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Canada News Media for Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

Published

 on

Here are the latest Canada News stories from:

TOP HEADLINES:

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to retire in March

It’s not time to change Toronto leadership: Ford

Worst January for home sales since 2009: CREA

Trudeau departs for meeting of Caribbean leaders

Ford won’t say who sent $150 stag and doe invites

No public funds used for Hockey Canada settlements

Priestman talks about turmoil in Canada camp

NEW TOP STORIES SINCE THE LAST ADVISORY:

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to retire in March

RCMP-Lucki

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said Wednesday she has made the difficult decision to retire from the national police force next month. By Jim Bronskill. Wire: National. Photos: 1

No public funds used for Hockey Canada settlements

HKO-Hockey-Canada-Audit

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — An audit commissioned by the federal government has found that Hockey Canada did not use public funds to settle sexual assault cases or pay for related legal fees. Wire: Sports, National. Photos: 1

Quebec wants to hear QMJHL boss on abuse

HKO-Que-Junior-Abuse

Québec, Quebec, Canada — Premier François Legault says he expects Quebec Major Junior Hockey League officials will appear before a legislature committee over disturbing revelations of sexual assault and torture suffered by teenage hockey players. Wire: Sports, National. Photos: 1

Roxham Road migrants being sent outside Quebec

Que-Roxham-Road

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — The Quebec government is welcoming a federal government move to send most of the asylum seekers who enter Canada through an irregular crossing in southern Quebec outside the province. By Jacob Serebrin. Wire: National. Photos: 1

More engagement needed on assisted dying: report

Assisted-Dying

Ottawa, , — A parliamentary committee has made 23 recommendations on how to improve Canada’s assisted-dying regime. Wire: National.

Crown admits Bourque sentence should be reduced

NB-Record-Sentence-Appeal

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada — Crown prosecutors say they recognize that a New Brunswick man who fatally shot three Mounties eight years ago may be eligible for parole in 25 years. Wire: National. Photos: 1

Canada faces fresh pressure on military spending

Cda-Nato

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — The head of the NATO military alliance threatened to raise the heat on Canada and other laggards on Wednesday as he called on member countries to adopt hard targets when it comes to military spending. By Lee Berthiaume. Wire: National. Photos: 1

Feds announce plans for Black justice strategy

Justice-Strategy

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — Canada’s long-awaited Black justice strategy will be developed by a committee of community leaders. By David Fraser. Wire: National. Photos: 1

Man convicted in brutal murder gets day parole

Sask-Parole-Decision

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada — The family of a woman brutally murdered in Saskatoon more than 20 years ago say they are devastated the man convicted in her death has received day parole. Wire: National.

Alberta NDP pitch health teams to reduce waits

Alta-NDP-Health

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, , — Alberta’s Opposition NDP is promising more access to a family doctor by creating health teams. Wire: Prairies/BC. Photos: 1

B.C. expands old-growth logging deferrals

Old-Growth-BC

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada — The British Columbia government says it’s expanding the logging deferral of old-growth forests to 2.1 million hectares, while bringing in new innovations to better care for forests. Wire: Prairies/BC. Photos: 1

Quebec police dog couldn’t get fix on missing kids

Que-Girls-Killed-Inquest

Québec, Quebec, Canada — A provincial police dog handler who arrived at the scene of a car crash involving two young Quebec girls and their father in July 2020 says he had difficulty doing his job because the scene had been contaminated by first responders who’d already been searching. Wire: National. Photos: 1

Orca takes flight off Vancouver’s Stanley Park

Orcas-BC

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — A B.C. wildlife photographer looking for birds off the shores of Vancouver’s Stanley Park has instead captured an unforgettable image of a different animal in flight — an orca leaping from Burrard Inlet. Wire: National. Photos: 1

Snow geese killed on Richmond, B.C., roads

Geese-Dead-BC

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada — Migratory birds have become a traffic hazard in Richmond, B.C., and RCMP are warning drivers to take precautions. Wire: Prairies/BC. Photos: 1

