWA -- Treasury Board president Shafqat Ali on Monday denied having any knowledge about discussions to potentially order public servants to return to the office full time in 2027.

Federal union asks Treasury Board for clarity on return-to-office rules

Federal union asks Treasury Board for clarity on return-to-office rules

OTTAWA -- A federal union has sent a letter to the Treasury Board president asking for clarity in response to reports the federal government may soon order public servants to work in-office five days per week.

Liberal MPs insist party remains united following Guilbeault's resignation

Liberal MPs insist party remains united following Guilbeault's resignation

Members of the federal Liberal caucus maintained Friday that their party remains united in the wake of Steven Guilbeault's resignation from cabinet — but NDP MPs say they see signs that B.C. Liberal MPs are under political pressure. Guilbeault quit cabinet on Thursday to protest Ottawa's new pipeline pact with Alberta, which leaves open the possibility of overturning the coastal...

Ottawa launches public registry listing more than 400 federal AI projects

Ottawa launches public registry listing more than 400 federal AI projects

The federal government has launched a public registry to keep Canadians in the loop on its growing use of artificial intelligence. The registry lists more than 400 areas where AI is currently being explored, developed, implemented or deployed within the government, including early research projects and tools for operations and service delivery. A Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat news release...

Ottawa launches public registry listing more than 400 federal AI projects

Ottawa launches public registry listing more than 400 federal AI projects

OTTAWA -- The federal government has launched a public registry to keep Canadians in the loop on its growing use of artificial intelligence.

Liberal MPs insist party remains united following Guilbeault's resignation

Liberal MPs insist party remains united following Guilbeault's resignation

OTTAWA -- Members of the federal Liberal caucus maintained Friday that their party remains united in the wake of Steven Guilbeault's resignation from cabinet — but NDP MPs say they see signs that B.C. Liberal MPs are under political pressure.

What you need to know about the oil tanker ban on B.C.'s coast

What you need to know about the oil tanker ban on B.C.'s coast

OTTAWA -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging Ottawa to terminate the West Coast oil tanker ban as the federal government prepares to unveil the details of a new energy pact it has been negotiating with the province.

Accessibility office in limbo as it calls out federal government's failures

Accessibility office in limbo as it calls out federal government's failures

The federal Office of Public Service Accessibility is in limbo months after it produced a document accusing the government of falling behind on supports for public servants with disabilities. The document, obtained by The Canadian Press through information access law, says the government is lagging on plans to accommodate employees with disabilities. Prepared by the Office of Public Service Accessibility...

Accessibility office in limbo as it calls out federal government's failures

Accessibility office in limbo as it calls out federal government's failures

OTTAWA -- The federal Office of Public Service Accessibility is in limbo months after it produced a document accusing the government of falling behind on supports for public servants with disabilities.

Premiers say they had positive meeting with PM, hint that tariff relief is coming

Premiers say they had positive meeting with PM, hint that tariff relief is coming

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said premiers had a "productive" meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, mainly to discuss the federal budget and progress on tariff talks with the United States. Noting the impact of U.S. tariffs on New Brunswick, Holt told reporters the group spoke about the plight of the softwood lumber industry and Carney indicated a...

Premiers say they had positive meeting with PM, hint that tariff relief is coming

Premiers say they had positive meeting with PM, hint that tariff relief is coming

OTTAWA -- New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said premiers had a "productive" meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, mainly to discuss the federal budget and progress on tariff talks with the United States.

Ottawa to return $623 million to small businesses in rebate payments

Ottawa to return $623 million to small businesses in rebate payments

OTTAWA -- More than 600,000 small businesses will share $623 million in carbon price rebate payments before the end of the year, the final payment they will receive following the end of the consumer carbon price last spring.

Government spent $19 billion on outside services in 2024-25

Government spent $19 billion on outside services in 2024-25

OTTAWA -- Government records show the federal government spent more than $19 billion on external professional and special services in 2024-25 -- an increase of almost $2 billion from the previous year and almost $8.5 billion since 2020.

Government spends $19 billion on external services, despite vow to trim spending

Government spends $19 billion on external services, despite vow to trim spending

Government records show the federal government spent more than $19 billion on external professional and special services in 2024-25 -- an increase of almost $2 billion since last year and of about $8.5 billion since 2020. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat says the increase in spending on professional and special services is largely due to higher spending on engineering...

