Nancy Pelosi says Democrats ‘thrilled’ with new Harris-Walz ticket – National

Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi says Democrats are ‘thrilled’ that Minnesota governor Tim Walz joined the American vice president Kamala Harris presidential campaign as a running mate, calling the party’s energy “explosive.” Pelosi spoke to Global News as she left the MSNBC studios in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, a day after Walz has been officially announced as the Democratic vice presidential candidate. “He’s just great,” Pelosi said when asked about Walz, who previously served with her in Congress. “The members (of the Democratic caucus) are so thrilled.” “He brings vision, he brings values, he brings strategic thinking, but he also brings a lot of friendship.” Harris, who won the Democratic nomination on Monday, just over two weeks after US President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, faced enormous pressure to choose a running mate who would not squander the momentum she has enjoyed since announcing her candidacy. The story continues below the advertisement The warm reception she received Tuesday night at the Philadelphia rally, where Harris and Walz made their debut as running mates, suggested she had succeeded. Nancy Pelosi seemed to agree, noting that “the whole dynamic is different” compared to the final days of Biden’s campaign. “My daughter was at the rally in Philadelphia last night and she said it was just explosive,” Nancy Pelosi told Global News on Wednesday. “The young people, everyone, are so happy.” 1:04 Harris Running Mate Tim Walz Calls Trump, Vance ‘Weird as Hell’ Asked whether she believes Democrats have a winning campaign under Harris and Walz, Pelosi said: “Oh, we have to win. There’s no question about that.” The email you need for the day The top news from Canada and around the world. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years before running for governor of Minnesota in 2018. A 24-year veteran of the National Guard, Walz rose to prominence in Congress as an advocate for veterans and agriculture issues, earning particular praise for helping to build bipartisan consensus on veterans’ health and education benefits during then-President Donald Trump’s controversial presidency. The story continues below the advertisement Pelosi said veterans’ issues in particular are “a national and global priority” for Democrats. Walz was first elected in 2006, as part of the freshman class that helped Democrats win the House majority. That majority then elected Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, making her the first woman to hold the office. Nancy Pelosi has continued to wield her power among Democrats since leaving the House speakership last year. She reportedly had private conversations with Biden that helped convince him to end his reelection bid after weeks of resistance, opening the door for Harris to replace him. As Harris weighed who to choose as her running mate, The Associated Press, Reuters and other outlets reported Wednesday that Pelosi — who has maintained she has no preference and will not provide input into the selection process — had endorsed Walz. According to the US media, this may have helped put Walz ahead of other more prominent candidates, such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Walz also saw his media profile increase after he was credited with calling Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, “weirdos”. 2:43 America Votes: Who Is Tim Walz and Why Kamala Harris Chose Him as Her Running Mate After rallying voters in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Harris and Walz launched their first cross-country campaign blitz on Wednesday, traveling to Wisconsin, Michigan and other key states that will be crucial to winning in November. Fashionable now Olympic Triathletes Get Sick After Swimming in the Seine. What We Know So Far Two suspects still at large after dangerous persons alert lifted in Wheatland County, Alberta: police The story continues below the advertisement The Democrats narrowly crossed paths with Vance on the tarmac at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Wisconsin, where their respective planes landed as both campaigns close in on Midwestern voters. Vance and the Trump campaign held their own rally in Wisconsin and also followed the Harris-Walz team to Michigan later Wednesday for a competing event. From Wednesday, FiveThirtyEight’s national poll average showed Harris leading Trump by nearly two points nationally, with even narrower leads in those battlegrounds. Harris’ campaign says it raised $36 million from donors in the 24 hours after Walz announced her candidacy. That’s on top of the more than $310 million it raised in the past month, including $200 million in the first week after Biden endorsed Harris as his replacement. “Kamala Harris needs to do everything she can to increase voter turnout among Democrats,” Jennifer Lawless, professor and chair of the political science department at the University of Virginia, told Global News. “Donald Trump needs to do the same thing among Republicans. And then they need to fight for those who haven’t made up their minds yet.” Democrats and political analysts have praised Walz’s selection, which is capable of communicating liberal policies in a way that speaks to independent voters in these swing states, which could make all the difference in such a tight race. “Although Tim Walz has a very liberal political record in Minnesota, it’s the kind of liberal political record that I think addresses a lot of kitchen-sink issues,” said Andra Gillespie, a political science professor at Emory University in Atlanta. The story continues below the advertisement That record includes free school meals for children and free tuition for students from low-income families, paid family and medical leave, and health insurance coverage regardless of a person’s immigration status. Walz and Democratic lawmakers who control the state legislature have also passed laws protecting access to abortion and gender reaffirming care for transgender minors. Trump, Vance and other Republicans have criticized…

