Canadian Public Policy On-line

1998 issues 

• December 14, 1998
  • In this issue: Robillard introduces new citizenship legislation; Man. to increase minimum wage in April 1999; N.B. budget cuts personal, corporate taxes; N.S. to take action on problem VLT gaming (Study shows little problem with VLT gaming); Ottawa reports $800 million deficit in October; N.S. premier rejects services cuts, tax increases; Committee urges financial services competition; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• December 7, 1998
  • In this issue: Legislation on insurance firm demutualization introduced; N.S. outlines natural gas licensing process; Federal government cuts EI contribution rates; Legislation defines bilateral Customs pre-clearance (Legislation outlaws bribery of foreign public officials); Nfld. introducing workers' compensation legislation; Auditor-General releases last instalment of 1998 report; Treasury Board reports high degree of Y2K readiness; N.B. outlines natural gas distribution policy; Ottawa responds to nuclear waste environmental assessment; Senate committee urges balanced reform of financial sector; Canada and U.S. reach agricultural trade agreement; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• November 30, 1998
  • In this issue: Ont. proposes tougher environmental laws; Nfld. introduces new child welfare bill; Alta. predicts higher-than-expected surplus; Prime Minister makes Cabinet changes; N.B. government to boost health care funding; CPP pensionable earnings increase in 1999; N.B. Premier Thériault shuffles senior officials; N.S. unveils workers' compensation legislation; Alta. introduces road safety legislation; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• November 23, 1998
  • In this issue: Central bank focusses on investor confidence; Nfld. updating provincial minerals legislation; Federal government reaches deal with employees; N.S. sets $20 million relief package for farmers (Tax deferral for drought-induced sales in N.S.; Sask. seeks federal help for producers); Man. restricts property sales for unpaid taxes; P.E.I. reforms casual employment practices; Canada, China set governance, environment initiatives; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• November 16, 1998
  • In this issue: P.E.I. abandoning ``bigger is better'' approach; N.S. releases natural gas distribution policy; Alta. to ban insured surgery by private facilities (Guidelines for physician opt-out clarified); P.E.I. deficit to be smaller than expected; Minerals, metals agreements reached with Argentina, Chile; Sask. on target for fifth balanced budget; Alta. report urges changes to agricultural leases (Committee extends deadline for comments); Consumer affairs ministers to act on consumer fraud (Competition Bureau clarifies wiretap proposals); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• November 9, 1998
  • In this issue: Air Transportation Tax replaced by airline user fee; Emergency preparedness ministers set joint position; N.S. tables legislation on condominium management (Other legislative proposals introduced); Ont. Provincial Auditor releases 1998 report; Liberal task force urges rejection of bank mergers; Alta. releases new organized crime strategy (Guidelines for informant testimony unveiled); Ont. lowers deficit projection for fiscal 1998-99; B.C. eases review of small developments; Agriculture ministers make farm incomes top priority; Task force report on Sask. drug reviews released; Ont. offers to ease business property tax increases; Alta. shows largest economic growth in 1997; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• November 2, 1998
  • In this issue: B.C. succeeding in cutting business red tape; Draft legislation covers some 1998 budget taxation provisions (Technical amendments proposed for First Nations' sales taxes; Revenue Canada releases guide on employment status); N.S. introduces new municipal legislation; Maritime agriculture ministers consider potato council; Social services ministers agree on disability approach; Committee proposes single personal tax rate for Alta.; Ont. releases details of Ontario Hydro restructuring; Second set of 1998-99 Supplementary Estimates released (Federal government releases performance reports); N.S. introduces further red tape reductions; N.B. to improve child protection legislation; Justice ministers discuss youth justice strategy (B.C. releases report on youth protection); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• October 26, 1998
  • In this issue: Energy, environment ministers sign acid rain strategy (Other environmental issues covered at meeting; Ottawa unveils sulphur in gasoline regulations); B.C. deficit in 1997-98 half of budgeted amount; Discussion paper covers customs and trade administration; Ottawa responds to committee's VIA Rail recommendations; SaskTel agrees to submit to CRTC regulation; Vanclief to consult on agriculture trade negotiations (Officials, stakeholders to discuss farm incomes); Finance ministers seek more federal health spending; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• October 19, 1998
  • In this issue: Global crisis makes tax cuts impossible: Martin (Highlights of fiscal update show budget surplus); Alta. outlines action plan on climate change; Alta. council urges changes to health care system; P.E.I. eases rural tourism development; Man. on track for 1998-99 surplus; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• October 12, 1998
