Politics

THE Mexican Government suspended its relations with the WE And canadian The country’s embassies have closed, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday, after their ambassadors criticized a judicial reform bill he supports. “There is a pause,” Lopez Obrador said at a news conference, specifying that the freeze concerned embassies and not countries. Mexico’s president wants to reform the election of judges, including those of the Supreme Court, by universal suffrage. A committee of the lower house of Mexico’s Congress approved the proposal Monday night, paving the way for its adoption by the new Congress, which will take office in September. Supporters of the reform say it will strengthen democracy and help fix a system they say is failing the public, while critics say it will skew power in favor of the executive, end judges’ careers and make courts more vulnerable to criminal influence. The story continues below the advertisement U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar last week called the reform “a major risk to the functioning of Mexican democracy” and warned of a potential risk to U.S.-Mexico trade relations. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. The United States and Mexico are each other’s largest trading partners. 2:30 Visa-free travel to Mexico has been a ‘bilateral irritant’ to Canada-U.S. relations, internal documents show Canadian Ambassador to Mexico Graeme Clark also warned of investment concerns. Later Tuesday, after Lopez Obrador’s comments, Salazar released a diplomatic note from the embassy, ​​dated August 23. “The United States supports the concept of judicial reform in Mexico, but we are deeply concerned that popular election of judges would not solve the problem of judicial corruption or strengthen the judicial power of the Mexican government,” the note reads. Current trend Cirque du Soleil aerial acrobat hospitalized after falling in front of audience Activist who took over from Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Khalistan campaign warns of risk to his life The Canadian Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The story continues below the advertisement Lopez Obrador had criticized what he called Salazar’s interference in domestic politics. “How are we going to allow the ambassador to give his opinion, to say that what we are doing is wrong?” Lopez Obrador added. “We are not going to tell him to leave the country. But let him read our Constitution, yes, we will tell him.” Salazar had previously said he was open to talks with Mexican government leaders to discuss different justice models. Lopez Obrador said the “pause” would continue until “the embassies have confirmation that they will respect Mexico’s independence.” The US diplomatic note states that the country has “the greatest respect for Mexico’s sovereignty.” The Mexican peso MXN= was down 1.65% in early afternoon trading. The percentage has fallen sharply since the June elections, in which Lopez Obrador’s preferred successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, won the presidency and her Morena party and its allies won a supermajority in the lower house and nearly a supermajority in the Senate. A two-thirds majority vote is required to amend the Constitution, which judicial reform should do. –Reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez, Raul Cortes and Kylie Madry; editing by Sarah Morland and Paul Simao Learn more about Canada Related Videos Source link

The federal government is taking steps to limit the number of low-wage workers. temporary foreign workers in Canada, with the exception of certain sectors. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement Monday in Halifax, where the Liberal cabinet meets for a summer retreat. “We are tightening the rules and limiting eligibility to reduce the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers in Canada, with exceptions in certain sectors like health care, construction and food security,” Trudeau said. As of September 26, the government will refuse applications for low-wage temporary foreign workers in regions where the unemployment rate is six percent or higher. For employers, there will be a 10% cap on employees from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and a reduction in the maximum employment period from two to one year. according to Employment and Social Development Canada. The story continues below the advertisement This comes after Quebec announced its own limits on low-wage temporary foreign workers last week. A six-month freeze in Montreal which will come into force next month. 1:03 Federal government to limit number of temporary foreign workers, Trudeau says THE Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) allows non-Canadians to work in the country on a temporary basis. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault said the program was “designed to address labour shortages where qualified Canadians were unable to fill these positions.” “Right now, we know there are more qualified Canadians to fill the vacant positions,” he said in a statement. “The changes we are making today will put Canadian workers first and ensure Canadians can have confidence that the program is meeting the needs of our economy.” Canada unemployment rate remained at 6.4% in July after two consecutive monthly increases, according to the latest employment report from Statistics Canada. The story continues below the advertisement 2:26 Quebec to reduce number of temporary immigrants in Montreal and also plans to limit number of foreign students The TFW program has grown dramatically in recent years and has been criticized for reducing national wages and leaving workers vulnerable to abuse. The number of temporary foreign worker positions has more than doubled since 2016, according to ESDC data. It