Category Archives: National
Senator revives bill to help jurors access mental health supports
OTTAWA — Sen. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu has reintroduced a bill that would allow jury members to seek mental health support from a professional after traumatic experiences during a criminal trial. Bill S-206 would amend a section of the Criminal Code that...
Liberals, NDP pass motion to resume hybrid format in House of Commons
OTTAWA — Members of Parliament are able to work from home again after passing a motion Thursday to resume hybrid sittings of the House of Commons. Liberals and New Democrats joined forces to pass the motion over the objections of Conservative
Labour group says Liberals are failing workers with new ‘lockdown’ benefit
OTTAWA — The head of the Canadian Labour Congress says the federal Liberals are leaving still-hurting workers out in the cold by providing a benefit few, if any, will be able to use. Bea Bruske says the organization would have preferred
In postelection review, PBO told to look at costing platforms outside campaign
OTTAWA — The parliamentary budget office says demand from parties to cost their campaign promises shot well past expected this year, but is stopping short of saying it must review planks between general elections. Since 2019, political parties have bee...
Provinces take issue with proposed federal mental health transfer
OTTAWA — Though provincial governments are clamouring for more funds to bolster their health systems in the wake of COVID-19, some are pushing back against a Liberal election promise to offer dedicated funding for mental health. Federal contributions t...
B.C. reopens major section of flood-damaged Trans-Canada Highway in Fraser Valley
VICTORIA — A major section of the Trans-Canada Highway in British Columbia that was under floodwater since last week reopened Thursday, easing traffic congestion and helping connect the Lower Mainland to the province's Interior. Transportation Minister...
First postelection question period picks up where campaign partisanship left off
OTTAWA — Members of Parliament wasted no time Wednesday plunging back into fractious partisanship. In the first question period since the Sept. 20 election returned practically the same minority House of Commons, Conservatives got personal while blamin...
Chinese telecom firm seeks stay of federal national security divestment order
OTTAWA — A state-owned Chinese telecommunications firm is asking a judge to pause a federal order to divest its stake in a Canadian subsidiary over national security concerns while broader arguments play out in court. After hearing submissions Wednesda...
B.C. human rights commissioner report outlines racial disparities in policing
VICTORIA — The office of British Columbia's human rights commissioner says an analysis of data from five police services across the province shows "profound racial disparities" and it is calling for changes toaddress discrimination in policing. The rep...
MPs hold emergency debate on B.C. floods, climate change
OTTAWA — The House of Commons held an emergency debate Wednesday night on the devastating floods in British Columbia amid increased attention to how ill-prepared the country is for the effects of a changing climate. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used t...