  • In this issue: New rules to make N.S. casinos competitive; B.C. further reduces provincial stumpage fees (Crown land tenures process streamlined); Immigration levels to be maintained in 1999; Alta. releases Auditor-General's report for 1997-98 (Government releases response to A-G's report); Legislation introduced to support magazine industry; Amendments proposed to GST/HST provisions; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• October 5, 1998
  • In this issue: Federal A-G releases second volume of 1998 report; Bilateral agreements signed with South Africa; Dhaliwal responds to e-commerce taxation report; Ont. to upgrade tax credit for labour-sponsored funds (N.B. boosts credit for labour funds); N.S. to cut spending to offset budget deficit; Ministers agree to implement forest strategy; West makes submissions to grain transport review; Manley tables private sector information privacy law (New cryptography policy to ease export restrictions); Ministers seek restoration of official languages funding; CRTC sets new policy for overseas telecommunications; Canada, U.S. to discuss tax treaty changes; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• September 28, 1998
  • In this issue: Massé outlines new pay offer to employees; Ont. outlines rural youth job creation plan; Sask. seeks help in trade dispute with S. Dakota; Competition agency drops inquiry into realtors; Small business loan guarantee bill tabled; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• September 22, 1998
  • In this issue: Task force proposes major financial services changes; Sask. Premier Romanow shuffles Cabinet; Manley unveils new federal biotechnology strategy; N.B. initiates social policy renewal process; Ottawa records $1.6 billion surplus in July; Health ministers focus on funding as top priority (Rock outlines latest federal Hepatitis C proposals); Forecast paints uncertain picture for B.C. economy; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• September 15, 1998
  • In this issue: Rock issues call for health care system report card (Project to develop system for waiting lists); P.E.I. plans education and training strategy; Ont. plans legislation requiring lobbyist registration; Alta. Legislature committee to review farm taxation; Environment ministers urge more public involvement; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• September 8, 1998
  • In this issue: Tobin launches review of Nfld. energy policy; Sask. completes opening of local telephone market; Alta. projecting $277 million surplus in 1998-99; Proposals boost labour-sponsored capital funds; Nfld. outlines new social development policy; Care urged in review of Alta.'s FOI&PP legislation (Alta. extends health information protection/FOI&PP Act coverage extended/$10 million Health Infostructure Support Program set; Conference on Health Infostructure report released; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• September 1, 1998
  • In this issue: Government appeals landmark pay equity ruling; Sask. records fourth consecutive balanced budget; Alta. adopts new approach to tourism marketing; Ottawa records $2.70 billion surplus in June 1998; Foreign investment reporting requirements eased; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• August 25, 1998
  • In this issue: Alta. initiates review public pensions legislation; Tax loophole for property leases closed; Alta. discusses reform of Safety Codes Act; Ont. study finds benefits in deregulating inter-city busing; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• August 18, 1998
  • In this issue: Premiers seek restoration of health care funding; New rules set for auctions of federal securities; Alta. criticizes proposed Wheat Board election process; Policy paper released on Internet infrastructure issues; Local government ministers seek meeting on social housing; Man. records third consecutive budget surplus; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• August 11, 1998
  • In this issue: Federal biotechnology policy targets responsible development; N.S. budget surplus confirmed at $38.5 million; Ottawa clarifies GST status of services to investment plans; Final treaty agreement with Nisga'a First Nation initialled; GST changes to ease oil, gas and electricity exports; N.S. introduces new oil and gas generic royalty regime; P.E.I. Premier Binns shuffles Cabinet; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• August 4, 1998
  • In this issue: Human Rights Commission rules in PS pay equity case; Copps unveils support policy for magazine industry; Ottawa shows $1.4 billion surplus in May; Martin drops Seniors' Benefit proposal; Sask. dropping fluid milk price regulation; Ottawa unveils details of Atlantic groundfish program (Fisheries Renewal BC releases annual report); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• July 28, 1998