Average rent up 10.7% since last year: report

Rental-Rates-Report

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — A new report says the average listed rent for all property types in Canada jumped by 10.7 per cent year-over-year in January, the ninth straight month of double-digit increases. Wire: Business. Photos: 1

Shopify reports $623.6 million net loss in Q4

Shopify-Rslts

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Shopify Inc. recorded a loss of US$623.6 million in its most recent quarter as revenue increased by 26 per cent since last year. Wire: Business. Photos: 1

PREVIOUS TOP NEWS STORIES (UPDATED):

It’s not time to change Toronto leadership: Ford

Ont-Toronto-Mayor

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — It would be a “disaster” for Toronto if Mayor John Tory followed through on his plan to resign and a “lefty” succeeded him, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Wednesday as he voiced support for the now scandal-plagued leader of the city. By Jordan Omstead and Sharif Hassan.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec. Photos: 1

Worst January for home sales since 2009: CREA

CDA-Home-Sales

Home sales in Canada posted their worst start to the year since 2009 as January sales fell 37.1 per cent compared with the start of 2022 and prices continued to fall, the Canadian Real Estate Association said Wednesday.

Trudeau departs for meeting of Caribbean leaders

Trudeau-Bahamas

Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has arrived in the Bahamas where members of the Caribbean Community are gathering to discuss regional issues, including the deepening crisis in Haiti. By Marie-Danielle Smith. Wire: National. Photos: 1

Ford won’t say who sent $150 stag and doe invites

Ont-Ford-Stag

Brampton, Ontario, Canada — Ontario Premier Doug Ford is not divulging details of who sent invitations – including to developers – for his daughter’s $150-a-ticket stag and doe party, saying only that “the boys took care of that” when asked about the money that was raised.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec.

Priestman talks about turmoil in Canada camp

SOC-SheBelieves-Canada

Orlando, Florida, United States — Canada coach Bev Priestman, caught in the middle of a bitter labour dispute between Canada Soccer and its players, found herself talking about her future with the program Wednesday. By Neil Davidson.  Wire: Sports. Photos: 1

N.B. man loses family in Turkey earthquake

Cda-Turkey-Earthquake-NB

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada — Ahmed Hallaq’s mother was attending to her morning prayers in the family’s apartment in central Turkey last week when she saw the ceiling lamps start to sway. By Hina Alam.  Wire: Atlantic. Photos: 1

Feds expected to announce Black justice strategy

Justice-Strategy

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — Justice Minister David Lametti’s office says he will announce today that the long-awaited Black justice strategy will be developed by a committee of community leaders.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

New liquor bottle labels a good idea: Bennett

Alcohol-Labels

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett says Canadians deserve to know how much alcohol is in a standard-sized drink, but she is not committing to mandate that companies put that information on their labels.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

3 international students killed in Toronto crash

Ont-International-Students-Crash

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — A Bangladeshi community organization is mourning the deaths of three international students killed in a highway crash in Toronto and is warning others to be aware that road conditions in Canada might differ from what they’re used to. By Fakiha Baig.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec. Photos: 1

Why does the government keep deleting tweets?

Deleted-Tweets

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — When it comes to government information, there is no shortage of sensitive matters. As it turns out, a “fun fact” about ocean critters is on the list. By Stephanie Taylor.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

Liberal MP concerned with language bill changes

Official-Languages

Ottawa, ,  — A Liberal member of Parliament says it would be difficult to support his government’s official languages bill because of changes the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois have made to it, which he believes could reduce English services in Quebec.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

Uber launches audio recording feature in Canada

Uber-Audio

Uber Technologies Inc. is introducing a new feature in Canada today that gives riders and drivers the ability to record audio of their trips.

Feds tighten research security policy

Research-Security

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — The federal government says it is tightening its policy on bankrolling research with foreign entities that might pose a risk to national security.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

Percentage of newcomers becoming citizens declines

StatCan-Permanent-Residents

StatCan numbers reveal the percentage of permanent residents who become Canadians has plummeted over the past 20 years. By Christian Collington.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

Mi’kmaq regalia to be repatriated to Nova Scotia

Mi’kmaq-Regalia-Returns

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada — Mi’kmaq regalia kept in an Australian museum for more than 130 years will finally be returned to Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia.  Wire: Atlantic.

