National

Inquiry plans frank account of N.S. mass shooting

Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022

HALIFAX - Canadians are being advised to brace Monday for the retelling of the horrors of the country's worst mass shooting in modern history as a public inquiry provides a chronological description of the tragedy that began in Portapique, N.S.

Barbara McLean, the lead investigator for the federal-provincial inquiry, told journalists last week that the account to be heard of the April 18-19, 2020, killings is the result of over a year of interviews with witnesses.

It will also make use of 911 calls that desperate residents made as the gunman moved through the community.

"It's my hope that in the coming days, people will ... prepare themselves for what they're about to hear Monday," McLean said.

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National

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney shakes hands with Kaycee Madu after Madu's swearing in as minister of municipal affairs in Edmonton on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Madu would later become justice minister, but has been moved out of that portfolio over a call he made to Edmonton's chief of police after Madu received a traffic ticket. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Suspended Alberta justice minister removed

Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Suspended Alberta justice minister removed

Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

EDMONTON - Suspended Alberta justice minister Kaycee Madu was moved to another cabinet post Friday following a report that concluded he tried to interfere in the administration of justice over a traffic ticket.

Premier Jason Kenney, in a news release, announced that Madu takes over as labour minister from Tyler Shandro, and Shandro becomes the new justice minister.

“Given (the report’s) findings, and the unique role of the office of the minister of justice and solicitor general, I have concluded that it would be appropriate for minister Madu to step aside from that position,” Kenney wrote.

The report was requested by Kenney and carried out by retired Court of Queen's Bench justice Adele Kent.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

A person walks past an LCBO in Ottawa, Thursday March 19, 2020. The leader of Ontario's Liberal Party is asking the LCBO to stop selling Russian products following that country’s invasion of Ukraine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Canadian liquor stores pull Russian products

Holly McKenzie-Sutter, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian liquor stores pull Russian products

Holly McKenzie-Sutter, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022

TORONTO - Crown liquor stores in several Canadian provinces were pulling Russian products from their shelves Friday in light of Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

In Ontario, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said he was directing the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to withdraw products produced in Russia.

"Ontario joins Canada's allies in condemning the Russian government's act of aggression against the Ukrainian people and we strongly support the federal government's efforts to sanction the Russian government," Bethlenfalvy said in an emailed statement.

"We will continue to be there for the Ukrainian people during this extremely difficult time."

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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022

National

RCMP officers prepare to take a person into custody at a gas station in Enfield, N.S. on Sunday April 19, 2020. An RCMP review says that a county where the Nova Scotia mass shooting occurred had a shortage of officers needed to meet the force's policing standards, in the year leading up to the rampage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tim Krochak

RCMP short on officers before N.S. mass shooting

Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

RCMP short on officers before N.S. mass shooting

Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

HALIFAX - An RCMP review says that a county where the Nova Scotia mass shooting occurred had a shortage of officers needed to meet the force's policing standards in the year leading up to the 2020 rampage.

According to the review, which was included in a 1,500-page study released this week at the public inquiry into the killings, the RCMP in Colchester County — which includes three of the communities where killings took place — would have benefited from six added officers in 2019.

The executive summary of the report says having fewer officers than necessary affects the force's ability to carry out what the force refers to as "proactive policing." According to the report, "proactive policing" is time officers have available during a shift for "self-generated activities," such as community policing, and "to target problem areas and focus on initiatives to reduce crime."

The review says when the amount of time available for this form of policing falls below about a third of the officer's hours, it harms "availability and visibility, as well as officer wellness." It also says this minimum standard was met in just 13 of 52 weeks of the year for front-line officers.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

Some Canadians stay on in Ukraine amid invasion

Maan Alhmidi and Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Some Canadians stay on in Ukraine amid invasion

Maan Alhmidi and Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

Chad Martz has spent the last few days in a mountainous region of western Ukraine purchasing food and basic supplies for those who've fled their homes due to the Russian invasion of the country.

But the Canadian citizen, who has been in the country for months due to his work with a British Columbia aid organization, isn't currently going anywhere himself.

"The area that I'm in ... hasn't received any attacks, so it's been staying relatively calm," he said in a phone interview on Friday.

"It's going to have to be pretty drastic for us to to leave. We're in a very good position to provide the much needed care to people who are leaving everything."

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

The Peace Tower is seen behind police at a gate along Queen Street as they restrict access to the streets around Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. A group involved in the recent protest in Ottawa against COVID-19 measures pressed ahead today in asking a court to halt federal use of the Emergencies Act, even though the government has already moved to revoke the powers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Court hears arguments over federal Emergencies Act

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Court hears arguments over federal Emergencies Act

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

OTTAWA - A group involved in the recent protest in Ottawa against COVID-19 measures pressed ahead Friday in asking a court to halt federal use of the Emergencies Act, even though the government has already moved to revoke the powers.

