National News

A look at national news events in May 2024:

1- Manitoba's Peguis First Nation declares a state of emergency after years of flooding caused heavy damage to infrastructure and housing. Chief Stan Bird says the community has seen significant rates of emotional distress, with a rise in self-harm among youth, drug addiction and incidents of domestic violence. The First Nation recently filed a $1-billion lawsuit alleging the federal and Manitoba governments failed to protect it from the frequent flooding.

A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.

Gerald Butts writes in a Substack newsletter today that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's recent resignation from cabinet dealt Trudeau a staggering blow that loosened his already tenuous grip on the party.

He says Trudeau was "unlikely" to lead the party into the next campaign before Freeland's stunning departure and is "now much less likely to do so."

A look at national news events in April 2024:

1 - Nunavut is 25 years old today. Premier P.J. Akeeagok says the anniversary reminds him that his job is both a privilege and an immense responsibility. The creation of Canada's newest territory on April 1, 1999, was part of a historic land claim settlement. It was also the first major change to the country's map since Newfoundland and Labrador joined Confederation. 

This year, Kim Stark's kids took responsibility for decorating the family Christmas tree.

Ornaments include toy cars, puzzle pieces, string and a pair of binoculars — things her three young daughters had handy after the family lost their home in summer’s devastating Jasper wildfire.

"I have the most wonderful tree on the planet," said Stark.

"It's part of our story and part of who we are.

“If (the kids) are happy, I'm happy."

Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two "entities" in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border.

A news release Tuesday from India's Enforcement Directorate — a multi-disciplinary organization that investigates money laundering and foreign exchange laws — said a multi-city search has revealed "incriminating" evidence of "human trafficking."

A look at national news events in March 2024:

1 - Health Minister Mark Holland tables a bill considered the first step toward a possible pharmacare program. The legislation lays down a road map for how the federal government plans to get there. The first step is to negotiate universal coverage for birth control and diabetes drugs with provinces and territories, something Holland is fairly certain he can accomplish by the next election. 

A look at national news events in February 2024:

01 - The federal government announces spending of an additional $362 million to help provinces and cities temporarily house asylum seekers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller called the interim housing assistance program a stopgap measure, saying the system needs to be rejigged to reflect a large flow of international migration that is not about to stop. 

A look at national news events in January 2024:

1 - Former world cycling champion Rohan Dennis is charged in connection with the death of his wife, 32-year-old Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins. She died late Dec. 30 after being struck by a vehicle while riding in suburban Adelaide, Australia. Dennis is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, endangering life and driving without due care.

Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as "flagpoling."

This is when someone who was in Canada on a temporary visa leaves for the U.S. then quickly re-enters Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. 

The restriction on providing work and study permits to flagpolers takes effect today.

Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year — whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.

Political watchers are abuzz over the possible scenarios that could play out in the coming year following last week's drama that rocked Trudeau's government, and a springtime national campaign is the one that's solidifying the fastest.