Dina Pugliese is leaving BT after 16 years

TV-Bt-Dina-Pugliese

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Breakfast Television co-host Dina Pugliese says she is leaving the show after 16 years in part due to the gruelling, early morning hours of the job. By Noel Ransome.  Wire: Entertainment. Photos: 1

Accused N.S. murderer motivated by greed: Crown

NS-Sandeson-Trial

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada — A Crown prosecutor says William Sandeson was motivated by greed when the former medical student carried out a plan to kill another student during a drug deal.  Wire: Atlantic.

Date set for provincial byelection in Hamilton

Ont-Byelection

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called a byelection for next month to fill the Hamilton seat left vacant by former NDP leader Andrea Horwath.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec. Photos: 1

Magna announces Ontario expansion, new facility

Ont-Magna

Brampton, Ontario, Canada — Magna is announcing it is putting more than $470 million into bolstering its Ontario operations, including an electric vehicle battery enclosure facility northwest of Toronto.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec, Business.

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE STORIES:

The LJI is a federally funded program to add coverage in under-covered areas or on under-covered issues. This content is delivered on the CP wire in the “Y” or spare news category, or you can register to access it at https://lji-ijl.ca. This content is created and submitted by participating publishers and is not edited by The Canadian Press. Please credit stories to the reporter, their media outlet and the Local Journalism Initiative. Questions should be directed to LJI supervising editor Amy Logan at amy.logan@thecanadianpress.com. Below is a sample of the dozens of stories moved daily:

Downtown East Side fills shoulder to shoulder in memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people

LJI-BC-memorial-walk

Tuesday marked the 32nd year that the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside flooded with remembrance of murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse peoples. Families from First Nations across Canada came to commemorate their missing and murdered loved ones. 750 words. PHOTO. Alexandra Mehl/Ha-Shilth-Sa

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Lawsuit alleges Manitoba inmate died after lashing out over racist joke, treatment

LJI-Man-Lawsuit

A lawsuit filed last week alleges multiple correctional officers at a Manitoba prison swarmed and attacked an Indigenous inmate until he was unconscious, and later died from his injuries, after he grew angry and lashed out because of a racist joke directed to him by one officer, and because of ongoing racist treatment. 700 words. Dave Baxter/Winnipeg Sun

FROM AP: 

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ONLY ON AP

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-AP POLL — Support among the American public for providing Ukraine weaponry and direct economic assistance has softened as the Russian invasion nears a grim one-year milestone. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has 48% saying they favor the U.S. providing weapons to Ukraine. That’s down from 60% in May 2022. By Aamer Madhani and Emily Swanson. SENT: 1,130 words, photos.

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NEW

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Adds: OBIT-RAQUEL WELCH, GAETZ-INVESTIGATION, BUDGET-OUTLOOK, BIDEN-ELECTRIC VEHICLES, SEA TURTLE RELEASE, SOC-FRANCE-LE GRAET, MARSHALL-PLANE CRASH-RECOGNITION, MURDAUGH KILLINGS, MICHIGAN STATE SHOOTING, ISRAEL-PRISONER DEPORTATIONS, BKC-NEW MEXICO STATE-TURMOIL, DEATH IN POLICE CUSTODY—COLORADO, INDIANAPOLIS-OFFICER SUED

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TOP STORIES

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BUFFALO SUPERMARKET SHOOTING — A white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced to life in prison without parole after relatives of his victims confronted him with the pain and rage caused by his racist attack. Anger briefly turned physical at Payton Gendron’s sentencing when he was charged by a man in the audience who was quickly restrained. By Carolyn Thompson. SENT: 930 words, photos, video.

BIDEN-EMPATHY — President Joe Biden often frames his public words and policies as aimed at easing the struggles of everyday Americans, speaking often of parents who strive to pay the bills and provide stability for their children. But a majority of voters believe he doesn’t care about people like them, nor do they trust his ability to manage a sprawling federal government that often moves at a sluggish pace. By Josh Boak. SENT: 1,240 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-ECONOMIC IMPACT — One year after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the global economy is still enduring the consequences — crunched supplies of grain, fertilizer and energy along with more inflation and economic uncertainty in a world already contending with too much of both. By Business Writers Paul Wiseman and David McHugh. SENT: 1,240 words, photos.