was the year after the federal Liberals were first elected in 2015. In 2023, a total of 239,646 TFW positions were approved, compared to 90,314 in 2016. However, not all positions result in a work permit or entry into Canada of a temporary foreign worker, the ministry emphasizes. Current trend Superyacht sinking: Captain investigated for manslaughter Park’N Fly data breach affects nearly a million customers The program was expanded in 2022 for several sectors experiencing labour shortages, increase the maximum proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers to 30% of each employer’s workforce. The story continues below the advertisement Trudeau said the program has helped the economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but with inflation slowing and employment levels up from before, the country no longer needs as many temporary foreign workers. “We need Canadian businesses to invest in training and technology and not increase their reliance on low-cost foreign labour,” he said. “It’s not fair to Canadians who are struggling to find good jobs, and it’s not fair to temporary foreign workers, some of whom are being mistreated and exploited.” Earlier this month, A damning report from the United Nations He described Canada’s temporary foreign worker program as a “breeding ground” for modern-day slavery because it creates a power imbalance that prevents employees from exercising their rights. In the days that followed, federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the program had no fatal flaws. but “needs reform.” 2:44 Canada’s unemployment rate didn’t change much in July, Statistics Canada says Speaking Monday, Trudeau said his government would also explore changes to the high-wage component of the temporary foreign worker program and other adjustments. The story continues below the advertisement A 90-day review will examine the changes while analyzing unemployment rates, Trudeau said. And this fall, Ottawa plans to unveil an immigration plan that will look at both permanent and temporary residents. “We are ensuring that the entire program meets the needs of Canadians and our economy as much as possible,” Trudeau said. — with The Canadian Press and Reuters. Learn more about Canada Related Videos © 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Source link

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Finance Minister Stephen Harper begins a three-day cabinet retreat in Halifax on Sunday, where the themes will be fairness and Canada-U.S. relations, but the feeling is still one of déjà vu. A year ago in Charlottetown, the cabinet hoped that its annual post-summer retreat and the massive cabinet shuffle that preceded it would breathe new life into the Liberal government. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Trudeau and his team are so far behind the Conservatives in the polls that if they had been on track, they would have been overtaken by now. And with the next election just a year away, the road to recovery is narrowing by the day. Interest rates began to fall. Inflation returned to normal. Wage growth was strong. The story continues below the advertisement But housing costs and availability remain extremely difficult, food prices are still high and the Liberals have been unable to counter Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s message that life has become more expensive and more dangerous under Trudeau. 0:51 Trudeau on Canadian rail workers’ work stoppage: ‘We don’t take this lightly’ In June, the Liberals lost a long-held Toronto seat to the Conservatives, further eroding what remained of the party’s fragile confidence in its ability to pull off a miraculous comeback with Trudeau still at the helm. The cabinet met briefly online over the summer to approve some appointments, but the working dinner that kicks off the retreat on Sunday will mark the first in-person meeting since the byelection. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. Marci Surkes, director of strategy at government relations firm Compass Rose and a former Liberal Party staffer, said most cabinet retreats are spent 90 per cent on government business and 10 per cent on policy and caucus management. This time around, she added, there may be more emphasis on the latter, particularly in more informal conversations on the sidelines of debates. The story continues below the advertisement “I think what’s on the agenda for this retreat is probably even less important than just the fact that it’s a meeting,” she said. This government “desperately needs” a fresh start, she said. But it may be about being more responsive to the constant changes happening in the world and in Canada, rather than trying to plan every step of the next six to 12 months before the vote. “I think the reality of this retreat is that in some ways it’s less about the agenda and the programming and more about having real, frank conversations about where they stand and whether they have the energy, the courage, the ideas and the will to continue,” Surkes said. The July 2023 cabinet shuffle saw seven ministers removed and seven new positions added, while 22 of the remaining 30 ministers were moved to other positions. Only minor changes have been made since then, and Trudeau has so far chosen not to reshuffle the cabinet until this fall. Surkes noted that some of the fallout from that 2023 shakeup is still being felt. 2:07 How would the Conservative government approach the hot topic of immigration? Current trend How Three Hitchhikers Made Rock History ‘A dangerous precedent’: Union responds to board’s order for railroad workers to return to work The Toronto-St. Paul’s byelection, which the Liberals lost in June, as well as an upcoming byelection in the Montreal riding of Lasalle-Émard, came after former cabinet ministers who lost their portfolios — Carolyn Bennett and David Lametti — chose to leave politics altogether. The story continues below the advertisement Bennett’s Toronto seat was lost to the Conservatives after being a Liberal stronghold for nearly 30 years, and Lametti’s is at risk of being taken by the NDP when that vote comes Sept. 16, which Surkes said would be a “devastating blow.” While the agenda may not be as exciting as the policy topics covered at the retreat, ministers have a clear agenda for their discussions. The retreat includes a full day of meetings Monday on housing, equity and affordability, and the middle class. Learn more about the policy Related Videos Tuesday is all about Canada-U.S. relations. Trudeau launched a new Team Canada mission to the United States earlier this year to advance Canada’s interests ahead of the presidential election. The strategy, which Surkes jokingly called the “maple charm offensive,” is aimed at bolstering Canada’s defences in case Donald Trump is re-elected to the White House in November, but there are still irritants in the relationship even if Kamala Harris takes office. Harris’ meteoric rise in the U.S. could be one of the things that gives liberals a boost. Her Democratic Party and liberals align on many policy fronts, from school lunches to women’s reproductive rights to climate change and clean energy. What is not lost on many liberals is that President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race has sparked a sudden surge of energy and momentum among Democrats. The story continues below the advertisement Speculation about Trudeau’s future has been a favourite game in Canadian political circles for years, even though the candidate has not suggested he plans to step down. Surkes says what happened to the Democrats won’t force Trudeau to follow Biden’s lead. “I expect the Liberals to borrow a lot of techniques and language, but I don’t think they’re going to see a radical change in who’s going to be at the front of the stage and on the podium. I don’t know if that’s what’s in store for the Liberals in the coming weeks,” she said. “But I’m confident that a lot of what we’re seeing there will be reflected in what’s going to happen here over the next six months in terms of the agenda.” © 2024 The Canadian Press Source link

A national association of grain producers has estimated that the railway labor dispute Farm closures are costing farmers $40 million to $50 million a day. One city councilor says the shutdown has disrupted residents’ daily lives. “We’re going to have to talk to our banks and our creditors and say, ‘Hey, you know what I thought I could do? I can’t do it anymore,’” Grain Growers of Canada president Andre Harpe told Global News. “It’s not a pleasant experience for anyone,” said Ahmed Yousef, a city councillor in Maple Ridge, B.C. Concern and frustration continue to grow as Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) trains are not running and with the Teamsters on the other national railroad, Canadian Nationalready to strike on Monday. Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon had already said he would impose final and binding arbitration to end the dispute and “ensure industrial peace.” The Canada Industrial Relations Board, a mediation body, could make its decision as early as Saturday. The story continues below the advertisement But the union representing all rail workers, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), said it was studying all options and the picket lines would remain in place. 1:48 Union Strikes in Canada: What’s Behind All the Labor Disputes? Harpe said the current shutdown is “particularly bad” for the agricultural sector because most farmers have started harvesting. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. He said many farmers have contracts to sell their grain as soon as they can – and “generally we don’t have enough storage space, we don’t plan on storing our crops,” he said, speaking from Alberta. “Basically, our income is cut off until the Teamsters actually get back to work and the railroads are operating at full capacity.” Further west, Maple Ridge, B.C., city councillor Ahmed Yousef said the West Coast Express commuter train uses CPKC tracks and is therefore not running. He says that has disrupted residents who work outside the city. The story continues below the advertisement Maple Ridge is part of the Greater Vancouver area. “We have seen a significant increase in traffic congestion on the roads,” he said. “Our community has been underserved for, I would say, a little over a decade now,” he said, adding that he hopes the situation proves they need more services. Eric Kam, an economics professor at Metropolitan University of Toronto, said about 32,000 people are moving to Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Learn more about Canada Related Videos He also said on the Roy Green show that farmers will not be able to get 75% of their fertilizer. “We’re going to see a kind of consumer hoarding, and people are going to start going out and buying whatever they can find, at whatever prices they can find,” Kam said. Current trend ‘A dangerous precedent’: Union responds to board’s order for railroad workers to return to work Liberals face storm clouds at Halifax cabinet meeting In reference to the 13-day 2023 British Columbia port strike, which took place at the Port of Vancouver estimated cost of $800 million per day — for a total of $10 billion — Kam suggested that a lengthy rail shutdown could cost Canada up to $3 billion in GDP. It also damages Canada’s reputation, he added. “This could be one of the pieces of evidence that Trump needs to cut back on trade with Canada.” The story continues below the advertisement Barry Eidlin, an associate professor of sociology at McGill University, said a number of long-term converging trends led to