💉Proposed B.C. law would make drug use illegal in almost all public spaces
New legislation introduced Thursday in B.C. makes it illegal to use drugs in almost all public spaces, a move that some say effectively kills the NDP’s decriminalization policy just eight months into the experiment.
🔹If passed, the law would ban drug use within 15 metres of a playground, splash pool, skate park, sports field, beach or park and within six metres of the doorways of businesses, residences, recreation centres or any public space.
“Decriminalization was never about the ability to use hard drugs wherever you wanted and this law makes that very clear,” Premier David Eby said at a news conference Thursday morning. Instead, Eby said, people will be directed to supervised consumption sites where they’re able to access addiction and health services.
It’s a significant walk-back of the government’s three-year decriminalization pilot project, launched in January.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
New legislation introduced Thursday in B.C. makes it illegal to use drugs in almost all public spaces, a move that some say effectively kills the NDP’s decriminalization policy just eight months into the experiment.
🔹If passed, the law would ban drug use within 15 metres of a playground, splash pool, skate park, sports field, beach or park and within six metres of the doorways of businesses, residences, recreation centres or any public space.
“Decriminalization was never about the ability to use hard drugs wherever you wanted and this law makes that very clear,” Premier David Eby said at a news conference Thursday morning. Instead, Eby said, people will be directed to supervised consumption sites where they’re able to access addiction and health services.
It’s a significant walk-back of the government’s three-year decriminalization pilot project, launched in January.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇵🇸🇮🇱Pro-Palestine rally held in downtown Ottawa as mayor condemns Hamas attack on Israel
A pro-Palestine rally was held in downtown Ottawa Sunday, one day after Hamas launched an attack against Israel.
More than 100 people attended, saying Palestinians have the right to resist occupation. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs with slogans such as "End Zionist colonization of Palestine now" and "respect existence or expect resistance."
A small number of people with Israeli flags held a counter-demonstration nearby.
After rallying at the Human Rights Monument, demonstrators marched through downtown streets with police following slowly behind.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has spoken out against the attacks by Hamas in Israel this weekend.
The mayor posted to social media to say he's spoken with leaders on Ottawa's Jewish community to offer support and express his "shock and condemnation" of the attack.
#Ontario #Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
A pro-Palestine rally was held in downtown Ottawa Sunday, one day after Hamas launched an attack against Israel.
More than 100 people attended, saying Palestinians have the right to resist occupation. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs with slogans such as "End Zionist colonization of Palestine now" and "respect existence or expect resistance."
A small number of people with Israeli flags held a counter-demonstration nearby.
After rallying at the Human Rights Monument, demonstrators marched through downtown streets with police following slowly behind.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has spoken out against the attacks by Hamas in Israel this weekend.
The mayor posted to social media to say he's spoken with leaders on Ottawa's Jewish community to offer support and express his "shock and condemnation" of the attack.
#Ontario #Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇮🇱🇵🇸1 Canadian killed, 2 missing amid attack on Israel by Palestinian militants
Global Affairs Canada says it is aware of reports that one Canadian has died and two others are missing in the wake of an attack on Israel by Hamas forces, marking the latest escalation in the decades-long conflict.
In an update shared Sunday afternoon, the agency said Canadian officials in Israel are in contact with local authorities in an effort to confirm those reports and gather more information.
Global Affairs Canada says there are currently 1,419 registered Canadians in Israel and 492 in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but cautioned that such registration is voluntary and provides an incomplete picture of Canadians abroad.
The agency did not specify whether the reported death and the two Canadians believed to be missing had been registered in Israel or the Palestinian territories.
#Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Global Affairs Canada says it is aware of reports that one Canadian has died and two others are missing in the wake of an attack on Israel by Hamas forces, marking the latest escalation in the decades-long conflict.
In an update shared Sunday afternoon, the agency said Canadian officials in Israel are in contact with local authorities in an effort to confirm those reports and gather more information.
Global Affairs Canada says there are currently 1,419 registered Canadians in Israel and 492 in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but cautioned that such registration is voluntary and provides an incomplete picture of Canadians abroad.
The agency did not specify whether the reported death and the two Canadians believed to be missing had been registered in Israel or the Palestinian territories.
#Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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✈️ Almost half of all flight delays in 2022 were airlines' responsibility, government data suggests
Nearly half of all flight delays in 2022 were deemed the responsibility of an airline, according to new numbers from Transport Canada.
Out of nearly 199,000 delays that occurred last year, just over 87,500 — or 44 per cent — were considered to be within an airline's control and were not due to a safety issue.