Late last week, Canadian Frontline Nurses and member Kristen Nagle requested an injunction from the Federal Court staying the Liberal government's use of the emergencies law and associated measures while their full case plays out in court.

The group and Nagle say they are opposed to "unreasonable'' COVID-19-related mandates and restrictions that have been implemented by various levels of Canadian governments.

They ultimately want the court to rule that the federal government strayed beyond its jurisdiction in declaring a public order emergency last week, saying the move was unconstitutional.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

Police hold a line as they work to bring a protest, which started in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandates and grew into a broader anti-government demonstration and occupation, to an end, in Ottawa, Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Ottawa convoy leader Pat King denied bail

Jordan Press, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Ottawa convoy leader Pat King denied bail

Jordan Press, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

OTTAWA - A prominent organizer of the three-week convoy protest outside Parliament Hill that snarled traffic, shuttered businesses and plagued residents with near-constant honking has been denied bail.

Pat King was arrested last Friday and faces charges of mischief, counselling to commit mischief, counselling to commit the offence of disobeying a court order and counselling to obstruct police.

Justice of the Peace Andrew Seymour said he wasn't satisfied that King, if released, wouldn't commit offences similar to those he's accused of.

In delivering his ruling, Seymour said the evidence submitted by the Crown "paints a portrait of an individual who has clear intention to continue his protest and is indifferent to the consequences."

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

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National

A Ukrainian Army soldier inspects fragments of a downed aircraft in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. It was unclear what aircraft crashed and what brought it down amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Vadim Zamirovsky

Canada sanctions Putin amid calls for no-fly zone

Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canada sanctions Putin amid calls for no-fly zone

Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

OTTAWA - As the Trudeau government trumpeted new sanctions against Russia's Vladimir Putin, desperate pleas from Ukrainian lawmakers for a no-fly zone to protect their civilians from Russian bombs went unanswered Friday by Canada and its NATO allies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday Canada would sanction Putin, along with his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and other top Kremlin figures, holding them responsible for the "brutal, needless attack" on Ukraine.

Trudeau also said Canada would support the removal of Russia from SWIFT, the digital payment and messaging network that connects thousands of banks worldwide, which he said would make it even harder for Putin to "finance his brutalities."

The White House also moved ahead with targeting Putin, Lavrov and members of the Russian national security team with sanctions Friday following conversations between President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said cutting Russia off from SWIFT remains on the table.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

People rest in the Kyiv subway, using it as a bomb shelter in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending troops and tanks from multiple directions in a move that could rewrite the world's geopolitical landscape. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Emilio Morenatti

A look at what's In The News for Feb. 25

The Canadian Press 10 minute read Preview

A look at what's In The News for Feb. 25

The Canadian Press 10 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Feb. 25 ...

What we are watching in Ukraine ...

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia pressed its invasion of Ukraineto the outskirts of the capital Friday after unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order.

Explosions sounded before dawn in Kyiv as Western leaders scheduled an emergency meeting and Ukraine's president pleaded for international help to fend off an attackthat could topple his democratically elected government, cause massive casualties and ripple out damage to the global economy.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

Farmhand Connor Hunt bales a hay crop near Cremona, Alta., Monday, July 17, 2017. Canada's oil province may finally be shedding its image as an economic one-trick pony, the Alberta government said Thursday in its new budget. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Budget claims Alberta diversifying from energy

Bob Weber, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Budget claims Alberta diversifying from energy

Bob Weber, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

EDMONTON - Canada's oil province may finally be shedding its image as an economic one-trick pony, the Alberta government says in its new budget.

"We're doing all we can and seeing great results on economic diversification," United Conservative Finance Minister Travis Toews said at a Thursday news conference.

Budget documents trumpet billions of dollars flowing into provincial sectors that don't necessarily scream Alberta. Tech, aerospace, financial technology, film and television have all seen growth, as well as more traditional mainstays like petrochemicals.

Venture capital firms pumped $455 million into the province last year, double the 2019 figure. Non-energy exports, at nearly $38 billion, grew 21 per cent between 2020 and 2021.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

People sit in the Kyiv subway, using it as a bomb shelter in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Canada should prepare to provide asylum to those fleeing the violence, says a Canadian security expert in Ukraine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Zoya Shu

Canada vows to fast-track immigration from Ukraine

Laura Osman and Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canada vows to fast-track immigration from Ukraine

Laura Osman and Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

OTTAWA - Europe is facing a massive new migration crisis because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Canada should prepare to provide asylum to those fleeing the violence, says a Canadian security expert.