the Canada-wide conflict. The first, he told Global News, is stagnant wages, eroding benefits and diminishing job security that, in turn, have been “crystallized” by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The idea that these workers are being hailed as essential (during the pandemic) but then treated as disposable has really angered people,” he said. A tighter labor market after the pandemic has given workers greater bargaining power, Eidlin said. “As these strikes started to multiply, there was a contagion effect: workers looked at what was happening and said, ‘Oh, if they can do this, then maybe we can do it too.’” Eidlin, speaking generally about collective bargaining in recent years, said another factor was “increased expectations.” “One of the things we’ve seen in a lot of these strikes is that they’re the result of members rejecting contracts that were negotiated by the union leadership and sending the bargaining committee back to the table.” But forcing the parties back to the negotiating table may “reduce the employer’s incentive to reach an agreement.” “When you force an end to negotiations through binding arbitration or back-to-work legislation, you short-circuit the collective bargaining process.” The story continues below the advertisement — with material from Caryn Lieberman, Uday Rana, Amy Judd, Alissa Thibault and The Canadian Press © 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. 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Truckers The Canadian Rail Conference (CRCC), the union representing rail workers Canadian National Railwayissued a strike notice to CN on Friday. Workers will go on strike at 10 a.m. ET Monday, the union said. The strike notice comes after CN announced in a statement that it was ending the lockout in response to the federal government’s decision to impose binding arbitration in the ongoing labour dispute. “By bypassing the collective bargaining process and ordering binding arbitration, the federal government has undermined the foundation on which unions rely to improve wages and working conditions for all Canadians. Bargaining is also the primary means by which our union fights for rail safety, all of which outweigh short-term economic concerns,” TCRC President Paul Boucher said in a statement. The statement said the CCRI has not yet made a final decision on whether it will impose binding arbitration or end any work stoppage. The story continues below the advertisement In its statement released Thursday, CN said: “While CN awaits the formal order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the Company is taking this decision to accelerate the economic recovery.” 4:25 Why did Ottawa wait so long to intervene to end the rail dispute? The union representing rail workers said it was exploring options to challenge Ottawa’s decision. decision to request the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose final and binding arbitration to end the closure of Canada’s two largest railway lines. Speaking in Ottawa less than 24 hours after thousands of unionized workers at the country’s two largest rail companies were locked out, Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon said he would use his powers under the Canada Labour Code to “ensure industrial peace” and impose final and binding arbitration. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. He also said he had ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board to extend the term of the current collective agreement until a settlement is reached and to order a return to work. The story continues below the advertisement François Laporte, national president of Teamsters Canada, said Thursday that the union is speaking to its legal advisors and considering next steps. “We believe that the Supreme Court decision regarding our right to strike is a constitutional right. And we believe that the application of section 107 (of the Canada Labour Code) is not valid. We are studying our options in this situation,” he told reporters in Calgary on Friday.

In response to growing concerns about the increasing use of nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) among young people, particularly nicotine pouchesHealth Minister Mark Holland is putting in place restrictions aimed at limiting their appeal and accessibility. The measures, which will take effect on August 28, include strict advertising restrictions, bans on certain flavours and limits on behind-the-counter sales at pharmacies, Holland announced on Thursday. “Starting next Wednesday, a couple of things are going to happen. The first is that these products will be moved behind the counter. They will be delivered to pharmacies and will only be available on the other side of the counter,” Holland told Global News in an interview. “The second thing is that these absurd flavors that are aimed at our children are gone…so Tropical Breeze and Cool Berry Splash…whatever they are, they’re gone. Those products will be recalled and unavailable.” The story continues below the advertisement Nicotine pouches, designed to help people quit smoking, have been approved in Canada since October 2023 and are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Health Canada has approved the sale of Zonnica flavored nicotine pouch from Imperial Tobacco, which sells flavored pouches like Tropic Breeze and Berry Frost. According to the company’s website, Zonnic helps adult smokers quit smoking by delivering nicotine to the body in a controlled manner. 