  • In this issue: Ottawa withdraws ban on gasoline additive MMT; Alberta accepts recommendations on gaming policy; Keep gaming profits for charities, communities: report; Government records $1.58 billion surplus in April; Transport officials agree on NAFTA harmonization; Prime Minister names Parliamentary Secretaries; Alta. plans consolidated traffic safety legislation (Motorist fines and penalties increased); B.C. proposes change to Crown land applications (Consultations on stewardship legislation extended); N.B. task force outlines options for electricity sector; Nfld. government accepts gas pricing recommendations; Manitobans given say on video lottery terminals; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• July 21, 1998
  • In this issue: Competiton Bureau unveils bank merger review guidelines; Ont. launches discussion on barriers to disabled; Report urges separate health privacy law for Alta.; B.C. amending household hazardous wastes rules (Panel releases report on B.C.'s parks); Ministers agree on doubling of agri-food exports; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• July 14, 1998
  • In this issue: Nfld. premier shuffles top government officials; B.C. introduces red tape reduction legislation; Dhaliwal promises SR&ED tax credit reform; N.B. initiates natural gas distribution process; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• July 7, 1998
  • In this issue: Sask. sets classification plan for provincial employees; B.C. encourages film, mining investments; CRTC opens pay telephone services competition; Ont. ends automatic certification of unions; N.B. offers incentives for sound-recording sector; Task Force releases final Y2K progress report; Western premiers push for more federal social spending; Health Canada releases discussion papers on renewal; Tribunal calls public interest inquiry on baby food duty (Report on dairy product blends imports released ); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• June 29, 1998
  • In this issue: Securities administrators to co-ordinate filings; Anderson outlines Pacific salmon initiatives; CRTC outlines satellite broadcasting policy; B.C. proposes tougher smoking law, regulations; Alta. pays down $2.6 billion of provincial debt; Ont. outlines proposed apprenticeship reforms; Retirement savings changes proposed; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• June 22, 1998
  • In this issue: Ottawa consults on mining royalty proposals for N.W.T.; Ont. outlines adjustments to education funding regime; Trade and investment agreement signed with Mercosur; B.C. reducing oil and natural gas royalties; B.C. extends construction collective bargaining; Rock commits $45 million for breast cancer initiatives; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• June 15, 1998
  • In this issue: Atlantic Premiers urge restoration of federal transfer payments (Atlantic Premiers, N.E. Governors adopt acid rain plan); Prime Minister shuffles senior public servants; Man. urges telecom fund for rural and remote areas; Committee finds no collusion in gasoline pricing; B.C. releases paper on streamside protection; Tariffs on imported vehicles to be maintained; N.B. premier shuffles senior public servants (Members added to premier's senior staff); Y2K tax relief for small, medium-sized business; Bill to harmonize federal, Quebec civil laws; Omnibus bill proposes Criminal Code changes; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• June 8, 1998
  • In this issue: N.S. budget forecasts balance in fiscal 1998-99; B.C. lowers stumpages fees for forest sector; N.B. considers private sector privacy legislation; B.C. unveils new commercial recreation policy; New policy on all-cargo charter air services unveiled; P.E.I. adds child care and prescription drug programs; Advisory group urges immediate climate change action; Ottawa to phase in tobacco sponsorship ban; Ont. to permit ``project agreements'' in construction sector (Legislation would end automatic union certification); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• June 1, 1998
  • In this issue: Environment Canada funding insufficient to enforce laws (Report knocks government's environmental performance); APEC finance ministers endorse surveillance proposal; Canadian tax system uncompetitive: report; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• May 25, 1998
  • In this issue: Preliminary figures show $4.2 billion federal surplus in 1997-98 (First 1998-99 Supplementary Estimates released); Agreements with Europe to boost relations; Man. eases community contributions to health projects; Ottawa, B.C. sign immigration agreement; N.S. throne speech focusses on education; P.E.I. to regulate private forest harvest (Forest resource report released); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• May 18, 1998
  • In this issue: Ont. bill to permit limits on property tax increases; B.C. gives regional districts solid waste powers (Regulation to charge polluters for spill response); Justice minister unveils new youth justice strategy; Sask. legislation to modernize credit unions; Central bank predicts stable monetary policy; N.B. Premier-designate names first Cabinet; Man. amends health services, mental health laws; Commons committee urges Y2K tax incentive; N.S. premier shuffles senior public servants; Alta. reorganizing family and social services ministry (Review of child welfare program released); Man. legislation to strengthen apprenticeship system (Extra funding to help double number of apprentices); Also in the news; and Appointments.