"This would be a chance for Canada to really, really step up to the plate," said Michael Bociurkiw, a Canadian in Ukraine who served as the spokesman for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe during the height of tensions following Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

"Telling Ukrainians: you are welcome in Canada. And, you know, easing of visa rules, temporary stays, that sort of thing."

Canada has promised to prioritize immigration applications from Ukraine to bring people fleeing the country to safety as quickly as possible, though no specific targets have been set.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Labour and MP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl speaks at the Confederation Building in St. John's on Monday, February 14, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly

Labour ministers have 'frank' talk on sick leave

Jordan Press, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Labour ministers have 'frank' talk on sick leave

Jordan Press, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

OTTAWA - Canada's labour minister sounded a note of optimism on expanding paid sick leave Friday, even though a meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts ended without resolving a patchwork system of policies.

In late December, Parliament gave its approval to create 10 days of paid sick leave for federally regulated workers, who make up less than one-tenth of all workers in Canada.

Work on the regulations is set to begin early next month and invitations to join consultations on the issue were set to go out Friday just as Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan was meeting with ministers responsible for the file in provincial and territorial governments.

Before the meeting, O'Regan said he planned to listen to them on how such a policy could work in their jurisdictions, but also potential price tags for governments and employers.

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Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

National

Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner poses for a photo with the other members of the Supreme Court following a welcoming ceremony for Judge Mahmud Jamal at the Supreme Court of Canada, Thursday, October 28, 2021 in Ottawa. Back row left to right: Judge Nicholas Kasirer, Judge Malcolm Rowe, Sheila Martin, Judge Mahmud Jamal. Front row left to right: Judge Suzanne Cote, Judge Michael Moldaver, Wagner, Judge Andromache Karakatsanis, Judge Russell Brown. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Moldaver to retire from Supreme Court in September

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Moldaver to retire from Supreme Court in September

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

OTTAWA - Justice Michael Moldaver plans to step down from the Supreme Court of Canada on Sept. 1, a few months before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner says Moldaver has made exceptional contributions to Canadian jurisprudence, particularly concerning criminal law.

He left his stamp on many notable cases that came before the high court on matters ranging from search warrants to jury selection.

Moldaver, who hails from Peterborough, Ont., started practising criminal law in 1973 and began his judicial career as an Ontario judge in 1990.

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Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

National

'We are all Ukrainian,' envoy tells Canada

Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

'We are all Ukrainian,' envoy tells Canada

Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

OTTAWA - As the world watched war arrive in Ukraine, Andrii Bukvych was hearing first-hand accounts from family and loved ones in Kyiv. His mother, his sister and her son could hear the explosions, while friends saw Russian helicopters overhead as columns of tanks rolled towards the capital city.

"Ironically, it seems like a Netflix TV show with alternative history. But the problem is that this is something real that happens right now," Bukvych, Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Canada, said in an interview in Ottawa on Thursday.

The Ukraine envoy called on Canada and its allies to do everything it can to stop Russia's invasion of his country, otherwise "World War Three" awaits them.

Bukvych said Ukraine wants to see the Canadian government and the West impose crippling sanctions and cut diplomatic relations. It would also like to see NATO enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent Russian aerial bombardment of his citizens.

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Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

National

A look at Canada's sanctions against Russia

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

OTTAWA - Canada has toughened sanctions against Russia following Moscow's attack on neighbouring Ukraine. A look at the measures and other actions Canada is taking:

Sanctions

—Canada has sanctioned 58 people and entities connected to Russia, including key political leaders, oligarchs and their families, as well as the paramilitary organization known as the Wagner Group and several major Russian banks.

—Also on the list are members of the Russian Security Council, including key cabinet ministers close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

National

Protesters hold posters and Ukrainian flags as they protest against Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in front of the Russia Embassy in Sofia, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Valentina Petrova

Canadians hold rallies in support of Ukraine

Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Canadians hold rallies in support of Ukraine

Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

MONTREAL - Yellow and blue flags flew in cities across Canada on Thursday as Ukrainian Canadians organized demonstrations to denounce Russia's attack on Ukraine and urged Ottawa to act swiftly to defend their homeland.

In Montreal, several dozen protesters gathered in front of McGill University, waving signs with messages ranging from "I want to see my grandmother alive," to the more militaristic "Arm Ukraine."

Larysa Grynko, who came to Canada from Ukraine in 2011, was one of several who helped unfurl a large banner in Ukrainian blue and yellow. Her voice catching, she said she was “devastated” by the events.

“Words cannot describe the terror that we feel for families that stay in Ukraine,” she said. Grynko said she had spoken to her family, and they were safe for now and had confidence in the Ukrainian army.

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Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

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