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Who is Tim Walz? What you need to know about Kamala Harris’ running mate – National

American voters and the rest of the world are about to get to know the governor of Minnesota. Tim Walz much better. The two-term Democratic governor was appointed by the U.S. vice president Kamala Harris be his presidential campaign running mate on Tuesdayending a fast-track search for a vice presidential candidate as the race for the White House intensifies. The choice of Walz, 60, came after he quickly became one of the Democrats’ top messengers, presenting liberal policy positions in a common-sense way that could appeal to Midwestern voters whose support Harris needs to win the presidency. He is also credited with being the first to call Republican candidates Donald Trump and JD Vance “weirdos,” which took Harris’ campaign and Democrats in general by storm. “It’s a pretty safe choice,” said Matthew Lebo, a political science professor at Western University who studies American politics. The story continues below the advertisement “He’s very down to earth and can explain liberal values ​​and what the priorities of government should be in a way that talks about the social safety net and helping people build their lives, rather than saying ‘we’re taxing you more.’” Walz state also shares an 885-kilometer border with Canada, as well as a trade economy worth billions of dollars each year. 2:14 Trade Issues: What Would a Kamala Harris Presidency Mean for the US Economy? Walz was born in West Point, Nebraska, a community of about 3,500 northwest of Omaha. Walz joined the National Guard and became a teacher in Nebraska. The story continues below the advertisement He and his wife Gwen moved to Mankato in southern Minnesota in the 1990s, where he continued his teaching career and coached the high school football team. Walz served 24 years in the National Guard before retiring from a field artillery battalion in 2005 as a command sergeant major, one of the Army’s highest ranks. He entered politics in 2006 by defeating six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht for a U.S. congressional seat, demonstrating his ability to connect with conservative voters. He also capitalized on anger toward then-President George W. Bush and the Iraq War. The email you need for the day The top news from Canada and around the world. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. During his six terms in the House of Representatives, Walz became known as an advocate for veterans’ issues. He was praised for helping to achieve bipartisan consensus. for veterans’ health and education benefits during Trump’s divided term. FILE – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Planned Parenthood, March 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher, File). When he successfully ran for governor of Minnesota in 2018, he presented Democratic ideals such as union organizing, workers’ rights and a higher minimum wage in a way that appealed to rural middle-class voters who otherwise vote Republican. The story continues below the advertisement “He expresses liberalism in a very Canadian way,” Lebo said. “He’s a hunter, but he understands the meaning of gun laws. He’s liberal when it comes to expanding the social safety net.” What could Walz mean for Canada? As governor, Walz sought to further deepen economic ties with Canada, which is by far the state’s largest trading partner. The Minnesota government says total two-way trade was valued at US$21 billion last year, while exports to Canada were worth US$7 billion, “making Canada the largest single buyer in Minnesota’s $25 billion export portfolio.” These exports include energy and agricultural products, including ethanol, corn and iron ore. According to the Business Council of Canada, 70% of snowmobiles built in Minnesota are exported to Canada, while Minnesota sources only its natural gas, crude oil and electricity from Canada. The story continues below the advertisement The Canadian Consulate General in Minneapolis said in March that “Canada buys more from Minnesota than the next six countries combined.” In June, Walz traveled to Canada with an economic and agricultural delegation seeking to promote their states as a business and investment destination. Canada and Minnesota each have more than 60 companies operating in their respective states, employing thousands of local workers. Fashionable now British Columbia landslide: Video shows structure swept away by floodwaters at Chilcotin River site Tim Walz: Kamala Harris nominates Minnesota governor as VP Walz met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at Queen’s Park during his trip, and Ford highlighted the “billions of dollars of two-way trade” between their economies and the need to “protect and grow” those ties. Lebo said Walz’s understanding of Canada-U.S. trade relations, along with Harris’ experience growing up in Montreal, could ensure Canada remains a top priority if they win in November. 6:53 Kamala Harris’ Canadian Connection The Canadian government is trying to be ready to face whichever party takes the White House. Special attention was paid to Trump’s possible returnwho has He has promised to impose drastic tariffs on international imports. The story continues below the advertisement Walz has promoted “middle-of-the-road” policies that allow businesses to remain competitive and pursue free trade while protecting jobs and wages. Harris, meanwhile, could maintain the “Buy American” policy that began under Trump but has continued under President Joe Biden. The next U.S. administration will also oversee the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (CUSMA), which was negotiated under the Trump administration to replace NAFTA. During his first term, Walz managed to strike a compromise with Republicans in a divided legislature to maintain funding and accessibility for social services. But his second term, with a full Democratic majority and a huge budget surplus, saw more sweeping changes. Walz and lawmakers enacted abortion protections and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, legalized recreational marijuana, funded free school lunches for children and free tuition at public universities for students from low-income families, paid family and…