REL-SERMONS-CHATGPT — Among sermon writers, there is fascination – and unease – over the fast-expanding abilities of artificial intelligence chatbots. For now, the consensus is this: Yes, they can write a passably competent sermon. But no, they can’t replicate the passion of actual preaching. By David Crary. SENT: 1,020 words, photos.

MED-OPIOID-CRISIS-NALOXONE — The overdose-reversing drug naloxone should be made available over the counter to aid the national response to the opioid crisis, U.S. health advisers said Wednesday. The nasal spray version, Narcan, is already available without a prescription in all 50 states. But switching it to over-the-counter status would allow it to be sold in vending machines, supermarkets and other locations. By Matthew Perrone. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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MORE ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Russian forces claimed some battlefield success as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine labored to gain momentum almost a year after it began, while Ukraine said it needs another few months to stage its own offensive. The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops broke through two Ukrainian defensive lines in the eastern Luhansk region and pushed back Ukrainian troops some three kilometers (two miles), forcing them to leave behind equipment and bodies. SENT: 870 words, photos. WITH: RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-EU SANCTIONS — EU seeks new Russia sanctions package, targets Iran’s drones. SENT: 295 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-OLYMPICS — The presidents of the Ukrainian and Russian Olympic committees were once teammates at the 1992 Barcelona Games and won gold in fencing. With Russia at war with Ukraine, Vadym Guttsait tells the AP he wants nothing to do with his Russian counterpart. SENT: 840 words, photos.

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TRENDING

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OBIT-RAQUEL WELCH — Raquel Welch, whose emergence from the sea in a skimpy, furry bikini in the film “One Million Years B.C.” would propel her to international sex symbol status throughout the 1960s and ’70s, has died. She was 82. Welch died early Wednesday after a brief illness, according to her agent, Stephen LaManna of the talent agency Innovative Artists. SENT: 610 words, photos.

AUSTRIA-JANE FONDA-OPERA BALL — Jane Fonda said she accepted an Austrian building tycoon’s invitation to attend the Vienna Opera Ball because he offered to “pay me quite a bit of money.” SENT: 265 words, photos.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL-ARIZONA — Arizona officials anticipate “an extended closure” of a key highway through the state, a day after a deadly crash caused a hazardous material leak and forced evacuations. SENT: 585 words, photos.

TITANIC-RARE FOOTAGE — Never before publicly seen video of the 1986 dive through the wreckage of the Titanic will be released by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The more than 80 minutes of footage on the institution’s YouTube channel chronicles the remarkable achievements of the dive led by Robert Ballard. Ballard said Wednesday that he was struck by the sheer size of the vessel, as well as the shoes of those who perished. SENT: 790 words, photos, video. Unseen video set for release at 7:30 p.m. ET.

PERU-MACHU PICCHU — Peru’s culture ministry has announced that Machu Picchu, the Inca-era stone citadel nestled in its southeastern jungle, reopened after being closed nearly a month ago amid antigovernment protests. SENT: 185 words, photo.

UNIVERSAL-WAGE-HIKE — Universal Orlando plans to raise its starting hourly minimum wage by $2 to $17, becoming the wage leader among major theme parks in central Florida. SENT: 385 words, photo.

BKN-JORDAN-GIFT — Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan celebrated his 60th birthday Friday by making a $10 million donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. SENT: 205 words, photo.

BKN-ALL-STAR-ENTERTAINERS — Utah native and Grammy nominee Jewel, along with Post Malone and actor Vin Diesel, will be among the performers at this weekend’s NBA All-Star events in Salt Lake City. SENT: 220 words, photos.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION 2024-HALEY — Republican Nikki Haley formally launched her 2024 presidential campaign, betting that her boundary-breaking career as a woman and person of color who governed in the heart of the South before representing the U.S. on the world stage can overcome entrenched support for her onetime boss, former President Donald Trump. SENT: 1,085 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: ELECTION 2024-HALEY-WHAT TO KNOW — What to know about Nikki Haley as she launches her campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. SENT: 800 words, photos.

