Monday, April 30:
-Statistics Canada released GDP by industry figures for February 2012. Real gross domestic product declined 0.2 per cent in February with closures in mining and other goods-producing industries contributing to the decline.
-Transport and Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel announced financial assistance to help Laval firm Metaltech-Omega Inc. with acquiring and installing specialized equipment to improve its competitiveness. The $300,000 in repayable funding was awarded under Canada Economic Development's Business and Regional Growth program.
-International Trade Minister Ed Fast is in Australia from April 29 to May 1, and in New Zealand from May 1 to 3 to promote broader and deeper trade between Canada and the two countries.
-Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada Tim Lane addressed a breakfast group at the National Arts Centre, discussing the global economic outlook and highlighting the important role of transport and logistics in building Canadian prosperity.
-The Standing Committee on International Trade tabled its report on Bill C-23, a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The committee sent the Bill back to the House without amendment.
Tuesday, May 1:
-Prime Minister Stephen Harper tabled the 19th annual report to the prime minister on the Public Service of Canada from the Clerk of the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, Wayne G. Wouters.
-Finance Minister Jim Flaherty highlighted the federal government's commitment to a strong manufacturing sector in an address to the Waterloo Region Manufacturing Innovation Network's Manufacturing Summit in Kitchener, Ont.
-Canada Post reported its first financial loss in 16 years, with a financial loss of $253 million before tax in 2011. The four main contributing factors to the loss are the June 2011 labour disruption, a continued decline of mail volumes, a sizable and volatile pension obligation and the Supreme Court of Canada's decision regarding pay equity.
-The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met as part of its study of Innovative Transportation Technologies. Witnesses included David Pascoe, vice-president of corporate engineering at Magna International Inc., and Russell Davies, manager of the transit fleet with Calgary Transit.
Wednesday, May 2:
-Labour Minister Lisa Raitt appointed arbitrators in the dispute between Air Canada and Air Canada Pilots Association and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Douglas Stanley was appointed in the dispute with ACPA and Michel Picher was appointed in the dispute with IAMAW.
-Transport Minister Denis Lebel announced federal funding to help Montréal company Photon etc. Inc. expand into new markets. The $500,000 repayable contribution comes through Canada Economic Development's Business and Regional Growth program.
Thursday, May 3:
-Transport Minister Denis Lebel delivered a speech at the International Transport Forum's 2012 summit in Leipzig, Germany, highlighting the importance of transportation and trade to the economy.
-The Department of Finance announced the signing of a tax convention for the avoidance of double taxation between Canada and New Zealand. The new convention limits the rate of withholding tax to five per cent for dividends paid between affiliated companies, to 15 per cent for dividends paid in all other cases, to five per cent for copyright royalties and to 10 per cent for payments of interest and all other royalties.
Friday, May 4:
-Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose hosted a roundtable with industry stakeholders in Halifax to discuss ways to effectively engage SMEs, and create more efficient and effective mechanisms for government procurement and purchasing.
-Minister of State for Science and Technology Gary Goodyear addressed the Canadian Association of Science Centres' 10th annual conference in Ottawa. Mr. Goodyear emphasized the government's commitment to making Canada a leader in research and innovation.
-Transport Minister Denis Lebel announced an invitation for applications under the $27.2-million Shore Power Technology for Ports Program. The program provides cost-shared funding for the installation of marine shore power at Canadian ports and is part of the Government of Canada's Clean Air Agenda.
Eye on the Hill is prepared by Ottawa-based government relations and communications firm Flagship Solutions.
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