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Federal Minister Pablo Rodriguez receives “numerous requests” to lead Quebec Liberals

By Maura Forrest The Canadian Press Published on August 5, 2024 at 9:43 a.m. 1 min read Reduce the font size of the article Increase the font size of the article A spokesperson for the Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez said he is receiving “a lot of requests” to join the race for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party. But Rodriguez, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Quebec lieutenant, has not confirmed whether he will seek the leadership of the provincial party. Jacques Martineau, Rodriguez’s communications director, says the minister is “sincerely touched by the many requests he has received” to make the jump to provincial politics. Latest news from Canada and around the world sent to your email address, as it happens. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. A source familiar with the Quebec Liberal leadership race said the minister is seriously considering a run for the party leadership. The source requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. However, the source expressed some doubts about whether Rodriguez is the right person for the job, in part because he carries the baggage of nine years in the federal Liberal government. Fashionable now Your ‘summer cold’ could be due to COVID-19, doctors say Fans heartbroken after women’s soccer team loses Olympics The story continues below the advertisement The Quebec Liberal Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The party will choose its new leader next June. Former Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre is the only official candidate in the running so far. Rodriguez began his political career in Quebec, where he was a member of the youth wing of the provincial Liberals in the 1990s. He served as a Liberal MNA from 2004 to 2011, and again since 2015. He has been a minister since 2018 and also acts as a key advisor and spokesperson on issues related to Quebec. © 2024 The Canadian Press Source link

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Witness fears MP’s treatment will prevent other survivors from speaking out – National