GAETZ-INVESTIGATION — Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Republican firebrand known for his strong support of former President Donald Trump, said Wednesday that the Justice Department has ended a sex trafficking case with no charges against him. SENT: 450 words, photo.

IRS-WERFEL — President Biden’s nominee to lead the Internal Revenue Service, Daniel Werfel, says that, if confirmed, he will commit to not increasing tax audits on businesses and households making less than $400,000 per year. SENT: 700 words, photos.

BIDEN — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said Republican policies would blow up the national debt by $3 trillion over 10 years, taking aim at GOP lawmakers who say their priority is a balancing the federal budget. SENT: 760 words, photos. WITH: BIDEN-ELECTRIC-VEHICLES — White House: Tesla to make some EV chargers available to all. SENT: 565 words, photos.

ELECTION 2024-PENCE — Former Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday he will challenge a subpoena by the special counsel overseeing investigations into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election and will go all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. SENT: 360 words, photos.

HOMELESS-NATION’S CAPITAL — National Park Service employee sweep through a large homeless encampment three blocks from the White House, disposing of about 50 tents and warning people that those who resist are subject to arrest. The homeless and their advocates say the district hasn’t done enough to help them find housing. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos by 4 p.m.

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NATIONAL

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MICHIGAN STATE SHOOTING — When the texts began coming in about a shooter at Michigan State University, students ran. They found a place to hide. They locked and barricaded the doors. They turned out the lights. They are part of a generation that has grown up with active shooter drills. SENT: 550 words, photos.

POLICE-EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS-OREGON — Oregon lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require police officers to have at least two years of post-secondary education, amid a nationwide debate about the qualification and recruitment of officers following Tyre Nichols’ death. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 4 p.m.

RELIEF FUNDS-MEDICAL DEBT — An increasing number of U.S. local governmentsare developing plans to spend federal coronavirus pandemic relief funds to eliminate residents’ medical debt. SENT: 840 words, photos.

TRAIN DERAILMENT-OHIO — The Ohio village upended by a freight train derailment and the intentional burning of some of the hazardous chemicals on board has invited affected residents to a town hall meeting to discuss lingering questions. SENT: 400 words, photos.

AUSTIN-POWER-OUTAGES — Austin’s city manager was fired in the wake of outrage in the Texas capital over a slow and fumbled response to a winter storm power outage that left thousands of people without electricity for a week or longer. SENT: 450 words, photo.

MURDAUGH KILLINGS — In an interview two months after Alex Murdaugh’s wife and son were killed, investigators zeroed in on inconsistencies in what Murdaugh told authorities about their deaths, according to the videotaped discussion played Wednesday at the disgraced South Carolina attorney’s double murder trial. SENT: 700 words, photos.

DEATH IN POLICE CUSTODY—COLORADO — The death of a man who was handcuffed after a mental health team responded to a call of him walking out into traffic last year has been ruled a homicide, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday by lawyers for his family. SENT: 450 words.

INDIANAPOLIS-OFFICER SUED — A Black man is suing the city of Indianapolis, its police department and an officer who arrested him in 2021, alleging that the officer kicked him in the face while he was handcuffed. SENT: 400 words.

SEA TURTLE RELEASE — A loggerhead sea turtle named Rocky paused briefly on the sand Wednesday morning before slowly crawling into the Atlantic Ocean after spending six weeks rehabbing at Florida’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center. SENT: video, photos, 250 words.

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INTERNATIONAL

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ISRAEL-PRISONER DEPORTATIONS — Israel’s parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a law to strip Arabs convicted in nationalistic attacks of their Israeli citizenship or residency and deport them if they have accepted Palestinian Authority stipends. SENT: 600 words, photo.

BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-STURGEON — Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said she plans to step down after more than eight years in office, amid criticism of her drive to expand transgender rights and her strategy for achieving independence from the United Kingdom. SENT: 765 words, photos.

