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CanadaAug 31, 2023

Greenbelt Controversy: Housing minister Clark apologetic; refuses to resign

The opposition has been constantly demanding the resignation of Ontario's Housing Minister Steve Clarke.In the meantime, Minister Clark has refused to resign while issuing the latest statement in Toronto.In fact, on August 9, a new report by the Auditor General of Ontario revealed how thousands of hectares of greenbelt land was opened for housing development.A 95-page report released by Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk reviewed how the state government chose to exclude 810,000 hectares of farmland, forest and wetlands from Niagara Falls to Peterborough from the Greenbelt.Ontario's Integrity Commis
quebecs-transport-minister-apologized-for-not-wearing-a-seat-belt
CanadaAug 30, 2023

Quebec's Transport Minister apologized for not wearing a seat belt

Quebec Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbault is apologizing after photos emerged of her not wearing her seatbelt while on the road.The photos, published by the Journal de Montreal today, were taken over a three-year span and posted to her social media accounts, both while Guilbault was driving or a passenger in a vehicle.Guilbault, who is also the deputy premier, apologized for the lapse in judgment as she headed into a cabinet meeting.She said the moments where she forgot to buckle up were rare exceptions rather than the rule, but were unacceptable nonetheless and violations of the provincia
trudeau-to-visit-indonesia-singapore-and-india-next-week-to-seek-trade-deals
CanadaAug 30, 2023

Trudeau to visit Indonesia, Singapore and India next week to seek trade deals

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is headed to Asia next week for a whirlwind tour of Indonesia, Singapore and India.The trip involves the G20 leaders' summit in New Delhi, and a focus on economic ties in booming regions of Southeast Asia, as Canada seeks alternatives to a rising China.In Jakarta, Trudeau will attend a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where the group of 10 countries that will ratify a strategic-partnership agreement with Canada.The next stop in Singapore will involve meeting with the city-state's head of government and business leaders to promote investment i
first-case-of-ba-2-86-variant-of-covid-found-in-british-columbia
BCAug 30, 2023

First case of BA.2.86 variant of Covid found in British Columbia

The first case of the BA.2.86 variant of Covid has been reported in Canada.This is the first case found in British Columbia.B.C. health officials have confirmed this variant.B.C.'s Centers for Disease Control confirmed that the variant was found in a person in the Fraser Health Region, east of Vancouver, who has not traveled outside the province.Medical Director of Vancouver Infectious Disease Control Dr. Brian Conway says the new BA.2.86 variant has not yet been shown to cause more severe disease.Conway says the first case being recorded here in B.C. is a reminder that COVID never truly went
CanadaAug 30, 2023

Canada's Wheat production likely to fall, second lowest in the 8 years

Canada, the world's fourth largest wheat exporter, is set to face a decline in wheat production this year due to drought. According to a government report, in parts of the Prairie Provinces, namely Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan wheat and canola production expected to decline. Canada is also among the world's largest shippers for canola, from which vegetable oil is produced. According to Statistics Canada, the production of wheat this time is likely to be 29.5 million metric tons, which is the second lowest in the last 8 years and 14 percent down compared to last year. At the same time, t
global-affairs-canada-issues-lgbtq-travel-advisory-for-u-s
CanadaAug 29, 2023

Global Affairs Canada issues LGBTQ+ travel advisory for U.S.

Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisory for the United States, warning LGBTQ people that some state laws may affect their travel.The post shared Tuesday morning said some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.This advisory is issued to travelers to stay aware of laws that criminalize same sex activities and relationships.The updated advisory does not mention any specific law or state policy, nor does it suggest avoiding any particular state.On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland supported the decision to update the travel advisor
n-w-t-postpones-elections-over-wildfires-will-go-to-polls-on-nov-14
CanadaAug 29, 2023

N.W.T. postpones elections over wildfires; will go to polls on Nov. 14

The North West Territories were supposed to go to polls on October 3 but now the regional elections will be held on November 14.MLAs have voted in favor of bringing the polls forward by six weeks.Votes have been postponed due to forest fires.The Chief Electoral Officer of the North West Territories had suggested that the elections be brought forward.The current firefighting budget for the Northwest Territories is approximately $22 million.Members of the regional legislature made the decision in a special session held at the town hall in Inuvik instead of the regional capital of Yellowknife.Mos
12-new-charges-laid-against-ontario-man-for-selling-sodium-nitrite
CanadaAug 29, 2023

