Several MPs make pitches to colleagues to become next Speaker of the House of Commons

Among the tour groups converging on Parliament Hill under umbrellas this week, new and newly re-elected members of Parliament are getting acquainted with their offices and colleagues ahead of the opening of the House of Commons this week. 

The first order of business for MPs is the selection of a new House Speaker on Monday morning, and at least six returning members are asking their colleagues to support their bid to take the chair. 

No substitute for family

Submitted by staff on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 05:00

Psalm 128:1, 3

Before supper one night, I suggested to my son Curtis (who was six) that he shouldserveCharissa (four) before he served himself. Naturally, he wondered why, since the platter of chicken sat directly in front of him and he was starving. I explained it is polite for fellas to serve girls before they serve themselves. The rule sounded weird to him, but he was willing if she didn’t take too long.

Surprisingly, after prayer, he picked up the huge platter, held it in front of his sister, and asked which piece of chicken she wanted.

Strike threat could push more customers away from struggling Canada Post

Canada Post customers may face delays as tens of thousands of workers swear off overtime shifts, though a much bigger disruption was averted after the union backed down from a strike threat.

Nonetheless, the possibility of escalating job action could continue to scare off customers who pulled their shipments over the past couple of weeks, draining more business from the cash-strapped organization.

“I’m scared for the future,” said Edmonton mail carrier Dustin Ellis, who recently went on leave to study for a new career in social work.

Hundreds of government job losses planned at the CRA, ESDC

Top officials at the Canada Revenue Agency say mounting job cuts will impact how the agency is able to deliver services.

Commissioner Bob Hamilton and deputy commissioner Jean-François Fortin said in a message to staff Thursday that up to 280 employees will lose their jobs at the agency.

The agency has been examining its operating budget for more than two years to meet a demand from the government to find savings. 

Gentle words bring healing

Submitted by staff on Sat, 05/24/2025 - 05:00

Proverbs 12:18

Politics have always been fraught with heated words, but social media has become a new medium for spreading contempt. People feel freer to share their hateful words from behind the safety of their screens, with little thought of who those words may hurt. In these days of harsh political rancour and vicious verbal mudslinging, Solomon’s counsel on the importance of weighing our words comes as a soothing balm to our souls:

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18).

U.S. door may open for canola

Submitted by gvossler on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 21:43

Crop would be eligible for biofuel tax credit under recent budget proposals in Congress

U.S. President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” could contain some beautiful news for Canada’s canola growers.

The U.S. House of Representatives’ ways and means committee has released its draft proposals for the U.S. budget reconciliation bill.

The proposals include provisions to amend the controversial 45Z clean fuel production tax credit so that canola oil-based biodiesel and renewable diesel would be eligible for the credit.

Producer groups come together to help fund ag research facilities at U of S

Submitted by gvossler on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 20:58

Construction is underway at the University of Saskatchewan that will see critical facility improvements within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Two new facilities are being built - the Harrington Plant Growth Facility and the Soil Science Field Facility - while a portion of the Crop Science Field Lab is being renovated to provide additional workspace for the Crop Development Centre. 

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