Government spends $19 billion on external services, despite vow to trim spending

Government spends $19 billion on external services, despite vow to trim spending

OTTAWA -- Government records show the federal government spent more than $19 billion on external professional and special services in 2024-25 — an increase of almost $2 billion since last year and of about $8.5 billion since 2020.

Carney government reduces savings targets for some departments, agencies

Carney government reduces savings targets for some departments, agencies

Eight fewer departments and agencies are being asked to slash their budgets at least 15 per cent over the next three years, a move one economist says shows Ottawa's cost cutting exercise was not "thought through." Earlier this year, Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne directed most ministers to find ways to cut their departments' program spending by 15 per cent over...

Carney government reduces savings targets for some departments, agencies

Carney government reduces savings targets for some departments, agencies

OTTAWA -- Eight fewer departments and agencies are being asked to slash their budgets at least 15 per cent over the next three years, a move one economist says shows Ottawa's cost cutting exercise was not "thought through."

Family of Ottawa mass murder victims calls on immigration department for help

Family of Ottawa mass murder victims calls on immigration department for help

OTTAWA -- The brother and father of an Ottawa man whose wife and four children were killed in a gruesome mass stabbing last year are asking the federal government for help as they face immigration challenges.

Unions condemn federal government's plans to change collective bargaining rules

Unions condemn federal government's plans to change collective bargaining rules

OTTAWA -- Federal public service unions are condemning the government's proposed amendments to collective bargaining rules -- though they admit they know little at this point about what those changes could entail.

More than 300 MPs have crossed the floor in Parliament since Confederation

More than 300 MPs have crossed the floor in Parliament since Confederation

Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont surprised many on Tuesday when he left the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals, bringing the government caucus to within two votes of a majority. While switching parties between elections -- a practice known as floor crossing referring to physically crossing the floor of the House of Commons to sit with a different caucus --...

More than 300 MPs have crossed the floor in Parliament since Confederation

More than 300 MPs have crossed the floor in Parliament since Confederation

OTTAWA -- Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont surprised many on Tuesday when he left the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals, bringing the government caucus to within two votes of a majority.

Federal unions vow to fight public service cuts as government looks to trim costs

Federal unions vow to fight public service cuts as government looks to trim costs

Canada's federal public service unions vowed on Wednesday to "fight" planned job cuts, arguing they will undermine services for Canadians. Tuesday's federal budget outlined a plan to lower program spending and administration costs by about $60 billion over the next five years. It also says the government intends to have 10 per cent fewer federal employees by 2029 -- a...

Federal unions vow to fight public service cuts as government looks to trim costs

Federal unions vow to fight public service cuts as government looks to trim costs

OTTAWA -- Canada's federal public service unions vowed on Wednesday to "fight" planned job cuts, arguing they will undermine services for Canadians.

Head of public service says programs, staff will be cut as government seeks savings

Head of public service says programs, staff will be cut as government seeks savings

Canada's top bureaucrat is warning the budget's spending reduction target is a "big number" that will mean cuts to programs and jobs in the public service. Tuesday's federal budget outlined a plan to lower program spending and administration costs by about $60 billion over the next five years.

Head of public service says programs, staff will be cut as government seeks savings

Head of public service says programs, staff will be cut as government seeks savings

Ottawa -- Canada's top bureaucrat is warning the budget's spending reduction target is a "big number" that will mean cuts to programs and jobs in the public service.

Budget pledges to cut 40,000 jobs from public service by 2029

Budget pledges to cut 40,000 jobs from public service by 2029

OTTAWA -- The federal government intends to slash the public service by 10 per cent by the end of the 2028-29 fiscal year -- eliminating about 40,000 jobs -- as it strays from its election promise to cut the number of federal employees solely through attrition.

Budget pledges to shrink size of public service by 40,000 within three years

Budget pledges to shrink size of public service by 40,000 within three years

OTTAWA -- The federal government intends to slash the public service by 10 per cent within the next three years -- eliminating up to 40,000 jobs -- as it strays from its election promise to cut the number of federal employees solely through attrition.

