'Freedom Convoy' organizer Chris Barber's lawyers make final arguments
Defence lawyers making final arguments on behalf of one of the prominent "Freedom Convoy" organizers are maintaining their client's innocence, with proceedings scheduled to continue next week.
Diane Magas argued before a judge Thursday that her client, Chris Barber, never meant to gridlock Ottawa and that he is not responsible for the actions of convoy participants.
She also said there's an "enormous" amount of material to deal with in the trial and the process has taken more time than expected. The trial began in September 2023 and has faced a number of delays.
Canada must respond to mpox crisis in Africa to prevent spread here, experts say
The World Health Organization's declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency means Canada must do its part to help stem outbreaks of the virus in Africa, experts say.
"Where there is a fire, we all put it out quickly and the whole village is safe. If you allow one house to burn in a village, sooner or later that fire is coming for you," said Dr. Madhukar Pai, Canada Research Chair in epidemiology and global health at McGill University in Montreal.
'Deep & abiding faith at heart of who he was': Former cabiniet minister Chuck Strahl dies
Former Conservative MP and cabinet minister Chuck Strahl has died at the age of 67.
Strahl was first elected in 1993 and represented the B.C. riding of Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon until his retirement in 2011.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Strahl a "dear friend" in a social media post Wednesday.
"Chuck's unwavering commitment to our movement and his deep love for Canada were part of everything he did," Poilievre said.
"He was a man of principle, integrity and compassion, and a foundational member of our Conservative party."
Former Conservative MP, cabinet minister Chuck Strahl dies at 67
Former Conservative MP and cabinet minister Chuck Strahl has died at the age of 67.
Strahl was first elected in 1993 and represented the B.C. riding of Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon until his retirement in 2011.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Strahl a "dear friend" in a social media post Wednesday.
"Chuck's unwavering commitment to our movement and his deep love for Canada were part of everything he did," Poilievre said.
"He was a man of principle, integrity and compassion, and a foundational member of our Conservative party."
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.