Late last week, a Manitoba judge was overseeing a vote recount that will settle officially the victor in the only western seat still under dispute from the June 2 election.
In the Manitoba riding of Selkirk-Interlake, Reform candidate Howard Hilstrom ended election night 52 votes ahead of Liberal Jon Gerrard, who was a junior minister of science, technology and western diversification in the last government.
Just under 39,000 votes were cast.
The result was so close that the Liberals asked for a judicial recount.
Pending the announcement, the Liberals hold 155 seats in the 301-seat House of Commons. Reform is second with 60 seats.
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Canola oil transloading facility opens
DP World just opened its new canola oil transload facility at the Port of Vancouver. It can ship one million tonnes of the commodity per year.
Tax deadline extended
The deadline for tax filing by self-employed individuals passed June 16 but Revenue Canada last week said it will consider exceptions for Manitoba taxpayers affected by the flood.
“Victims of the recent flood in Manitoba who are unable to meet the June 16 deadline are asked to include a letter in their return outlining why they could not file on time,” said a statement from the tax department.
“Revenue Canada will take these circumstances into account and deal with the penalty and interest accordingly, as long as the returns are filed within a reasonable time.”
Biotech push
Ontario farm groups are using some of the federal government’s agriculture adaptation money to promote biotechnology.
The AGCare coalition (agricultural groups concerned about resources and the environment) will use the grant to develop a “public awareness and information program” aimed at promoting the agricultural potential of biotech research, and the benefits it could have for consumers.
Farm activists are increasingly fretful about public unease that crops and products created through gene manipulation may be dangerous or unhealthy.
There is a growing consumer demand that products affected by biotechnology be labeled.