4:30 p.m. Health issues: Concerns over nicotine pouches The approved pouch contains four milligrams of nicotine per dose, roughly equivalent to three to four cigarettes, and is used by placing it in the mouth between the gums and the cheek or upper or lower lip. It then releases the nicotine into the system, similar to the snus pouches popular in Sweden. Nicotine pouches are not permitted for those under 18 years of age, but Health Canada has already declared that the sachets have become popular with young people and can be addictive. The story continues below the advertisement Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to the addictive properties of nicotine because brain development continues throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. Even using small amounts of nicotine can increase the risk of developing nicotine addiction in the future. Health Canada warns on its website. Last year, the introduction of nicotine pouches to the Canadian market sparked immediate concern from health organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society. Learn more about health Related Videos The Canadian Cancer Society is concerned that without adequate regulation, similar to that governing smoking, children are at risk of becoming addicted to these products. This issue has raised concerns not only in Canada, but also in other countries, where nicotine bells have been ringing over the growing use of nicotine pouches among youth. In 2023, the Netherlands and Belgium announced they were banning the sale of all types of nicotine pouches. Get weekly health news Get the latest medical news and health information delivered to your inbox every Sunday. A 2024 study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research Researchers found that while nicotine pouches are less toxic than cigarettes, they can still pose health risks, and the way tobacco companies market them may encourage youth initiation. “In the United States, the potential public health impact of oral nicotine pouches is particularly relevant given the continued rise in awareness and use, particularly among young adults,” the study said. “The wide variety of flavors of oral nicotine pouches and aggressive marketing campaigns have the potential to appeal to youth and young adults, providing an alternative pathway to nicotine addiction.” The story continues below the advertisement 1:17 Ottawa to take action on oral ‘nicotine pouches’ What are the new measures? Last November, after Canada approved the sale of nicotine pouches, Holland has pledged to close this regulatory gap which allowed their introduction. Since their launch, nicotine pouches have been available across Canada, in places like gas stations and convenience stores, as well as over-the-counter. They come in a wide variety of colours and flavours. The story continues below the advertisement Despite their legality, British Columbia implemented restrictions in Februarylimiting the sale of nicotine pouches to purchases in pharmacies. No prescription is required, but buyers must speak to a pharmacist to obtain one. Quebec has also taken a similar approach, authorizing the sale of nicotine pouches only in pharmacies. Health Canada now wants to expand its reach by applying these restrictions nationally. 2:26 British Columbia Premier announces new rules to restrict sale of flavoured ‘nicotine pouches’ Current trend What are the sticking points in the social negotiations regarding the closure of the railway network? “A significant amount of COVID” is expected in the fall. Are new vaccines coming? “We are deeply disturbed by the actions of tobacco companies. They have used a loophole that is supposed to help people quit smoking to get children hooked on nicotine pouches,” Holland said. The measures implemented include: Prohibit advertising or promotion, including labeling and packaging, that might be attractive to young people. Require that NRTs in new and emerging formats, such as nicotine pouches, be sold only by a pharmacist or someone working under the supervision of a pharmacist, and that they be stored behind the pharmacy counter. Ban the sale of NRT in new and emerging formats, such as nicotine pouches, with flavors other than mint or menthol. Require a front-of-package warning about nicotine addiction, as well as a clear indication of its intended use as a smoking cessation aid for adults trying to quit smoking. Require manufacturers to submit mock-ups of labels and packaging for all new or amended NRT licenses to ensure no appeal to youth. Holland stressed that there is no total ban on nicotine pouches, as he believes they help adults quit smoking. The story continues below the advertisement He expressed hope that these restrictions will lead to the “denormalization” of the industry. 1:51 Canadian health experts urge federal government to take action on flavoured nicotine pouches “One of the most important things we’ve done is we’ve kept a power that we can deploy now, before we have…

Canada’s labour minister said Wednesday night that “significant problems” remain in negotiations between the country’s two main railway companies and unions, a move that National closure of the rail network almost certain. Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon spoke to Global News in Calgary following a meeting with representatives from Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, a day after meeting with Canadian National and its union local in Montreal to urge all parties to reach an agreement. “I think it’s fair to say there are still significant issues to be resolved,” MacKinnon said. “But the parties are there and they’re working, and we’re obviously putting every effort into making sure they have everything they need to make the compromises that are necessary to get a deal done.” Freight trains across Canada are expected to grind to a halt as early as 12:01 a.m. Thursday as about 9,000 railway workers inch closer to a strike or lockout date. The story continues below the advertisement 1:46 Federal labour minister meets with parties in Calgary in hopes of averting rail strike The rail companies and the union have accused each other of refusing to engage on some sticking points, and mediators have been called in to try to break the impasse over scheduling issues and worker safety concerns. A shutdown would disrupt supply chains not only in Canada but across the continent, with U.S.