Passengers still remember the chaotic travel season caused by widespread flight delays and cancellations in the summer and December of 2022. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) issued hundreds of fines to Canada's major airlines as a result.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Nearly half of all flight delays in 2022 were deemed the responsibility of an airline, according to new numbers from Transport Canada.
Out of nearly 199,000 delays that occurred last year, just over 87,500 — or 44 per cent — were considered to be within an airline's control and were not due to a safety issue.
Passengers still remember the chaotic travel season caused by widespread flight delays and cancellations in the summer and December of 2022. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) issued hundreds of fines to Canada's major airlines as a result.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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'Most challenging Thanksgiving:' Long weekend marked with soaring food bank use
Food banks across Canada continue to face soaring need this Thanksgiving, with one executive warning that things could quickly get worse.
Amid inflation, increasing food and housing costs, and precarious employment situations, the country's food banks have watched the need for their goods balloon as the organizations enter what, for many, is a critical time of year for fundraising.
Neil Hetherington, CEO of Toronto's Daily Bread, which supports more than 200 food programs in the area, said this long weekend has been the "most challenging Thanksgiving we have ever had."
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization saw about 65,000 client visits per month, he said. That number last month was 275,000.
According to data from Food Banks Canada, the percentage of seniors accessing food banks has increased to 8.9 per cent in 2022 from 6.8 per cent in 2019 and that about one third of food bank users were children.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Food banks across Canada continue to face soaring need this Thanksgiving, with one executive warning that things could quickly get worse.
Amid inflation, increasing food and housing costs, and precarious employment situations, the country's food banks have watched the need for their goods balloon as the organizations enter what, for many, is a critical time of year for fundraising.
Neil Hetherington, CEO of Toronto's Daily Bread, which supports more than 200 food programs in the area, said this long weekend has been the "most challenging Thanksgiving we have ever had."
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization saw about 65,000 client visits per month, he said. That number last month was 275,000.
According to data from Food Banks Canada, the percentage of seniors accessing food banks has increased to 8.9 per cent in 2022 from 6.8 per cent in 2019 and that about one third of food bank users were children.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Vancouver sees 32% spike in homelessness since 2020: survey
Greater Vancouver has seen a record-high surge in homelessness over the past three years, a new survey reveals.
The findings revealed a substantial 32% surge in homelessness since 2020.
“Increases were measured across all 11 communities surveyed, with most communities measuring record numbers of people identified as experiencing homelessness,” the report states.
The report highlights the expansion of homelessness in each of the communities captured by the count, with most communities witnessing record-high numbers of people facing housing insecurity.
It is also noteworthy that over 50% of the individuals counted were within shelter facilities, while nearly half of those not in shelters were on the street.
The report highlighted that the majority of homeless individuals were between the ages of 25 and 54.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Greater Vancouver has seen a record-high surge in homelessness over the past three years, a new survey reveals.
The findings revealed a substantial 32% surge in homelessness since 2020.
“Increases were measured across all 11 communities surveyed, with most communities measuring record numbers of people identified as experiencing homelessness,” the report states.
The report highlights the expansion of homelessness in each of the communities captured by the count, with most communities witnessing record-high numbers of people facing housing insecurity.
It is also noteworthy that over 50% of the individuals counted were within shelter facilities, while nearly half of those not in shelters were on the street.
The report highlighted that the majority of homeless individuals were between the ages of 25 and 54.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇮🇱 Trudeau, Poilievre and others across political spectrum rally in support of Israel
Canadian politicians from across the political spectrum gathered at solidarity rallies in support of Israel on Monday as the country's war with Hamas rages on.
In Ottawa, both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attended a rally in support of Israel.
"Canada unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms condemns these terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas. We stand with Israel and reaffirm our support for Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law," Trudeau said Monday night.
In Canadian cities, as in many other countries, rallies were held over the weekend expressing support for an independent Palestinian state. Some rally attendees disavowed Hamas, while others refused to condemn its actions.
#Trudeau #Poilievre #Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canadian politicians from across the political spectrum gathered at solidarity rallies in support of Israel on Monday as the country's war with Hamas rages on.
In Ottawa, both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attended a rally in support of Israel.
"Canada unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms condemns these terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas. We stand with Israel and reaffirm our support for Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law," Trudeau said Monday night.
In Canadian cities, as in many other countries, rallies were held over the weekend expressing support for an independent Palestinian state. Some rally attendees disavowed Hamas, while others refused to condemn its actions.