• May 11, 1998
  • In this issue: Opinion confirms validity of DNA legislation; Acadian Thériault chosen new N.B. premier; Changes urged to AIT dispute settlement process; Ont. budget accelerates tax cuts, promises end of deficit (Balanced budget promised for 2000-01); Alta. advisory committee proposes R&D tax credit; Maritime provinces accept harness racing plan; Sask. threatens to suspend car thieves' licences; Ottawa seeks IJC recommendations on water exports; Sask. implements 1998 budget's income tax changes (Legislation implements programs for low-income families); Revenue Canada clarifies taxation of employer-paid training; Alta. accepts recommendations on senior officials' salaries; Man. introduces new victims' rights legislation; Domestic violence and stalking legislation introduced; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• May 4, 1998
  • In this issue: Canada, Cuba to complete investment agreement; IJC calls for national sulphur in gasoline standards; B.C. task force to find ways to cut red tape; Civil service cuts successful, but costs high: A-G; Mentors promote Ont. workplace health, safety; Nfld. set to review policies on private training (Report released on post-secondary education); Ont. economic growth in 1997 strongest in a decade; Alta. improves process to handle health care concerns; Report warns of electronic commerce's taxation impact; Man. legislation to regulate life leases for seniors; New commercial radio policy eases ownership restrictions (Comments sought on Local Management Agreements); Ottawa implementing Year 2000 recommendations; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• April 27, 1998
  • In this issue: Man. to amalgamate employment standards laws; B.C. releases report on environmental charges, penalties (Think tank releases environmental indicator study); Alta. reaches agreement with province's physicians; N.B. labour ministry implements service guarantees; B.C. cancels cost recovery for highway signs; Ont. throne speech promises slower pace for restructuring; WCB changes head list of Sask. legislative moves (Fines to be increased for Wildlife Act violations; Legislation confirms judges' independence; Public supports health information legislation); Marchi responds to recommendations on MAI; Federal, provincial ministers agree to review Kyoto commitment; B.C. planning forum on municipal government reform; New guide offers advice on the use of voluntary codes; N.S. premier calls for workers' compensation review; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• April 20, 1998
  • In this issue: Relief set for employee relocation tax changes; Review urges changes in wake of Westray inquiry (Natural Resources review urges legislative amendment); Federal operations show $788 million surplus in February; Proposed CIBC/T-D merger won't force Ottawa's hand: Martin; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• April 13, 1998
  • In this issue: Business taxation committee urges neutrality; Sask. outlines child services initiatives; Report sets options for reducing sulphur in gasoline; N.S. Premier MacLellan names Cabinet members; Alta. removes machinery and equipment tax early; B.C. takes control of non-bingo gaming operations (Ont. blocking installation of VLTs in new policy); B.C. amends Forest Practices Code to reduce costs; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• April 6, 1998
  • In this issue: B.C. freezes electricity rates, gives refund; Sask. government sets task force for organized crime; Ont. releases new science and technology curriculum (Western provinces release English curriculum); B.C. budget reduces personal and business taxes; Que. budget shows first surplus in two decades; Federal government releases debt management strategy; Alta. amends rules for private health facilities (Opting-out by physicians regulated); Labour ministers to focus on youth employment; Alta. amendments to improve municipal legislation; Privatizations, restructuring harm languages policy; Ont. offers to ease business property tax increases; Ottawa to review international charter air services; Action plan to reduce emissions from power plants; P.E.I. set to regulate private land forests; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• March 30, 1998
  • In this issue: Nfld. budget paints optimistic economic picture; Ottawa unveils departments' plans and priorities; Sask. budget reduces taxes, boosts social spending; Revenue Canada launches fairness consultations; B.C. throne speech targets investment climate (B.C. budget date set for Mar. 30); Stay-the-course P.E.I. budget focusses on deficit; N.S. Liberals to govern despite minority position; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• March 23, 1998
  • In this issue: Ont. consults on referendum legislation; Round table releases oceans management guide; Western provinces submit grain system proposals; Man. issues new children's policy framework; Nfld. throne speech focusses on social priorities; 1998 budget date set for March 26; Legislation tabled to implement 1998 federal budget; Evaluation of SR&ED tax credit released; Alta. surplus to reach $2.35 billion in 1997-98; Legislation to update anti-dumping, countervail law; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• March 16, 1998
  • In this issue: Nfld., Que. agree to negotiate hydro expansion; Salmon fishing moratorium for Nfld. extended; B.C. government approves new health care goals; Sask. throne speech stresses investing in people; Ottawa releases final 1997-98 supplementary estimates; Updated package of CEPA amendments introduced; Panel rejects proposal to bury nuclear fuel wastes; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• March 9, 1998