12 new charges laid against Ontario man for selling sodium nitrite

Police have laid a dozen new charges against an Ontario man.The police have framed 12 charges against the accused who sold deadly substances to people who wanted to harm themselves.Peel Regional Police has revealed that a week ago, British police revealed they were investigating the deaths of 88 people in the UK who bought products from Canada-based websites.These products were deadly to people.Police across the state assisted in the investigation of the matter.The investigation begun when a Canadian man named Kenneth Law was arrested.Law is accused of selling sodium nitrite using various webs
election-date-in-n-w-t-may-be-postponed-due-to-wildfires
CanadaAug 29, 2023

Election date in N.W.T may be postponed due to wildfires

The Northwest Territories legislature is to meet later today to discuss delaying a territorial election set for October because of wildfires.The territory is scheduled to go to the polls on Oct. 3.But because of massive evacuations in several communities and general safety concerns, the N.W.T.'s chief electoral officer has suggested that be pushed until November.Some members of the territory's legislature say there's clear support for delay.The territory operates by a consensus system without political parties, in which elected members choose the premier from among themselves.Over the weekend,

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city-of-surrey-seeking-feedback-asks-residents-to-share-what-matters
BCNov 06, 2025

City of Surrey seeking feedback, asks residents to share what matters

City of Surrey is asking people to share feedback and tell the city what matters. City of Surrey says, "As a Surrey resident, your input plays an important role in shaping the City’s 2026 budget priorities. Share your thoughts by completing our online survey or visit one of our open houses to learn more about the budget process, ask questions and provide feedback." Find full details on City of Surrey's website: https://engage.surrey.ca/budge...
blue-jays-playoff-run-drives-tourism-surge-and-business-gains-in-toronto
BCNov 06, 2025

Blue Jays’ playoff run drives tourism surge and business gains in Toronto

Toronto’s hospitality and tourism sectors saw a significant boost this fall, thanks to the Blue Jays’ extended post-season run and the World Series games held in the city. Destination Toronto reported that hotel demand during the four home games of the World Series rose by an average of 15 per cent compared to the same nights last year, adding more than 11,000 room nights. Across the team’s entire playoff run, hotel demand increased by an average of 11 per cent, accounting for over 20,000 additional room nights. Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto, said the surge in vis
BCNov 06, 2025

Audit finds gaps in B.C. livestock tracking system used for emergency response

British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food needs stronger measures to ensure it can quickly locate farm animals during disease outbreaks or natural disasters, according to a new report from the Office of the Auditor General. The audit reviewed the ministry’s Premises ID program, which was created to help emergency officials identify where poultry and livestock are kept and who owns them. Acting Auditor General Sheila Dodds said the system could play a vital role in protecting animals and food supply chains during crises such as bird flu outbreaks, wildfires, or floods. However, th
record-number-of-shelter-spaces-opening-before-winter
BCNov 06, 2025

Record number of shelter spaces opening before winter

British Columbia is opening a record number of shelter spaces this winter to help people experiencing homelessness find warmth and safety as temperatures drop. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding 6,486 shelter spaces across 58 communities — the highest total to date. The expanded network includes 4,158 permanent shelters operating year-round, 1,154 temporary seasonal spaces, 771 extreme-weather response (EWR) beds activated during severe conditions, and 403 new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) spaces — nearly two and a half times more than last year.
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Ottawa man pleads guilty in mass stabbing that killed mother, four children, and family friend

A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to six counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with a mass stabbing that shocked Ottawa last year. Febrio De-Zoysa entered guilty pleas today in an Ottawa courtroom to four charges of first-degree murder and two of second-degree murder, as well as one charge of attempted murder. The killings took place in 2024 at a rented townhouse in the Barrhaven area. The victims were 35-year-old Darshani Ekanayake, her four children aged between two months and seven years, and 40-year-old family friend Gamini Amarakoon. The children’s father,