#Trudeau #Poilievre #Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇮🇱🇵🇸CBC leaked emails tell reporters to not use 'terrorist' in Hamas coverage
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation gave strict guidelines to reporters on using the term "terrorist" in their coverage of Israel's war with Hamas, leaked emails reveal.
"Do not refer to militants, soldiers or anyone else as ‘terrorists.’ The notion of terrorism remains heavily politicized and is part of the story," CBC's director of journalistic standards, George Achi, wrote in an email to employees on Saturday.
"Even when quoting/clipping a government or a source referring to fighters as ‘terrorists,’ we should add context to ensure the audience understands this is opinion, not fact," he added.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation gave strict guidelines to reporters on using the term "terrorist" in their coverage of Israel's war with Hamas, leaked emails reveal.
"Do not refer to militants, soldiers or anyone else as ‘terrorists.’ The notion of terrorism remains heavily politicized and is part of the story," CBC's director of journalistic standards, George Achi, wrote in an email to employees on Saturday.
"Even when quoting/clipping a government or a source referring to fighters as ‘terrorists,’ we should add context to ensure the audience understands this is opinion, not fact," he added.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Canada to welcome 11,000 migrants from the Americas starting this fall: minister
Canada is set to welcome 11,000 migrants from Colombia, Haiti and Venezuela this fall, immigration minister Marc Miller said.
In March of this year, Canada had promised it would welcome 15,000 migrants from the western hemisphere over the course of the year. On Tuesday, Miller said Canada was creating a “new humanitarian permanent residence pathway” for 11,000 migrants from three countries.
🔹The principal applicant, regardless of age, must be a child, grandchild, spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent or sibling of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
New permanent residents under this program will be offered “enhanced pre-arrival services,” which include an employment skills assessment and a referral to a settlement provider organization in their intended community.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada is set to welcome 11,000 migrants from Colombia, Haiti and Venezuela this fall, immigration minister Marc Miller said.
In March of this year, Canada had promised it would welcome 15,000 migrants from the western hemisphere over the course of the year. On Tuesday, Miller said Canada was creating a “new humanitarian permanent residence pathway” for 11,000 migrants from three countries.
🔹The principal applicant, regardless of age, must be a child, grandchild, spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent or sibling of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
New permanent residents under this program will be offered “enhanced pre-arrival services,” which include an employment skills assessment and a referral to a settlement provider organization in their intended community.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🪖Canadian soldiers asking for donations to help with housing, food costs, memo says
The military’s chaplain-general says morale among troops is the lowest it’s been in recent memory as many soldiers struggle with the cost of living.
In a briefing note sent to the chief of the defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre, chaplains say more Armed Forces members have been asking for help to make ends meet.
The chaplains note that they expect donations to Together We Stand, a non-profit that supports military families, to double this year. However, they say that is a short-term solution.
Some soldiers have said they’re considering releasing from the military to avoid postings in certain locations.
Recent changes to the military’s housing allowance have created new challenges for some. The Armed Forces announced in March that the new allowance will be based on salary, rather than where a soldier is posted.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The military’s chaplain-general says morale among troops is the lowest it’s been in recent memory as many soldiers struggle with the cost of living.
In a briefing note sent to the chief of the defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre, chaplains say more Armed Forces members have been asking for help to make ends meet.
The chaplains note that they expect donations to Together We Stand, a non-profit that supports military families, to double this year. However, they say that is a short-term solution.
Some soldiers have said they’re considering releasing from the military to avoid postings in certain locations.
Recent changes to the military’s housing allowance have created new challenges for some. The Armed Forces announced in March that the new allowance will be based on salary, rather than where a soldier is posted.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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New details about $20M Toronto airport gold heist revealed in Brink's suit against Air Canada
The shock Toronto airport heist of $20 million in gold bars — weighing 400.19 kilograms — along with US$2 million in cash was as easy as walking into Air Canada’s cargo facility, showing a false waybill, and leaving with the enormous haul, according to a lawsuit filed in court.
It was gone 42 minutes after it was unloaded from a plane arriving from Switzerland and transferred to a supposedly secure warehouse on the periphery of Toronto’s Pearson airport, according to the statement of claim.
The theft, one of the largest in Canadian history, remains unsolved by police. Brink’s, a secure transport company, is now suing Air Canada over the lost loads.
The lawsuit paints the clearest picture yet of how April’s airport gold heist was allegedly pulled off after months of institutional silence from police, the airline, and others involved in the theft that made headlines around the world.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The shock Toronto airport heist of $20 million in gold bars — weighing 400.19 kilograms — along with US$2 million in cash was as easy as walking into Air Canada’s cargo facility, showing a false waybill, and leaving with the enormous haul, according to a lawsuit filed in court.