-allied railroad workers pledging their support for Canadian Teamsters members on Wednesday. MacKinnon said he travelled to Montreal and Calgary to represent “those who don’t have a voice at this table,” including business owners and workers whose goods won’t be shipped and “the commuters, the farmers, the ranchers,” as well as average consumers. “The economic consequences would be significant and the impact on ordinary Canadians would be significant,” he said. “My job is to remind these parties that their responsibilities go far beyond their own interests at this table and that a lot of people are counting on them to get a deal done.” The story continues below the advertisement Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland urged Both sides have tried to reach an agreement, warning of the economic consequences of a market shutdown. Freeland said it was “unacceptable” for either side to risk a crisis she called a “self-inflicted wound.” 2:00 ‘We cannot tolerate self-inflicted injury’: Freeland on rail strike prospect Yet the federal government has so far resisted calls, including from some premiers, to intervene, on which MacKinnon has remained firm. Receive daily national news Get the day’s top political, business and current affairs news delivered to your inbox once a day. “We know that the most sustainable and beneficial trade agreements for both employers and employees are reached at the negotiating table,” he said. “Sometimes deadlines tend to focus attention… Sometimes you get a little momentum and you can solve problems quickly. That’s what we hope.” MacKinnon would not say whether he or the government would be willing to recall Parliament before its scheduled resumption on Sept. 16 to resolve a shutdown issue, but noted it is “not something that can be recalled in the blink of an eye.” The story continues below the advertisement The CPKC network connects Canada to Mexico via the United States, meaning a shutdown would also affect North American supply chains as a whole. A representative from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, one of the largest U.S. rail unions affiliated with the Teamsters, told Global News that its 51,000 members have been ordered not to cross any physical picket lines related to the labour dispute. That would mean U.S. railroaders could refuse to operate trains once they reach the Canadian border from the United States, and would not replace Canadian workers who walk off the job, the official said at a news conference to share internal communications. Current trend Ukraine launches one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow Republicans rally at Democratic convention with ‘common cause’ to elect Harris 1:55 Rail labour dispute could disrupt supply chain, affect travellers U.S. union members would still be required to pick up the slack for Canadian workers who walked off the job while operating trains in the United States, the official said, citing U.S. federal labor laws. The story continues below the advertisement “Our brothers and sisters at the TCRC have our 100% support in their fight against the CPKC and CN,” BLET National President Edward Hall said in a statement Wednesday. “Just as corporate greed is out of control in the United States, so it is in Canada.” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on social media Monday that his department is closely monitoring labor negotiations in Canada, as well as any potential impact on cross-border shipping. MacKinnon said he “exchanged voicemails” Wednesday with his U.S. counterpart, acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, and that Transportation Minister Pablo Rodriguez spoke with Buttigieg. “I know they’re monitoring the situation very closely,” he said, noting the potential repercussions across North America. “It’s not something that the Government of Canada is going to be indifferent to.”

The Conservative Party of Canada has removed a video that was intended to promote its Canadian values ​​but featured footage of what the defence minister’s office says were Russian fighter jets. The party acknowledged Monday that mistakes happen, while noting that the Liberals have faced backlash over archival footage in the past. The video in question was posted by the party on X on Saturday with the slogan “Canada. Our Home” and included a speech by leader Pierre Poilievre at the Calgary Stampede. In the video, Poilievre describes a Canadian man driving down a highway on his way to work after dropping his child off at school, and spots a brand new fighter jet in the sky. “They are flying a training mission in the sky, preparing to defend our home and our homeland,” Poilievre said. The story continues below the advertisement 1:48 Conservative MP pushes boundaries with fake news video The two planes that appear in the video as Poilievre uttered the sentence were Russian Su-17 and Su-27 aircraft, according to Defense Secretary Bill Blair’s spokesman. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. “Surprisingly, Mr. Poilievre’s dream for Canada includes Russian fighter jets flying over our glorious Prairies on a ‘training mission,’” Daniel Minden said in a statement Monday. Current trend How contagious is mpox? Why scientists say this strain is ‘worrying’ CBSA says ‘partial systems outage’ affecting airport services “This comes as Russia continues its illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine and against the international rules that keep us all safe.” X-rated users and New Democrats were also quick to point out that the planes appeared to be Russian-owned and that other stock footage used in the party’s video was not actually Canadian. “It’s one thing to use a stock photo, but it’s another to spin a fantasy in which Russia, America and Serbia represent your dream for the future of our country,” NDP deputy ethics critic Charlie Angus said in a statement. The story continues below the advertisement The New Democrats have since demanded that Poilievre denounce the use of “fake, bogus and fake” digital content. “The video has been removed – mistakes happen, as you can see here,” Conservative Party spokeswoman Sarah Fischer said, adding that a 2011 Liberal ad was reviewed for its use of stock footage. © 2024 The Canadian Press Source link

