NEW ERA IN CANADA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 15

NEW ERA IN CANADA

RADICAL LEGISLATION decentralisation policy COMMITTEES OF INQUIRY [from our own corresponl knt] VANCOUVER. April 11 Canada is entering on a radical era in Canadian legislation. The Dominion Government would seem to be imbued with tho idea that the old order is passing nnd that old formulas are uiisuitcd to the present. It is out to keep step. The "dichards" are worried, but they do not raise their voice in protest. Decentralisation is paramount. The Dominion Parliament, hitherto a centre of activity, holds second place in public interest with the multiplicity of select committees. Six separate Hansards are being issued. The cost will be enormous, but as each is productive of fruitful disclosures, tho public is not complaining. Two of these committees overshadow the others. The creation of a Central Bank, in direct opposition to tho views of tho chartered banks, is first in interest. Tho demand for tho proposed Bank of Canada to bo publicly owned is certain to be a fighting issuo at tho general election, a year hence* A largo section of the Liberal Party has already committed itself to support of public ownership. Tho second inquiry concerns prices and massed buying. The great chain stores are charged with ruining tho small trader. Tho Minister of Commerce, Mr. Stevens, who initiated tho investigation and presides over it, is boing credited with a daring plan, if constitutional difficulties can be surmounted. That is, that some form of co-operation—federal, provincial and municipal—may bo attained to cleanse business ethics.

The most radical of all legislative trends is the new Dominion Marketing Bill. Provinces arc treading on each other's toes to accept it. Bills aro being rushed through tho declining stages of Provincial Legislatures to implement it for the purpose of the 193-1 crops. Its powers are revolutionary in regard to natural products and their marketing, it contains restrictions never before contemplated. It imposes heavy penalties. It is a valiant gesture to raise commodity prices. A significant echo of the Empire Conference is seen in tho decision of the Prime Minister, Mr. Bennett, to ask the Supreme Court to define the powers and limits of the Tariff Board, which was established to administer the agreements arrived at in the Conference. The Tariff Board claims that its decisions are final. It disputes the right of tho Privy Council to review them. The Government regards the board as merely a fact-finding body. Between the two contending parties British manufacturers are vitallv interested.

Three issues are to be placed before the Supreme Court. First, lias - the Tariff Board jurisdiction on questions of law? .Second, can the Government review its decisions on duty valuations? Third, can the Government entertain an appeal from the board's findings?