It was gone 42 minutes after it was unloaded from a plane arriving from Switzerland and transferred to a supposedly secure warehouse on the periphery of Toronto’s Pearson airport, according to the statement of claim.
The theft, one of the largest in Canadian history, remains unsolved by police. Brink’s, a secure transport company, is now suing Air Canada over the lost loads.
The lawsuit paints the clearest picture yet of how April’s airport gold heist was allegedly pulled off after months of institutional silence from police, the airline, and others involved in the theft that made headlines around the world.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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RCMP launches investigation into Ontario's Greenbelt scandal
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating the Ontario government’s decision to open up parts of the Greenbelt for development.
According to the RCMP’s website, this unit probes “high risk matters that cause significant threats to Canada's political, economic and social integrity of its institutions across Canada and internationally.” This can include investigations into elected officials on “allegations of fraud, financial crimes, corruption and breach of trust.”
The RCMP was referred the file by the Ontario Provincial Police back in August to avoid “any perceived conflict of interest.” The provincial police’s anti-rackets branch had been reviewing complaints since mid-December.
The decision to develop on 15 areas of protected land has garnered significant backlash, with both the province’s auditor general and integrity commissioner concluding that some developers may have received preferential treatment during the process.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating the Ontario government’s decision to open up parts of the Greenbelt for development.
According to the RCMP’s website, this unit probes “high risk matters that cause significant threats to Canada's political, economic and social integrity of its institutions across Canada and internationally.” This can include investigations into elected officials on “allegations of fraud, financial crimes, corruption and breach of trust.”
The RCMP was referred the file by the Ontario Provincial Police back in August to avoid “any perceived conflict of interest.” The provincial police’s anti-rackets branch had been reviewing complaints since mid-December.
The decision to develop on 15 areas of protected land has garnered significant backlash, with both the province’s auditor general and integrity commissioner concluding that some developers may have received preferential treatment during the process.
#Ontario
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇵🇸 Federal government says it will ensure Canadian aid doesn't go to Hamas
Canada will continue delivering humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians while preventing that aid from being diverted to Hamas, says International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen's office.
"We will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money goes into the hands of Hamas," said Alex Tetreault, Hussen's director of communications, in an e-mail.
Tetreault said Canada has a no-contact policy with Hamas and no Canadian government aid goes directly to the Palestinian Authority.
Instead, the $55 million a year that Canada spends on development and humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza goes through international aid organizations, he said.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada will continue delivering humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians while preventing that aid from being diverted to Hamas, says International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen's office.
"We will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money goes into the hands of Hamas," said Alex Tetreault, Hussen's director of communications, in an e-mail.
Tetreault said Canada has a no-contact policy with Hamas and no Canadian government aid goes directly to the Palestinian Authority.
Instead, the $55 million a year that Canada spends on development and humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza goes through international aid organizations, he said.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🩺 B.C. first to sign individual health deal with feds, gets $1.2 billion
The union representing tens of thousands of B.C. nurses said $1.2 billion in federal health funding over three years will be key to fulfilling’s the new nurse-to-patient ratios announced by the province’s health minister earlier this year.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and his federal counterpart, Mark Holland, were at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday to announce that B.C. is the first province to reach an agreement with Ottawa over new health care and mental health funding.
Dix said part of that money will be used to overhaul the approach at 83 acute care sites so nurses can spend more time with patients.
Dix announced in April that B.C. would become the first province in Canada to set rules limiting how many patients each nurse can take care of, in an effort to keep burned-out nurses from leaving the profession.
However, critics questioned whether the $750 million in provincial money over three years would be enough to hire the thousands of nurses needed to prop up a severely understaffed workforce.
The province has yet to set a date for when the nurse-to-patient ratios will come into effect, but they were a key part of the B.C. Nurses’ Union’s collective agreement ratified in May.
#BritishColumbia #healthcare
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The union representing tens of thousands of B.C. nurses said $1.2 billion in federal health funding over three years will be key to fulfilling’s the new nurse-to-patient ratios announced by the province’s health minister earlier this year.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and his federal counterpart, Mark Holland, were at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday to announce that B.C. is the first province to reach an agreement with Ottawa over new health care and mental health funding.
Dix said part of that money will be used to overhaul the approach at 83 acute care sites so nurses can spend more time with patients.
