Canada's foreign worker program 'breeding ground' for modern slavery: report
A recently released international report says Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a "breeding ground" for contemporary slavery.
The final report by a United Nations special rapporteur who visited Canada last year says a power imbalance prevents workers from exercising their rights.
A worker's status is dependent on a closed work permit that is specific to their employer. If an individual is fired, they may be deported from Canada.
Workers are subject to a wide range of abuses and aren't always aware of their rights, the report says.
Homeland Security takes steps to tighten asylum rules at Canadian border
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says people seeking asylum at the border with Canada will have less time to consult a lawyer before making their case, as President Joe Biden's asylum halt makes its way to Canada’s doorstep.
Biden announced sweeping changes mostly targeted at the U.S. border with Mexico in June, as the issue remains a thorn in the Democrats' side ahead of the November election. The new procedural changes, which the department confirmed Tuesday, will affect migrants crossing into the U.S. from Canada.
'They crossed the line': Crown in closing arguments for 'Freedom Convoy' organizers
Two prominent "Freedom Convoy" organizers "crossed the line" into criminal activity when they led a massive demonstration to Ottawa in 2022 and refused to leave, the Crown said in its final submissions on their criminal trial Tuesday.
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were among several organizers who brought a huge number of demonstrators and big-rig trucks to Ottawa two years ago to protest pandemic-era public health restrictions and vaccine mandates.
Jasper council told wildfire caused $283 million in lost property value
The town of Jasper says early numbers indicate last month’s wildfires destroyed $283 million worth of property.
The town also reports that while 358 structures were destroyed, mostly businesses and homes, the total number of housing units lost is about 800.
The figures were delivered to councillors by chief administrative officer Bill Given at a virtual meeting Tuesday.
Given said the numbers get even more daunting as the town moves forward with rebuilding because the lost structures equate to a $2.2-million loss in annual property tax revenue.
Canadian Olympians return home after record-setting Summer Games
The arrival terminals at airports in Toronto and Montreal were filled with cheers on Monday as fans and family gathered to give a hero’s welcome to Canadian Olympians returning home from the Paris Games with a record-breaking medal haul.
The Summer Games saw Team Canada bring home an unprecedented number of medals — nine gold and 27 in total. Both were records for Canada at a non-boycotted Summer Olympics, surpassing previous highs set in Tokyo three years ago and 1992 in Barcelona.
'New normal': Jasper wildfire evacuees can start returning to townsite on Friday
The 5,000 residents of Jasper, Alta., chased out of their homes three weeks ago ahead of a devastating wildfire, can go home Friday.
Officials said essential services have been restored to the point where they can allow a blanket re-entry.
However, utility services could still be hit and miss. Some homes may look fine on the outside but will have sustained heavy smoke or water damage on the inside. Other homes may be fenced off as public safety hazards.
Jasper's mayor says date when evacuees can return home will be announced Monday
Jasper's mayor says wildfire evacuees will learn Monday when they will be allowed to return home.
Richard Ireland told an online news conference on Saturday that details on the exact time of the announcement haven't been finalized, but news on the date when people will be permitted back into the town will be delivered by members of the unified command on Monday.
About 20,000 visitors to Jasper National Park and 5,000 town residents were forced out last month due to fires, and flames destroyed one-third of the town's buildings.
'Bold and brilliant:' Loved ones remember firefighter killed fighting Jasper blaze
The Alberta wildland firefighter killed while battling a blaze in Jasper National Park last weekend is being remembered for his bold personality and sense of humour.
Alberta Wildfire spokeswoman Melissa Story confirmed in an email Friday that family, friends and colleagues are mourning Morgan Kitchen.
A memorial post circulating on social media says Kitchen, who was 24 and lived in Calgary, had a “bold and brilliant” personality, a nimble wit and an “outrageous and ridiculous” sense of humour.
'Not forgotten': Family, advocates reflect 10 years after death of Tina Fontaine
When Elroy Fontaine thinks about his older sister, Tina Fontaine, his mind takes him to a park in Winnipeg's Point Douglas neighbourhood.
It's where the two would sometimes hang out together.
A decade after the tragic death of the 15-year-old girl, one that shocked the country and was the catalyst for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, Elroy Fontaine still stops by the special spot.
The siblings spent time in provincial care but would see each other during scheduled visits that included Slurpee runs and park hangs.
'Freedom Convoy' organizer Pat King granted bail after alleged breach
"Freedom Convoy" organizer Pat King was released on bail Friday after spending more than a week in jail on Crown allegations that he breached his bail conditions.
The Crown alleged King broke his previous release conditions, which only allowed him to use social media to fundraise for his legal defence. The Crown says his online activity extended beyond what was allowed between July 10 and 29.
King, whose criminal trial ended last month, flew from his home in Alberta to Ottawa last week to turn himself in to police after learning of the allegations.