NORTH KOREA-KIM’S DAUGHTER — South Korea said that it’s still premature to determine whether the recently unveiled daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is being groomed as her father’s successor. SENT: 760 words, photos.

FRANCE PENSION-TENSION — Sparks are flying over French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise the retirement age — not just in the streets, but in parliament too. The proposed pension reforms have unleashed the most turbulent debate in years in the National Assembly, with uncertainty looming over the final outcome. SENT: 795 words, photos.

INDIA-BBC — India’s tax officials searched BBC offices in India for a second straight day and questioned staff about the organization’s business operations in the country, staff members said. SENT: 820 words, photos.

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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SCI-DOOMSDAY-GLACIER-MELT — A pencil-shaped robot is giving scientists their first look at the forces eating away at the Thwaites glacier in Antarctica. The glacier is nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier because it has such massive melt and sea rise potential. SENT: 905 words, photos.

ALBANIA-NEW AIRPORT-ECOSYSTEM — Environmentalists warn that a new, multimillion-dollar international airport near Albania’s coastal city of Vlora could cause irreparable damage to the fragile ecosystems of protected lagoons that host flamingos, pelicans and millions of other migratory birds. SENT: 610 words, photos.

OCEAN WARMING — The waters off New England, which are home to rare whales and most of the American lobster fishing industry, logged the second-warmest year on record last year. SENT: 510 words, photos.

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BUSINESS/ECONOMY

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FINANCIAL MARKETS — Stocks closed slightly higher on Wall Street after a report showed U.S. shoppers opened their wallets at stores last month by much more than expected. SENT: 790 words, photos.

RETAIL-SALES — America’s consumers rebounded last month from a weak holiday shopping season by boosting their spending at stores and restaurants at the fastest pace in nearly two years, underscoring the economy’s resilience amid higher prices and multiple interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. SENT: 630 words, photos.

BUDGET-OUTLOOK — The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that it expects the U.S. economy to stagnate this year with the unemployment rate jumping to 5.1% — a bleak outlook that was paired with a 10-year projection that publicly held U.S. debt would nearly double to $46.4 trillion in 2033. SENT: 450 words, photo.

BIDEN-ELECTRIC VEHICLES — Electric car giant Tesla will, for the first time, make some of its charging stations available to all U.S. electric vehicles by the end of next year, under a plan announced Wednesday by the White House. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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MEDIA-TRUST IN NEWS — Half of Americans in a recent survey indicated they believe national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public to adopt a particular point of view through their reporting. By Media Writer David Bauder. SENT: 500 words, photo.

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SPORTS

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BKC-NEW MEXICO STATE-TURMOIL — New Mexico State’s chancellor expressed his confidence in athletic director Mario Moccia on Wednesday, less than a week after the school’s most high-profile sports program — the men’s basketball team — was shut down for what the chancellor said was a culture of bad behavior, egregious violations of the student code of conduct and other “despicable acts.” SENT: 700 words, photos.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-CHIEFS-NATIVE AMERICANS — As the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs embark on a victory lap including a hometown parade Wednesday, Native Americans are bracing for the team’s mascot, fan “tomahawk chop” and other seemingly racist gestures to get a national spotlight yet again. SENT: 840 words, photos. With FBN-SUPER-BOWL-CHIEFS-PARADE — Fans lined up to get a prime spot in downtown Kansas City as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs’ second Super Bowl championship in two years. SENT: 640 words, photos; will be updated.

FBN-INSIDE-THE-NUMBERS — Big Super Bowl comebacks have gone from rarities to frequent occurrences thanks to Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Mahomes led Kansas City to its second Super Bowl title in four seasons when the Chiefs rallied from 10 points down at the half to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. The first championship for Mahomes also required a second-half rally against San Francisco in the 2019 season. Brady is the only other quarterback to engineer two double-digit comebacks in the Super Bowl, doing it in the 2014 and ’16 seasons. SENT: 905 words, photos.

SOC-FRANCE-LE GRAET — Noël Le Graët no longer has legitimacy to remain as French soccer federation president because his management style and behavior toward women are “incompatible with the exercise of his functions,” a government audit released Wednesday found. SENT: 550 words, photos.