Dix announced in April that B.C. would become the first province in Canada to set rules limiting how many patients each nurse can take care of, in an effort to keep burned-out nurses from leaving the profession.
However, critics questioned whether the $750 million in provincial money over three years would be enough to hire the thousands of nurses needed to prop up a severely understaffed workforce.
The province has yet to set a date for when the nurse-to-patient ratios will come into effect, but they were a key part of the B.C. Nurses’ Union’s collective agreement ratified in May.
#BritishColumbia #healthcare
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Liberals extend gun ban amnesty amid legal challenge from firearms group
The Liberal government has announced that it will extend the amnesty order for owners of prohibited firearms until October 30, 2025.
The order, which was issued on May 1, 2020, banned the possession, sale and use of nearly 1,500 types of firearms that the government deemed as “assault-style” weapons.
Ottawa also promised a buyback program to compensate the affected owners, but the details and implementation of the program have been delayed.
The extension of the amnesty order means that owners of the banned firearms will not face criminal charges for possessing them, as long as they keep them securely stored and do not use them.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The Liberal government has announced that it will extend the amnesty order for owners of prohibited firearms until October 30, 2025.
The order, which was issued on May 1, 2020, banned the possession, sale and use of nearly 1,500 types of firearms that the government deemed as “assault-style” weapons.
Ottawa also promised a buyback program to compensate the affected owners, but the details and implementation of the program have been delayed.
The extension of the amnesty order means that owners of the banned firearms will not face criminal charges for possessing them, as long as they keep them securely stored and do not use them.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Judge to allow Ottawa residents to testify in 'Freedom Convoy' organizers' trial
Eight Ottawa residents will be allowed to testify at the criminal trial of two “Freedom Convoy” organizers, the presiding judge ruled Wednesday.
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are facing charges related to their roles in organizing the protest that brought thousands of big-rig trucks to Ottawalast year, where demonstrators remained for three weeks.
Lich's lawyer Lawrence Greenspon asked the judge not to let the locals testify, arguing their testimony would be irrelevant.
Lich and Barber have already signed admissions that the actions of certain individuals who participated in the protest interfered with public transit and the lawful use and enjoyment of property and businesses.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Eight Ottawa residents will be allowed to testify at the criminal trial of two “Freedom Convoy” organizers, the presiding judge ruled Wednesday.
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are facing charges related to their roles in organizing the protest that brought thousands of big-rig trucks to Ottawalast year, where demonstrators remained for three weeks.
Lich's lawyer Lawrence Greenspon asked the judge not to let the locals testify, arguing their testimony would be irrelevant.
Lich and Barber have already signed admissions that the actions of certain individuals who participated in the protest interfered with public transit and the lawful use and enjoyment of property and businesses.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇮🇱✈️ First Canadian government evacuation flight departs Israel
The first Canadian government evacuation flight has departed Tel Aviv for Athens with approximately 130 passengers, Defence Minister Bill Blair says.
The airlift of Canadian citizens and permanent residents out of Israel began Thursday afternoon local time.
Ottawa’s evacuation efforts are shuttling Canadians, permanent residents and their children and spouses from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to Athens. From there, federal officials have arranged for Air Canada aircraft to take passengers back to Canada at their own expense.
The Air Canada planes can carry 150 so the first flight Thursday was not flying at full capacity.
At a Wednesday Canadian government briefing, senior officials said about 1,000 people have contacted the Department of Global Affairs for assistance and they estimated roughly 70 per cent, or 700, were looking for an evacuation flight.
#Israel
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The first Canadian government evacuation flight has departed Tel Aviv for Athens with approximately 130 passengers, Defence Minister Bill Blair says.
The airlift of Canadian citizens and permanent residents out of Israel began Thursday afternoon local time.
Ottawa’s evacuation efforts are shuttling Canadians, permanent residents and their children and spouses from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to Athens. From there, federal officials have arranged for Air Canada aircraft to take passengers back to Canada at their own expense.
The Air Canada planes can carry 150 so the first flight Thursday was not flying at full capacity.
At a Wednesday Canadian government briefing, senior officials said about 1,000 people have contacted the Department of Global Affairs for assistance and they estimated roughly 70 per cent, or 700, were looking for an evacuation flight.
#Israel
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Anglophone rights should be enshrined in new Quebec constitution, Liberals say
As the Quebec Liberal Party tries to rebound from a devastating blow in the last two provincial elections, the official opposition is proposing the rights of the English-speaking community be enshrined in a new Quebec constitution.