Party faithful feel invigorated by vice president Kamala Harris rapid rise to the top of the ticket as Democratic National Convention The kickoff will be in Chicago on Monday after a tumultuous month for the party. The theme of the four-day convention is “For the People, For Our Future,” and observers say it will be a key moment for Democrats to unify the party and build on the enthusiasm generated by Harris’ campaign. President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a speech Monday night that is expected to detail his administration’s accomplishments and outline how a Harris administration will continue that work. Aphrodite McCarthy, a participant from Mississippi, said Biden had been a good president, but it was difficult to build momentum around his campaign because there were serious concerns about his ability to win. “We were all very concerned,” said McCarthy, dressed in a Wonder Woman costume. The story continues below the advertisement “We just felt like we needed more energy.” When Harris was confirmed as the nominee, McCarthy said, “it was like daylight was here again.” 2:04 Trump issues personal insults to Harris ahead of DNC Just weeks ago, Biden dropped out of the presidential race amid growing criticism about his age and mental acuity. Those concerns were heightened by a disastrous debate with his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. Get the latest national news For news that impacts Canada and the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts directly when it happens. Democrats quickly rallied behind the vice president and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who will symbolically accept the nomination after a celebratory roll call during the convention. Kelly Jacobs has attended five other Democratic conventions and has become known for her creative outfits featuring the candidates. Draped in a floor-length Harris and Taylor Swift gown, Jacobs jumped for joy when asked about how the mood among Democrats has changed since Harris topped the poll. The story continues below the advertisement “Everything is different. People are excited,” Jacobs said. 3:00 What to Look Out For at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Other speakers scheduled this week include former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for the American people and the future of America – Donald Trump is only fighting for himself,” convention chairman Minyon Moore said in a press release Sunday. Experts say the speeches are unlikely to go into detail about the Harris administration’s potential approach to foreign policy. Observers said they expected Harris to follow Biden’s lead on the country’s relationship with Canada. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, and Liberal MP John McKay, co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, will attend the convention. Hillman also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month. Current trend Cost of rail closure will be ‘borne by all Canadians’, warns Ottawa Organized crime groups from Quebec and Ontario are increasing vehicle thefts in Western Canada The story continues below the advertisement Hillman worked with other members of Ottawa’s Team Canada and provincial politicians to reach out to their American counterparts on both sides of the aisle ahead of the November election. Polls remain tight, but Democrats have been riding a wave of enthusiasm since Harris took office. Polls have moved slightly in their favor in key battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. According to a Pew Research Center poll released last week, Harris is now tied with Trump in the presidential race. Among her supporters, 62% said they strongly support her. A month ago, only 43% said the same for Biden. “The degree to which this change has been effective is remarkable,” said Marc Trussler, director of data science for the University of Pennsylvania’s Election Studies and Opinion Research Program and a Canadian. It will be critical for Harris to continue to find ways to please the broad coalition of Democratic voters by focusing on what they have in common: a desire for reproductive freedom and an aversion to Trump, Trussler said. 2:06 ‘Democrats should earn our vote’: Pro-Palestinian protesters march in Chicago ahead of DNC Several factors could divide the party and discourage voters from turning out in November. The most explosive of these is the war in Gaza. The story continues below the advertisement Thousands of activists gathered outside the convention on Monday to demand an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. People waved Palestinian flags as speakers were applauded for saying they were determined to voice their opposition no matter who leads the Democratic Party. Protester Louisa Joy said she believed the United States’ support for Israel made it complicit in the war and wanted to challenge all leaders to do better. “No matter who commits genocide, it is still genocide.” © 2024 The Canadian Press Source link

