Paul Martin fleshes out throne speech in debate Tuesday with more promises

Regina Leader Post - Louise Elliott
Feb 4, 2004

OTTAWA (CP) _ Paul Martin debuted as prime minister in the Commons on Tuesday, fleshing out the throne speech with more promises for cities, students, immigrants, developing countries and young people as he ramped up his unofficial election campaign. He sweetened the pot for revenue-starved municipalities, announcing that they will get a 100 per cent GST rebate retroactive to Feb. 1. The move, valued at $7 billion over 10 years, will cost Ottawa an estimated $100 million this fiscal year, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said.

Martin uses the Commons touch; PM juggles, jests fielding questions In hurry-up mode to leave his stamp

Toronto Star - Susan Delacourt
February 4, 2004

OTTAWA Prime Minister Paul Martin, proclaiming that Canada is finally "going forward," has taken charge of a raucous, pre-election Parliament.

Damage control 'Outrageous' scandal puts Martin on defensive

Winnipeg Free Press – Paul Samyn
Feb. 11, 2004

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Paul Martin and his new government scrambled yesterday to deal with the damaging fallout from a $250-million sponsorship scandal that was described by the auditor general as "outrageous". Sheila Fraser's audit uncovered four years of bureaucratic rule-breaking as taxpayers' money was funnelled to Liberal-friendly firms "with little evidence of value for the money spent.

NDP Trade Critic Goes Global with WTO Campaign

MEDIA RELEASE - November 26, 1999

OTTAWA - NDP Trade Critic Bill Blaikie announced plans today to build links with progressive legislators and activists from across the world who share a critical perspective on the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“The campaign against the MAI was successful because progressive people from around the globe worked together. Now, we need to share information and cooperate once again in our fight against the WTO’s failed approach to globalization,” Mr. Blaikie said.

Canada's electoral system needs 'radical overhaul'; Federal Law Commission endorses system that awards party seats based on popular vote

The Moncton Times and Transcript - Feb. 4, 2004
Campbell Morrison

Advocates of proportional representation are applauding the Law Commission of Canada for endorsing the radical overhaul of Canada's electoral system.

Does your vote count? Not as much as it should

When most Canadians mark their X at election time, they are hoping to elect people who will make a difference.

Strike to delay trains, CN says Grain producers fear cash crunch

Winnipeg Free Press - Kevin Rollason
February 21, 2004

Canadian National Railway Co. warned its customers to expect train delays as managers scrambled to keep Canada's largest railway on schedule yesterday after 5,000 workers went on strike. And the Canadian Wheat Board said it is closely monitoring the strike by CN Rail workers across the country to make sure its grain shipments don't go off the rails.

CN may close Transcona's Midway:

 

 

Protesters parade in rail-yard shortcut

Winnipeg Free Press - Aldo Santin