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News

Looking for the next mystery bestseller? This crime bookstore can solve the case

Published

 on

WINNIPEG – Some 250 coloured tacks pepper a large-scale world map among bookshelves at Whodunit Mystery Bookstore.

Estonia, Finland, Japan and even Fenwick, Ont., have pins representing places outside Winnipeg where someone has ordered a page-turner from the independent bookstore that specializes in mystery and crime fiction novels.

For 30 years, the store has been offering fans of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot or Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes a place to get lost in whodunits both old and new.

Jack and Wendy Bumsted bought the shop in the Crescentwood neighbourhood in 2007 from another pair of mystery lovers.

The married couple had been longtime customers of the store. Wendy Bumsted grew up reading Perry Mason novels while her husband was a historian with vast knowledge of the crime fiction genre.

At the time, Jack Bumsted was retiring from teaching at the University of Manitoba when he was looking for his next venture.

“The bookstore came up and we bought it, I think, within a week,” Wendy Bumsted said in an interview.

“It never didn’t seem like a good idea.”

In the years since the Bumsteds took ownership, the family has witnessed the decline in mail-order books, the introduction of online retailers, a relocation to a new space next to the original, a pandemic and the death of beloved co-owner Jack Bumsted in 2020.

But with all the changes that come with owning a small business, customers continue to trust their next mystery fix will come from one of the shelves at Whodunit.

Many still request to be called about books from specific authors, or want to be notified if a new book follows their favourite format. Some arrive at the shop like clockwork each week hoping to get suggestions from Wendy Bumsted or her son on the next big hit.

“She has really excellent instincts on what we should be getting and what we should be promoting,” Micheal Bumsted said of his mother.

Wendy Bumsted suggested the store stock “Thursday Murder Club,” the debut novel from British television host Richard Osman, before it became a bestseller. They ordered more copies than other bookstores in Canada knowing it had the potential to be a hit, said Michael Bumsted.

The store houses more than 18,000 new and used novels. That’s not including the boxes of books that sit in Wendy Bumsted’s tiny office, or the packages that take up space on some of the only available seating there, waiting to be added to the inventory.

Just as the genre has evolved, so has the Bumsteds’ willingness to welcome other subjects on their shelves — despite some pushback from loyal customers and initially the Bumsted patriarch.

For years, Jack Bumsted refused to sell anything outside the crime fiction genre, including his own published books. Instead, he would send potential buyers to another store, but would offer to sign the books if they came back with them.

Wendy Bumsted said that eventually changed in his later years.

Now, about 15 per cent of the store’s stock is of other genres, such as romance or children’s books.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to look at expanding their selection, as some customers turned to buying books through the store’s website, which is set up to allow purchasers to get anything from the publishers the Bumsteds have contracts with.

In 2019, the store sold fewer than 100 books online. That number jumped to more than 3,000 in 2020, as retailers had to deal with pandemic lockdowns.

After years of running a successful mail-order business, the store was able to quickly adapt when it had to temporarily shut its doors, said Michael Bumsted.

“We were not a store…that had to figure out how to get books to people when they weren’t here.”

He added being a community bookstore with a niche has helped the family stay in business when other retailers have struggled. Part of that has included building lasting relationships.

“Some people have put it in their wills that their books will come to us,” said Wendy Bumsted.

Some of those collections have included tips on traveling through Asia in the early 2000s or the history of Australian cricket.

Micheal Bumsted said they’ve had to learn to be patient with selling some of these more obscure titles, but eventually the time comes for them to find a new home.

“One of the great things about physical books is that they can be there for you when you are ready for them.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 15, 2024.



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Labour Minister praises Air Canada, pilots union for avoiding disruptive strike

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MONTREAL – Canada’s labour minister is praising both Air Canada and the union representing about 5,200 of its pilots for averting a work stoppage that would have disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers.

Steven MacKinnon’s comments came in a statement shared to social media shortly after Canada’s largest air carrier announced it had reached a tentative labour deal with the Air Line Pilots Association.