A witness who left a House of Commons committee hearing on violence against women In tears this week after the meeting descended into arguments, she said she fears the incident will make it harder for other survivors to come forward. In a series of conversations with Global News, Cait Alexander, who testified before the status of women committee that she narrowly survived a violent and abusive relationship, said her experience on Parliament Hill broke her heart and left her furious that the message she came to Ottawa to deliver had been overshadowed. “It takes courage to speak out,” she said. “It takes courage to confront someone when you don’t know how they’re going to react to your situation. And the way that situation was handled was exactly the fear that every survivor and every victim feels.” “That’s why I call it ‘abuse’…because it’s the same mental manipulation and minimization of our experience that keeps us from coming forward.” The story continues below the advertisement Emergency Committee Meeting on Wednesday was called by the Conservatives in the middle of the parliamentary summer recess to hear from advocates for victims of domestic violence and a deputy police chief from Peel Region, in light of several recent high-profile cases and crime data recently released by Statistics Canada. But the meeting derailed shortly after opening statements, with Liberal and NDP members accusing the Conservatives of rushing the meeting for political purposes and failing to include witnesses from at-risk Indigenous and LGBTQ2 communities. 0:54 Manitoba killings highlight ‘epidemic of violence against women’ in Canada, Singh says Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld told the committee meeting that she and all committee members care about the issue of gender-based violence, then asked for debate on a motion related to abortion rights, which the Liberals say would be in jeopardy under a Conservative government. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre denied the accusation. NDP MP Leah Gazan, who is Indigenous, then raised several points of order to speak and, after being allowed to do so, spoke at length about abortion access and the lack of marginalized voices at Wednesday’s meeting, reading from prepared remarks. The story continues below the advertisement Vandenbeld’s motion set off a lengthy back-and-forth on the proceedings, leaving Alexander and Megan Walker, an advocate for ending gender-based violence, sitting silently at the witness table. Latest news from Canada and around the world sent to your email address, as it happens. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. As the debate on procedure continued, Alexander and Walker turned their backs on the committee and stormed out of the room. “I think it was very childish, on all sides,” Alexander said Thursday. That includes the Conservatives, she said, who have since repeatedly attacked the Liberals and the NDP over what happened. “I don’t have a partisan agenda. I’m very upset that this issue has been turned into a debate about this topic when it shouldn’t be. “Our trauma will not be used for political purposes.” 4:14 Bill C-332 aims to protect against domestic violence The meeting heard some enlightening testimony before deviating from the subject. The story continues below the advertisement Nick Milinovich, deputy chief of Peel Regional Police, said in his region alone, data shows “one woman is strangled every day.” He detailed some of the victims of recent femicides in Peel, who he said account for nearly 20 per cent of the 114 homicides so far this year. Alexander shared graphic photos of the abuse she suffered during her opening statement and read a list of related cases, including that of Breanna Broadfoot, 17, was killed in what Ontario police say was a domestic violence incident. Alexander, a Canadian citizen who lives in Los Angeles, told Global News that she immediately began reaching out to survivors and victims’ families to get permission to share their stories as soon as she received the invitation to appear before the committee from her staff. Fashionable now China Plans to Raise Retirement Age. Could Canada Follow Suit? Aerial video of B.C. landslide ‘heartbreaking’ and ’emotional,’ says First Nation chief Statistics Canada’s latest annual report on police-reported crime, released last week, shows the number of female homicide victims last year was almost identical to that of 2022 — 205 women killed — despite a 14% drop in the total number of homicide victims during the same period. Homicides against women increased by 31% compared to 2019, compared to 12% for all sexes. The new data also shows that reports to police of unwanted sex, touching and sexual assault with a weapon have increased by 75 and 96 percent, respectively, since 2015. The story continues below the advertisement A survivor advocate from British Columbia said the way the meeting unfolded showed that committee members did not fully appreciate the testimony presented, nor the importance of survivors and advocates appearing in person. “We need to honour these stories,” said Dalya Israel, executive director of the Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre in Vancouver. “We need to be aware of the realities and horrors that people are experiencing, regardless of what government they support or represent or where they come from.” 4:49 National campaign to end gender-based violence Vandenbeld and the Liberals did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Global News. An NDP spokesperson said Friday that Gazan was unavailable for comment after multiple requests to his office and the party. Vandenbeld said in a statement to The Canadian Press on Thursday that she deeply regretted the “distress this meeting caused witnesses.” The story continues below the advertisement “This is not an apology,” said Alexander, who demanded one. She said she has not heard directly from Mr. Vandenbeld, but has spoken privately to other MPs, both on and off the committee – including Conservatives, Liberals…

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China Considers Raising Retirement Age. Could Canada Follow Suit? – National