Specifically, the committee called for the first-ever Quebec constitution to "enshrine the rights of English-speaking Quebecers, guaranteeing their existing rights to English-language services and control of their educational and health institutions."
The Liberals are set to unveil the party's new vision at a press conference in Montreal on Thursday.
#Quebec
🍁 Maple Chronicles
As the Quebec Liberal Party tries to rebound from a devastating blow in the last two provincial elections, the official opposition is proposing the rights of the English-speaking community be enshrined in a new Quebec constitution.
Specifically, the committee called for the first-ever Quebec constitution to "enshrine the rights of English-speaking Quebecers, guaranteeing their existing rights to English-language services and control of their educational and health institutions."
The Liberals are set to unveil the party's new vision at a press conference in Montreal on Thursday.
#Quebec
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Sask. Parental Bill of Rights to be introduced, notwithstanding clause invoked
The Saskatchewan government will introduce Bill 137, the Parental Bill of Rights, on Thursday morning and invoke the notwithstanding clause.
Premier Scott Moe called the legislature back early to introduce the new legislation before the fall sitting starts on Oct. 25.
Once invoked, the notwithstanding clause prevents any judicial review of the legislation in question.
The bill will be public once it is tabled in the legislature. It is expected to closely resemble a policy introduced in August regarding name and pronoun use in schools. The government required schools to receive parental permission if a student under 16 wished to be addressed by their chosen name or pronoun.
#Saskatchewan
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The Saskatchewan government will introduce Bill 137, the Parental Bill of Rights, on Thursday morning and invoke the notwithstanding clause.
Premier Scott Moe called the legislature back early to introduce the new legislation before the fall sitting starts on Oct. 25.
Once invoked, the notwithstanding clause prevents any judicial review of the legislation in question.
The bill will be public once it is tabled in the legislature. It is expected to closely resemble a policy introduced in August regarding name and pronoun use in schools. The government required schools to receive parental permission if a student under 16 wished to be addressed by their chosen name or pronoun.
#Saskatchewan
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇮🇱Mélanie Joly planning Israel trip
A senior federal government official said the Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is making plans to visit Israel shortly, but it was not clear whether she will make it by Friday or Saturday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, declined to criticize Israel’s siege of Gaza after the attacks by Hamas when asked by media for his position on the action.
“Israel has the right to defend itself in accordance with international law,” Mr. Trudeau said during a visit to Yellowknife.
“We continue to look for ways to support civilians – both Palestinians and Israelis, and ensure that as many civilians as possible are kept safe during this terrible conflict.”
#Israel #Trudeau
🍁 Maple Chronicles
A senior federal government official said the Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is making plans to visit Israel shortly, but it was not clear whether she will make it by Friday or Saturday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, declined to criticize Israel’s siege of Gaza after the attacks by Hamas when asked by media for his position on the action.
“Israel has the right to defend itself in accordance with international law,” Mr. Trudeau said during a visit to Yellowknife.
“We continue to look for ways to support civilians – both Palestinians and Israelis, and ensure that as many civilians as possible are kept safe during this terrible conflict.”
#Israel #Trudeau
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🌱Supreme Court rules environmental impact legislation largely unconstitutional
Canada's top court has delivered a highly anticipated judgment, writing in a majority opinion that Ottawa's Impact Assessment Act (IAA) is largely unconstitutional.
The IAA, previously known as Bill C-69, allows federal regulators to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of various resource and infrastructure projects. It was enacted in 2019.
The IAA has long been controversial among conservative politicians in Alberta, including former premier Jason Kenney, who frequently referred to it as the "no more pipelines act."
Alberta previously filed a constitutional challenge with the Alberta Court of Appeal, and was supported by the governments of Saskatchewan and Ontario, three First Nations and the Indian Resource Council. Various environmental and legal groups, as well as other First Nations, supported Ottawa.
#Alberta
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada's top court has delivered a highly anticipated judgment, writing in a majority opinion that Ottawa's Impact Assessment Act (IAA) is largely unconstitutional.
The IAA, previously known as Bill C-69, allows federal regulators to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of various resource and infrastructure projects. It was enacted in 2019.
The IAA has long been controversial among conservative politicians in Alberta, including former premier Jason Kenney, who frequently referred to it as the "no more pipelines act."
Alberta previously filed a constitutional challenge with the Alberta Court of Appeal, and was supported by the governments of Saskatchewan and Ontario, three First Nations and the Indian Resource Council. Various environmental and legal groups, as well as other First Nations, supported Ottawa.
#Alberta
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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