CanadaMay 24, 2023
Trudeau leaves door open for Independent MP Han Dong to come back to Liberal caucus
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is leaving the door open should Independent MP Han Dong decide he wants to rejoin the Liberals.The Toronto MP resigned from the government caucus earlier this year, saying he wanted to clear his name following allegations published in media reports.Global News reported, citing unnamed national security sources, that Dong told a Chinese diplomat in February 2021 that releasing Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor would benefit the Conservatives.David Johnston, whom Trudeau appointed to investigate the government's response to foreign interference, said that allegation
CanadaMay 23, 2023
Johnston says no to public inquiry on foreign interference
Former governor general David Johnston says there's no need for a formal inquiry into allegations of foreign meddling in the past two federal elections.While he says that could not be done transparently because of the sensitivity of the intelligence involved, he does believe public hearings should be held.Johnston says there are serious shortcomings in the way intelligence is communicated and processed from security agencies through to government.Based on access to classified documents and security agencies, he has concluded that specific accusations of interference were less concerning than m
CanadaMay 19, 2023
Johnston's advice on public inquiry about foreign interference expected Tuesday
Special rapporteur David Johnston is expected to release his decision next Tuesday on whether the federal Liberals should hold a public inquiry on foreign interference.The recommendation is anticipated to be included in an initial report about how the government should proceed with allegations that Canada's last two federal elections were subject to meddling by other countries.Opposition parties' calls for a public inquiry into Chinese meddling have grown louder throughout the year amid a series of media reports shedding light on Beijing's alleged attempts to influence the 2019 and 2021 electi
CanadaMay 19, 2023
WestJet pilots, airline reach tentative deal ahead of strike: Union
A tentative agreement was reached this morning between WestJet and the union representing WestJet pilots.The airline is preparing to resume its operations but the airline says that since many flights have already been cancelled, it will take some time to fully restore operations.Passengers are advised to check the timing and status of their flight in advance.It may be mentioned that yesterday when the talks between the two parties did not reach any result, at that time flights within Canada, between Canada and the US and some oversees flights were also cancelled.
CanadaMay 16, 2023
Justice Minister introduces legislation to reform Canada’s bail system
Justice Minister David Lametti introduced a bill in the House of Commons today to change Canada's bail system.The bill has been named C-48, and will change the bail system of the Criminal Code.The bill tightens bail for repeat violent offenders with firearms, knives, beer spray and weapons.5 specific changes have been proposed in the Criminal Code through the Bill.The bill states that bail conditions will be tightened for people charged with serious violent crimes involving firearms who were convicted of a similar crime within the past five years.The court will need to take into account the ac
CanadaMay 16, 2023
WestJet pilots issue Friday strike notice as thousands plan for long-weekend travel
The union representing WestJet pilots has given a 72-hour strike notice to the company and the government on Monday night.Pilots may go on strike before the May long-weekend.A lockout notice has also been issued by the WestJet Group.WestJet said that the disruption in operations may start from 3 am on Friday.WestJet said that the affected passengers will be refunded or given other facilities as per the availability.About 1,850 unionized WestJet pilots are preparing to strike.Better wages, job security and scheduling are key issues, according to the union.The company's CEO Alexis von Hoensbroec
CanadaMay 12, 2023
Ng announces India trade mission, pledges a limited deal within months
Trade Minister Mary Ng says it is "not going to be years" before Canada and India sign some form of trade agreement, more than a decade after negotiations began.Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visited Ottawa and Toronto this week, where he told media that New Delhi wants to vastly increase its trade with Canada.The two countries are negotiating a possible agreement that is limited to certain sectors, instead of a comprehensive deal that covers most of the economy.Industry groups have been urging Canada to push for a deal to be signed this year, but a former Canadian envoy to India, Nadir
CanadaMay 11, 2023
Indian authorities aim to have Canadians sent to face charges in border deaths
Indian authorities have started the process to have two Canadians extradited to face charges after four members of the same family froze to death in southern Manitoba while trying to cross into the United States, says a police officer.Chaitanya Mandlik, deputy commissioner of police for Ahmedabad's crime branch in the state of Gujarat, said authorities are looking to send Vancouver residents Fenil Patel and Bitta Singh, who also goes by Bittu Paji, to face charges in India."We need to interview them and we need to get some more information," he told The Canadian Press.A spokesperson for the De
CanadaMay 10, 2023
Canada unveils new passport with updated features, designs
Canadians will now get a passport in a new look.The government has changed its design and its first look was released by the government today.Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and Families Minister Karina Gould previewed the new passports at Ottawa International Airport.Cover to cover security features have been added in the new passport.According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the redesign of the passport was started in 2013 to add more modern security features and prevent fake passports.Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said that printing of the new Canadian passport will be