China is the latest in a series of countries planning to gradually raise the legal rate retirement age as the world’s aging population forces governments to reform their pension systems. Delaying retirement also “makes sense” and could have “many benefits” in other countries, including Canada, as the country grapples with labour shortages and a Record fertility rateexperts say. But could it happen? There is no mandatory retirement age in Canada, but the standard age to start receiving public pensions is 65. according to the federal government. Canadian seniors can also start receiving the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension from age 60 or up to age 70. This is a taxable monthly benefit that replaces part of a person’s income when they retire and those who are entitled to it receive it for the rest of their lives. The story continues below the advertisement Another type of public pension is the Old Age Security (OAS)which is a monthly payment if you are 65 or older. However, with Canada’s population aging “very rapidly” due to historically low birth rates, it “makes sense” from a demographic and economic perspective to raise the retirement age, said Don Kerr, a demographer at King’s University College at Western University in London, Ont. “As a society, we have to recognize that if we don’t want to have children and if our population is changing rapidly, we have to adapt to the aging population and this would be one way to do that,” Kerr told Global News in an interview. Politically, however, it could be “a very difficult sell,” he added. 3:15 What is Old Age Security (OAS) and who is eligible? The previous Conservative government, led by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper had raised the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) from 65 to 67 years old. The story continues below the advertisement The policy change, which was to be implemented starting in April 2023, was later abandoned by the Liberals after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to power in 2015. Currently, the federal government is not considering increasing the age of eligibility for public pensions. The office of Minister of Labour and Seniors Steve MacKinnon told Global News that the retirement age “has been brought back to 65, where it should be.” “Seniors have worked hard their entire lives. They deserve to age with dignity,” MacKinnon’s office said in an emailed statement. Why is China raising the retirement age? China’s legal retirement age is already one of the lowest in the world: 60 for men, 55 for women working in offices and 50 for women working in factories. Financial news and information delivered to your email every Saturday. Receive weekly financial news Receive expert insights, questions and answers on markets, housing, inflation and personal finance every Saturday. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. On July 22, authorities outlined in a policy paper plans to allow workers to choose to continue working beyond retirement age for the first time. The reforms outlined in the paper are expected to be completed by 2029, they added. The story continues below the advertisement The development comes as life expectancy in China has risen to 78 years, surpassing that of the United States, and is expected to exceed 80 years by 2050. The country has also experienced a declining birth rate and an aging population. which fell for a second consecutive year in 2023. Economists say China’s current pension system, which relies on a shrinking workforce to pay pensions for a growing number of retirees, is unsustainable and needs to be reformed. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, 11 of China’s 31 provinces are running a pension budget deficit. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-run body, estimates that the pension system will run out of money by 2035.

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Why did China file a complaint with Canada over a warship? – National

Reduce the font size of the article Increase the font size of the article China has filed complaints with Canada through military and diplomatic channels after a Canadian warship crossed the Taiwan The Taiwan Strait has been hit by an explosion, China’s Defense Ministry said Friday. The act “provoked unrest and caused trouble,” the ministry said in a statement. “We warn Canada that it must adhere to the one-China principle and be cautious in its words and deeds on the Taiwan issue,” ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said. 11:00 Exclusive Global News video shows close-quarters collision between Chinese warship and U.S. destroyer in Taiwan Strait The frigate sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what Ottawa called a commitment to an open Indo-Pacific, drawing a rebuke from China that naval exercise On July 31, peace was shattered. The story continues below the advertisement Canada’s Department of National Defence said HMCS Montreal “recently completed a routine transit” through the strait, which Defence Minister Bill Blair said was a reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to a “free, open and inclusive” Indo-Pacific. Latest news from Canada and around the world sent to your email address, as it happens. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. “As stated in our Indo-Pacific Strategy“Canada is increasing the presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region,” Blair said, referring to Canada’s plan for the region announced in 2022. 0:44 Canada considers joining AUKUS after ‘excellent conversations’ with US, UK and Australia, Trudeau says Fashionable now ‘Massive’ landslide in British Columbia expected in next 24 to 48 hours, officials say Olympic swimmer collapses after qualifying race, is carried off on stretcher Li Xi, spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, said the Canadian frigate’s passage had “harassed and disrupted the situation and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” Chinese troops, he added, are on constant alert and are “ready to respond to any threats and provocations.” China claims sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan and asserts jurisdiction over the nearly 180-kilometer-wide waterway that separates the two sides. The story continues below the advertisement 0:30 Canadian Joly heads to China after years of diplomatic tensions Source link

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Liberal MP accused of derailing committee as witness demands apology – National

