Winnipeg steps up for animals displaced by wildfires: Donations and fosters needed now

As wildfires continue to burn out of control in northern Manitoba, animals are being left behind or brought to safety and displaced with nothing. 

To help comfort families and their furry friends, the City of Winnipeg Animal Services has opened up their facilities as a drop-off spot for animal food donations. 

Urgent call for donations as thousands of wildfire evacuees arrive in Winnipeg

As thousands of wildfire evacuees arrive in Winnipeg, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the First Nations Family Advocate Office have teamed up to collect much-needed items for families. 

To do this, they have organized a donation drive. 

"We are collecting new or gently used, clean items to help provide comfort and basic necessities to families who have been displaced and are facing uncertainty during this difficult time," said the First Nations Family Advocate Office. "Many have left their homes with just the clothes on their backs."

Canadian innovation helping women overcome period poverty across globe

One Canadian company is making waves and helping half the population across the globe lead successful and healthy lives throughout each month. 

"There are challenges and repercussions of not being able to, in a healthy and dignified way, manage your period," says Leisa Hirtz, the CEO and founder of Women's Global Health Innovations (WGHI). "There are millions who use old socks, mattress stuffing, or some tribes that sit in sand for five days. It is preventing them from living a dignified life."

Halting spy operation placed CSIS team in unnecessary danger, watchdog report says

A new spy watchdog report says an overseas Canadian Security Intelligence Service operation was suddenly halted by government officials, "creating unnecessary danger for the CSIS team" and raising questions about ministerial accountability.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency found no written records indicating the decision to suspend the operation had been made by the CSIS director or the minister of public safety.

Cabinet ministers watch their words as pressure builds on defence file

National defence is becoming an increasingly thorny topic for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government as Canada comes under heavy pressure from its allies to do more and spend more.

But with just weeks to go until NATO member nations assemble in the Netherlands for a summit that could put Ottawa in the hot seat on defence spending, several of his ministers took the unusual step of removing themselves from discussions with defence reporters this week at Canada's largest defence industry show.

The gentle whisper

1 Kings 19:11–13

God often delivers His best gifts to us in unexpected ways ... with surprises inside the wrappings. Through apparent contradictions. Somewhat like the therapy, He used when Elijah was so low and so terribly disillusioned.

Adult and Teen Challenge asks for prayer after evacuating Denare Beach campus

A ministry is asking for prayer after the Denare Beach location has been evacuated due to the wildfires in northern Manitoba. 

Adult and Teen Challenge of Central Canada shared on Facebook on Thursday saying, "Please join us in prayer for our Denare Beach Campus, which has been evacuated due to the threat of a nearby forest fire. We are incredibly thankful that all students and staff are safe."

The staff and students are now being temporarily evacuated to the Steinbach campus. 

Cross Lake cut off by wildfire as military launches evacuations

The Canadian Armed Forces and Perimeter Aviation are working to evacuate residents from Cross Lake as an aggressive wildfire continues to threaten the Northern Manitoba community.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) remains under a serious threat as a fast-moving wildfire burns dangerously close to the community. In a Facebook post Friday, Chief David Monias said the fire now has eight heads and is beginning to surround the area.