A new analysis warns that Canada’s major cities are struggling to maintain their transit running systems and said public transport is heading into a “downward spiral” unless significant new sources of operating revenue open up. In a report released in late May, Leading Mobility Canada said the $120 billion planned for expansion of these transit systems will not help cities struggling to keep buses and trains running at current levels. David Cooper, director of Leading Mobility and co-author of the study, said the majority of public transit is funded by passenger fares and property taxes, and cities have very limited options for other revenue sources. The federal government is allocating billions to expand public transit. “It’s great that we’re getting these investments, but you can’t realise the benefits of those investments if cities can’t afford to manage them,” he said. The story continues below the advertisement The analysis examined the budgets, revenue sources and long-term plans of eight transit systems in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. Most of them are already reporting budget deficits. 3:35 Can parking and vehicle fees support public transit in Calgary? Previous video Next video Calgary’s budget deficit is projected to be $33 million in 2023, the same year Toronto reported a $366 million deficit. Montreal projects its budget deficit will exceed $560 million in 2025 and reach $700 million by 2028. Halifax expects to be short as much as $22 million in 2026, or more than 15 per cent of its total transit budget, while Vancouver is warning of a structural deficit of $600 million by the same year. They all say expansion projects, such as new light rail lines in Ottawa, the high-speed bus network in Halifax and the subway expansion in Toronto, will result in operating costs far beyond what they can afford. The story continues below the advertisement Vancouver estimates that expanding bus and light rail lines will cost an additional $1.2 billion. Calgary said its operating budget will be $127 million higher in 10 years. Edmonton says its budget deficit will reach $174 million a year by 2033, while Winnipeg believes its expansion plans will add $37 million to annual costs. 1:48 Edmonton LRT ridership still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels Previous video Next video The provinces and the federal government are providing only limited funding to support growth, and even that funding is temporary. For example, Ontario has agreed to provide $1.2 billion to help Toronto operate two new LRT lines over a three-year period. 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. In late July, Vancouver’s transit authority TransLink warned that it would have to make significant service cuts if its structural deficit was not addressed, including eliminating 145 of its 245 bus routes and reducing service to the SkyTrain and SeaBus. This would leave more than half a million people without the ability to walk to a transit stop or station. The story continues below the advertisement 2:17 Reaction to TransLink report threatening cuts Previous video Next video On August 8, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe sounded the alarm about a “transit crisis” due to a $9 billion hole in OC Transpo’s long-term financial plan, which includes the opening of the nearly $5 billion second phase of light rail. “It’s nice to dream about building more light rail, but we don’t even have the money to run our current system,” Sutcliffe said. “If we don’t get the help we need, it doesn’t even make financial sense to open Phase 2 of light rail.” “Financially, we would be better off if we didn’t open and operate this system.” The report clearly shows that COVID-19 accelerated some of the structural funding issues plaguing transit systems, as work-from-home policies significantly impacted ridership. Leading Mobility said that before COVID-19, passenger fares covered an average of 59% of transit costs in Canada, much higher than the 38% seen in the United States. The story continues below the advertisement By 2023, tariffs covered just 23% of costs in Ottawa and up to 43% in Toronto. Most cities have seen ridership return – although not quite to pre-pandemic levels – but people are using the system differently, with fewer people buying monthly passes and, in some places, more using subsidised transit passes or tickets. 2:31 TTC steps up crackdown as fare evasion continues Current trend Disney Wants Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissed Due to Widower’s Disney+ Lawsuit ‘Huge’ water main break causes flooding in parts of downtown Montreal Property taxes are typically the second largest source of revenue for public transportation, but inflation and affordability have put enormous pressure on cities and public transportation’s ability to raise more money from property taxes is limited. Vancouver’s TransLink network receives some funding from the gas tax, but with B.C. drivers adopting electric vehicles faster than anywhere else, that funding source is shrinking fast. Gas tax revenue is down $34 million in 2023 from the previous year. The story continues below the advertisement Halifax has a benefit zone tax, a surcharge on properties located within a certain distance of public transit, which in 2023 accounted for nearly half of its total revenue, or $58.6 million. 1:51 Commuters express frustration after new delays on Halifax transit system Previous video Next video Montreal derives about five percent of its operating revenue from a tax on vehicle registration. Vehicle taxes and welfare benefits are among the Leading Mobility report’s suggestions for cities. It also suggests considering a charge on electric vehicle charging or adding congestion pricing that would charge vehicles in the busiest areas of cities, similar to what is in place in London and New York. 1:41 Quebec mayors meet to consider ways to develop and finance public transit Previous video Next video…