A witness who left a parliamentary committee meeting in tears Wednesday is demanding an apology from a Liberal MP who shut down a scheduled discussion on violence against women in favor of a debate on abortion rights. Cait Alexander was on Parliament Hill to testify at a rare summer hearing of the House of Commons Status of Women Committee when she said Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld revictimized her as a survivor of domestic violence. “I’m completely stunned,” Alexander said in an interview after Wednesday’s meeting. “That’s exactly how I’ve felt over the last few years, when I literally show my bludgeoned, bloodied, bruised body and the people who hold authority and power in this country say, ‘Well, we care about you.’ But then they silence you.” The story continues below the advertisement Vandenbeld, who is parliamentary secretary to the minister of international development, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Alexander was one of two witnesses who stormed out of a meeting set up so MPs could hear from advocates for victims of domestic violence and a deputy chief of Peel Regional Police. The meeting was planned after the murder of 17-year-old Breanna Broadfoot in London, Ont., who police said was a victim of domestic violence. 2:08 NS researcher tackles violence against women Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said last week that the suspect had already been arrested but was released before the fatal attack, and criticized the Liberal government’s bail policy. Although witnesses before the committee tried to argue in a similar way that the current justice and bail systems fail to meet the needs of victims, the session quickly derailed and devolved into a mess of political wrangling. The story continues below the advertisement During her opening remarks, Alexander, who leads the advocacy group End Violence Everywhere, shared her personal story as her family looked on from park benches behind her. The email you need for the day The top news from Canada and around the world. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. “I’m supposed to be dead,” she told the committee, showing MPs graphic photos of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriend three years ago. “If you haven’t met a survivor and victim’s family yet, well, now you have.” It didn’t take long for Alexander’s family members to criticize the MPs for their partisan attitude that degenerated into procedural chaos. Her mother told Vandenbeld she was “disappointed” and that the whole thing amounted to further abuse of her daughter. It all started when Vandenbeld was given the floor to ask questions of the witnesses. She briefly explained how much she cared about the survivors’ testimony and outlined some of the steps the federal government has taken to address violence against women. She then criticized the Conservatives for politicizing the issue by calling the meeting in the summer with little notice, preventing other parties from preparing or recommending additional witnesses. “We are not using victims and survivors of trauma to try to score political points on this committee,” she said. “I think it’s cruel to make people relive the trauma that they’ve been through just to have a meeting and if it’s not accepted, there’s all sorts of social media saying that liberals or others don’t care about this issue, when as we all know, we care deeply about it.” The story continues below the advertisement Instead of getting back to the topic at hand, Vandenbeld then called for a debate on a motion on abortion rights – an issue the Liberals have been trying to corner the Conservatives on for months. “That’s the problem. Did she listen to what was said this morning?” asked another witness, Megan Walker, who lives in London and campaigns to end male violence against women. After that, the meeting turned into a long exchange of views between the deputies, with several points of order being raised before the president. 1:42 Regina experts weigh in on TikTok trend, opening dialogue on violence against women Fashionable now Toronto terror suspects film video with weapons and ISIS flag Suspected mastermind of 9/11 attacks pleads guilty, Pentagon says NDP MP Leah Gazan confronted the Conservative chair of the committee for not allowing her to suggest witnesses for the meeting. “I am disgusted,” she said. “I am ground zero for murdered and missing indigenous women and girls.” The story continues below the advertisement Shortly after, Alexander left the room in tears. Walker turned his back on the committee and followed him. Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri lambasted Vandenbeld for derailing the meeting and said the victims had come forward to testify in order to bring about “legitimate change.” She apologized to Alexander’s mother, who was standing behind the witness table. “‘Sorry’ is not enough – we heard ‘sorry,’” Alexander’s mother told the committee. The meeting was adjourned shortly afterwards. Alexander later said the whole ordeal had been re-traumatic and that the committee’s actions were “exactly the type of behaviour that allowed my attacker to get away with it”. Alexander travelled to Ottawa from Los Angeles to testify and stressed that she did not make the trip for partisan reasons. She saw it as an opportunity to shine a light on her story and those of countless other women who have had similar experiences, she said. While abortion is a “serious issue” that deserves attention, she called the actions of the committee and Vandenbeld “abusive” and accused the Liberal of trying to use her trauma for political gain. “It’s so disrespectful, inhumane and honestly mean to not allow us to have a healthy conversation about what was supposed to be discussed, and to have the audacity to do something like this,” she said. The story continues below the advertisement Ferreri said in a statement that the…

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Data shows violent crime has increased since 2015. Police say that’s not all – National