Budget pledges to shrink size of public service by 40,000 over three years

Budget pledges to shrink size of public service by 40,000 over three years

OTTAWA -- The federal government intends to slash the public service by 10 per cent over the next three years -- eliminating up to 40,000 jobs -- as it strays from its election promise to cut the number of federal employees solely through attrition.

Poilievre vows to tackle unemployment, cost of housing in address to young Canadians

Poilievre vows to tackle unemployment, cost of housing in address to young Canadians

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addressed young Canadians at an event in Toronto tonight, arguing that the Liberals are sacrificing their future. Speaking at a podium with a sign that says "Jobs. Homes. Hope.," Poilievre criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government, highlighting that the prime minister has yet to make a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to end...

Poilievre vows to tackle unemployment, cost of housing in address to young Canadians

Poilievre vows to tackle unemployment, cost of housing in address to young Canadians

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addressed young Canadians at an event in Toronto tonight, arguing that the Liberals are sacrificing their future.

Federal government has spent more than $15M fighting Black class-action lawsuit

Federal government has spent more than $15M fighting Black class-action lawsuit

OTTAWA -- The federal government has spent more than $15 million fighting a class-action lawsuit filed by Black public servants, documents filed in Parliament show.

Budget to include funding for women, LGBTQ initiatives: Champagne

Budget to include funding for women, LGBTQ initiatives: Champagne

OTTAWA -- The federal government is announcing the upcoming budget will include new money to support women's participation in leadership roles and to provide security for LGBTQ communities during Pride events.

Tax agency looking at AI, training to help call centre staff provide accurate answers

Tax agency looking at AI, training to help call centre staff provide accurate answers

OTTAWA -- A senior official working at the Canada Revenue Agency says the agency is looking to artificial intelligence and better training to help call centre agents provide more accurate answers to taxpayers.

Conservatives press Liberals on cost of living as reports show food bank use soaring

Conservatives press Liberals on cost of living as reports show food bank use soaring

he Conservatives are pressing the federal government over the rising cost of living as new reports show more Canadians are turning to food banks and community organizations. A new Food Banks Canada report says monthly visits to food banks came close to 2.2 million in March 2025, five per cent higher than the year before and nearly double the rate...

Conservatives press Liberals on cost of living as reports show food bank use soaring

Conservatives press Liberals on cost of living as reports show food bank use soaring

OTTAWA -- The Conservatives are pressing the federal government over the rising cost of living as new reports show more Canadians are turning to food banks and community organizations.

Get bad advice from the Canada Revenue Agency? You're out of luck, taxpayer

Get bad advice from the Canada Revenue Agency? You're out of luck, taxpayer

OTTAWA -- Canadians who file their personal income taxes incorrectly after getting inaccurate information from the Canada Revenue Agency have no legal recourse, says a tax lawyer.

Auditor general to release reports on military recruitment, cybersecurity today

Auditor general to release reports on military recruitment, cybersecurity today

OTTAWA -- Canada's auditor general is taking a deep dive into military recruitment and cybersecurity as her office releases a new round of reports today.

Top aide to former PM Harper rips Poilievre's comments about RCMP and Trudeau

Top aide to former PM Harper rips Poilievre's comments about RCMP and Trudeau

A top aide to former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper has lashed out at Pierre Poilievre over his leadership of the Conservative party and his recent comments attacking the RCMP's treatment of Justin Trudeau. In a recent interview with a YouTube channel called Northern Perspective, Poilievre called the leadership of the RCMP "despicable" and said many of former prime minister...

CRA says it has more work to do as call centre improvement plan hits 50-day mark

CRA says it has more work to do as call centre improvement plan hits 50-day mark

OTTAWA -- Two senior officials working at the Canada Revenue Agency say the agency surpassed its target for answering more calls from Canadians ahead of schedule.

Poilievre says RCMP covered up Trudeau-era scandals

Poilievre says RCMP covered up Trudeau-era scandals

OTTAWA -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the RCMP covered up what he calls scandals involving former prime minister Justin Trudeau, which he says would have otherwise led to criminal charges.

Industry minister says relief coming for tariff-hit softwood lumber sector

Industry minister says relief coming for tariff-hit softwood lumber sector

OTTAWA -- Federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly says financial relief is coming soon for Canada's tariff-struck softwood lumber sector.