  • In this issue: Alta. releases report on school facilities management; Ottawa to consult on public pension reform: Massé; Sask. on track for fourth balanced budget; B.C. working on reform of municipal legislation; Alta. government leans toward electing senators; CRTC approves further local telephone increases; Man. budget boosts spending, cuts taxes; Nfld. and Que. reach labour mobility agreement; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• March 2, 1998
  • In this issue: Federal budget cuts personal taxes, supports education (Itemized details of 1998 Federal Budget — Canadian Opportunities Strategy; Other program spending; Business taxation; Personal taxation; Fiscal outlook); Nfld. reviewing government procurement legislation; Ottawa accepts proposal to boost executive salaries; Draft regulations on CPP investment board released; Alta. to designate HIV as notifiable disease; Treasury Board President Massé releases Main Estimates; Ottawa consults on construction sub-contractor reporting; Discussion paper released on cryptography policy; Alta. introduces new marketplace legislation; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• February 23, 1998
  • In this issue: Ont. studying red tape reduction for building industry; N.S. releases report on Calgary Declaration; Alta. regulation clarifies property tax exemption rules; B.C. to develop new workplace safety law; N.B. unveils protection of personal information law; Sask. Legislature to resume Mar. 9; Nfld. unveils new 20-year forestry plan; Marchi outlines conditions for MAI acceptance (Sask. urges federal government not to accept MAI); B.C. Premier Clark shuffles Cabinet members; Trade ministers agree on opening MASH procurement; N.B. to consult on reform of electricity market; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• February 16, 1998
  • In this issue: Lower taxes, debt payment key 1998 Alberta budget; Sask. adjusts royalties, taxes to boost energy sector; Finance Minister Martin to deliver 1998 budget Feb. 24; N.S. needs better controls on procurement: Auditor General; Ont. unveils proposed new municipal legislation; N.S. provincial election called for March 24; Report urges more pay for top federal government managers; Provincial finance ministers call for restoration of funding; Martin introduces amendments to boost tobacco taxes (Report outlines compliance with tobacco legislation); Frenette issues confident assessment on N.B.'s economic health; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• February 9, 1998
  • In this issue: Final report issued on B.C. electricity market reform; Draft GST regulations on gaming remitances released; Environment ministers push Ottawa for changes (B.C. pushing for stronger climate change action); B.C. outlines health care priorities for 1998; Export efforts to Japan focus on priority sectors; Year 2000 Task Force urges immediate action; Federal government initiates film policy review; New pay system proposed for parliamentarians; B.C. proposes companies & business names laws; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• February 2, 1998
  • In this issue: Alta. plans Employment Standards Regulation review; Alta. throne speech puts focus on stability; Ont. consults on mental health system; Paper released on electronic privacy legislation; Environment ministers agree on harmonization; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• January 26, 1998
  • In this issue: Nfld. report dismisses gasoline price regulation; Ont. to update apprenticeship training system; Team Canada signs agreements with Argentina (Four bilateral agreements signed with Chile); Ottawa outlines changes to drug patent policy; Alta. government sets agenda for legislative session; Ont. plans to reduce smog emissions by 45 per cent; Federal government reports surplus in November (Federal transfers to provinces to increase); B.C. releases new home warranties discussion paper; Quick decision on bank merger inappropriate: Martin; Alta. to alter regulation of intensive livestock operations; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• January 19, 1998
  • In this issue (final version): Bilateral agreements signed with Brazil during Team Canada mission (Agreements also signed with Mexico; Alta. signs agreement with Mexican state); Alta. report calls for further health care reform; Finance toughens rules for mortgage investment corporations; N.S. launches construction health and safety initiative; Treasury Board accepts comptrollership proposals; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• January 12, 1998
  • In this issue (final version): N.S. sets environmental hypersensitivity guidelines; Report urges new immigration and refugee laws; Nfld. premier outlines 1998 priorities; N.S. approves next step in harness racing overhaul; Alta. outlines increased spending on core programs; Ottawa outlines Aboriginal action plan; Ont. unveils new high school program; Also in the news; and Appointments.

• January 5, 1998
  • In this issue (final version): CRTC unveils broadcasting distribution regulations (Decisions boost telecommunications services competition); Man. budget surplus for 1997-98 on track; Ceiling raised for CPP pensionable earnings (Charitable donations provisions in Bill C-28 changed; Details released on treatment of U.S. social security benefits; Release of printed 1998 payroll tables delayed; Draft tax amendments on gratuities released); Also in the news; and Appointments.

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