Recently released data on the increase in violent crime Travel across Canada tells only part of the story, according to a national police organization. The volume and severity of police-reported crime is following “an upward trend that began in 2015,” Statistics Canada said in a report released last week. The violent crime severity index was “virtually unchanged” last year, the statistics agency said, due to a decline in more serious crimes such as homicides. However, violent crimes such as assaults, robberies and extortion increased by nearly seven per cent, according to Statistics Canada. But the National Police Federation (NPF), the union that represents about 20,000 RCMP members, says the data may not fully reflect the reality of crime rates across the country, something Statistics Canada also notes. “An armed robbery in a small town in Saskatchewan, for example, skews the violent crime data across Saskatchewan,” NPF President and CEO Brian Sauvé told Global News in an interview. The story continues below the advertisement “Saskatchewan has a lot of small towns. But does that make Saskatchewan a particularly violent province?” 1:34 Crime on the rise in Saskatchewan, police statistics show The overall crime severity index increased by two per cent in 2023, according to the Statistics Canada report, marking a third consecutive annual increase. The nonviolent crime severity index increased 3 percent last year, following a 5 percent increase the year before. The most recent increase was driven by a 5 percent increase in police-reported motor vehicle thefts — a topic of growing concern and attention over the past year — and double-digit increases in fraud and shoplifting. When it comes to violent crime, the severity index has increased by 32% since 2015, the year when, as the Conservatives point out, the current Liberal government was first elected. The new data also appears to confirm another Conservative argument: the total number of violent Criminal Code offences reported to police has increased by nearly 50 per cent since 2015. The story continues below the advertisement “Total and violent violations of the Criminal Code” is a generic term This includes homicide, attempted murder, assault, including sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Thursday blamed the rise in crime on current government policies, blaming both the governing Liberals and the NDP, which supported the Liberals in key confidence votes over the past two years. 2:07 Canada sees rise in violent gun-related crime, Statistics Canada says Sauvé said he has heard the “frustration” of NPF RCMP members, who are increasingly being called upon to deal not only with crime, but also with increasing mental health incidents and drug overdoses. Latest news from Canada and around the world sent to your email address, as it happens. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. He said all levels of government are responsible for cutting supports and the lack of “robust public safety continuity plans” to ensure people do not resort to crime or violence. “There is a growing desperation among people… who may not be able to pay their rent for the month and feel they have no choice but to resort to something drastic,” he said. The story continues below the advertisement “The real question is not ‘why is there more crime’ but ‘why are people more dissatisfied with their lot in life?’” Several recent surveys suggested Canadians are increasingly concerned about their personal finances in a context of rising costs of living, including inflation and high interest rates. Bail policies under fire again On Thursday, Poilievre also stressed the recent murder of 17-year-old Breanna Broadfoot17-year-old, who police say was a victim of domestic violence. The Conservative leader said the suspect had been arrested previously but was released before the fatal attack on Broadfoot. “She is just the latest victim of the radical, crazy, catch-and-release justice system put in place by the Liberals and the NDP,” Poilievre said at a news conference outside a schoolyard. “This allows the same violent repeat offenders to go free again and again.” Fashionable now Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran, activist group says The Loonie Is Wobbling. Here’s Why the Fed Could Give It a Boost The story continues below the advertisement

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Canada, other Western countries urge citizens to leave Lebanon immediately – National

Canada is on a growing list of Western governments urging their citizens to leave the country Lebanon or avoid going there, as fears grow about escalating tensions between Israel And Hezbollah could degenerate into war. “There are no ongoing evacuation operations for Canadians currently in Lebanon and you should not rely on the Government of Canada for future assisted departures or evacuations,” Global Affairs Canada said in an email to Canadians registered with the Lebanon. The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany have also issued travel warnings, while several European airlines including Lufthansa, Air France and Eurowings have cancelled flights to Beirut International Airport. 3:08 Israel hits Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after deadly attack on Golan Heights “In light of the recent escalation of hostilities, we remind all Canadians in Lebanon of our ongoing commitment Travel Tips “Flights from Beirut airport are scheduled to depart Lebanon while some commercial flights are still available. Some airlines have already temporarily suspended service to Beirut airport. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice,” Global Affairs Canada said. The story continues below the advertisement Lebanon is bracing for retaliation from Israel after a deadly missile strike over the weekend. Latest news from Canada and around the world sent to your email address, as it happens. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. A rocket hit a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teenagers. 2:08 Israel-Gaza: Hezbollah vows to intensify fighting after death of top commander Israel has accused Hezbollah of carrying out the strike, which the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group denies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, a price it has not yet paid.” The deaths have heightened fears that months of conflict in the border region could escalate into a wider regional war, as fighting in Gaza continues to rage. Fashionable now Two children killed in UK knife attack, suspect in custody Canadian seniors receive a supplement to their old age benefits. How much is it? Senior negotiators from Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt met in Rome over the weekend to try to revive a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. The story continues below the advertisement 1:59 Biden, Harris meet Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire At the same time, a frantic diplomatic campaign is underway to try to avoid a deeper conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the situation “very worrying” and urged “all parties to proceed with caution.” The day before, White House spokesman John Kirby had condemned the strike and called for diplomacy. “We certainly do not believe that, as horrific as this attack was over the weekend, it should lead to any escalation or risk of a larger war,” Kirby said. “No nation can tolerate threats as serious as those facing the Israelis. At the same time, we believe that there is still time and opportunity to find a diplomatic solution,” he added. The story continues below the advertisement — with files from the Associated Press © 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Source link

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Can increased competition lower Canadian airfares? Watchdog launches investigation – National

Canada’s competition watchdog is scanning the skies for ways to improve the country’s airline industry, studying whether new policies could attract more airlines to the sector and lower prices for passengers. THE Competition Bureau launched its investigation into the state of competition in the Canadian sector on Monday. airline industrywhich, according to the terms of his study, is already heavily concentrated between two major players, Air Canada And WestJet. Together, the two airlines represent 80 percent of the Canadian airline industry’s capacity, as measured by the sector’s seat-kilometre metric. As these airlines reduce their operations regionally (WestJet is concentrating its efforts in the west and Air Canada in the east), and new airlines such as Lynx Air Collapse or struggling after takeoff, the competition watchdog is examining whether Canadian aviation policy is deficient when it comes to introducing and supporting new entrants. The story continues below the advertisement The study will examine new dynamics in Canadian aviation, such as the introduction of ultra-low-cost carriers and consumer demand for direct flights or the use of secondary airports, for example, while looking for gaps in the policy landscape. The survey will answer questions such as: “Should government action promote greater competition from international players on domestic routes?” The email you need for the day The top news from Canada and around the world. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. By providing your email address, you have read and agreed to Global News’ Terms of Use. Terms and conditions And Privacy Policy. The Competition Bureau finds that there is evidence that domestic airfares are relatively high in Canada and remain above pre-pandemic levels. 1:57 Canadian airfare prices soar as summer approaches The study will examine whether consumers have enough information to make informed choices about their tariffs and other ways in which policymakers could provide more competitive options. The introductory report suggests the study could help the federal government combat fees charged to consumers for seat selection or checked baggage. The story continues below the advertisement “Supporting competition in this sector will help reduce prices for consumers, improve the quality of service and working conditions, increase productivity and stimulate innovation,” the study states. Fashionable now Jasper damage map released as park’s largest wildfire in 100 years rages Canadian seniors receive a supplement to their old age benefits. How much is it? The study does not presume any wrongdoing by the airlines, but the Competition Commissioner will investigate if the investigation reveals evidence that competition law has been violated. The Competition Bureau intends to publish its findings by June 30, 2025, but notes that the timeline could change. Competition in Canada’s industries has been a hot topic lately. The Liberal government gave the Competition Bureau new powers last fall, including the ability to demand documents from companies as part of its market studies. Last year, the Competition Bureau released a report arguing for greater competition in Canada’s grocery sector to keep prices under control. The watchdog is also specifically investigating the parent companies of Loblaw and Sobeys for alleged anti-competitive behavior. Competitive forces are declining in Canada while profits and margins are rising. a Competition Bureau report released late last year find. 2:49 Competition Bureau investigates conduct of Loblaw and Sobeys owners © 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Source link

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