MacKinnon thanked both sides and federal mediators, saying the airline and its pilots approached negotiations with “seriousness and a resolve to get a deal.”

The tentative agreement averts a strike or lockout that could have begun as early as Wednesday for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, with flight cancellations expected before then.

The airline now says flights will continue as normal while union members vote on the tentative four-year contract.

Air Canada had called on the federal government to intervene in the dispute, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that would only happen if it became clear no negotiated agreement was possible.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2024.

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As plant-based milk becomes more popular, brands look for new ways to compete

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When it comes to plant-based alternatives, Canadians have never had so many options — and nowhere is that choice more abundantly clear than in the milk section of the dairy aisle.

To meet growing demand, companies are investing in new products and technology to keep up with consumer tastes and differentiate themselves from all the other players on the shelf.

“The product mix has just expanded so fast,” said Liza Amlani, co-founder of the Retail Strategy Group.

She said younger generations in particular are driving growth in the plant-based market as they are consuming less dairy and meat.

Commercial sales of dairy milk have been weakening for years, according to research firm Mintel, likely in part because of the rise of plant-based alternatives — even though many Canadians still drink dairy.

The No. 1 reason people opt for plant-based milk is because they see it as healthier than dairy, said Joel Gregoire, Mintel’s associate director for food and drink.

“Plant-based milk, the one thing about it — it’s not new. It’s been around for quite some time. It’s pretty established,” said Gregoire.

Because of that, it serves as an “entry point” for many consumers interested in plant-based alternatives to animal products, he said.

Plant-based milk consumption is expected to continue growing in the coming years, according to Mintel research, with more options available than ever and more consumers opting for a diet that includes both dairy and non-dairy milk.

A 2023 report by Ernst & Young for Protein Industries Canada projected that the plant-based dairy market will reach US$51.3 billion in 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 9.5 per cent.

Because of this growth opportunity, even well-established dairy or plant-based companies are stepping up their game.

It’s been more than three decades since Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.-based Natura first launched a line of soy beverages. Over the years, the company has rolled out new products to meet rising demand, and earlier this year launched a line of oat beverages that it says are the only ones with a stamp of approval from Celiac Canada.

Competition is tough, said owner and founder Nick Feldman — especially from large American brands, which have the money to ensure their products hit shelves across the country.

Natura has kept growing, though, with a focus on using organic ingredients and localized production from raw materials.

“We’re maybe not appealing to the mass market, but we’re appealing to the natural consumer, to the organic consumer,” Feldman said.

Amlani said brands are increasingly advertising the simplicity of their ingredient lists. She’s also noticing more companies offering different kinds of products, such as coffee creamers.

Companies are also looking to stand out through eye-catching packaging and marketing, added Amlani, and by competing on price.

Besides all the companies competing for shelf space, there are many different kinds of plant-based milk consumers can choose from, such as almond, soy, oat, rice, hazelnut, macadamia, pea, coconut and hemp.

However, one alternative in particular has enjoyed a recent, rapid ascendance in popularity.

“I would say oat is the big up-and-coming product,” said Feldman.

Mintel’s report found the share of Canadians who say they buy oat milk has quadrupled between 2019 and 2023 (though almond is still the most popular).

“There seems to be a very nice marriage of coffee and oat milk,” said Feldman. “The flavour combination is excellent, better than any other non-dairy alternative.”

The beverage’s surge in popularity in cafés is a big part of why it’s ascending so quickly, said Gregoire — its texture and ability to froth makes it a good alternative for lattes and cappuccinos.

It’s also a good example of companies making a strong “use case” for yet another new entrant in a competitive market, he said.

Amid the long-standing brands and new entrants, there’s another — perhaps unexpected — group of players that has been increasingly investing in plant-based milk alternatives: dairy companies.

For example, Danone has owned the Silk and So Delicious brands since an acquisition in 2014, and long-standing U.S. dairy company HP Hood LLC launched Planet Oat in 2018.

Lactalis Canada also recently converted its facility in Sudbury, Ont., to manufacture its new plant-based Enjoy! brand, with beverages made from oats, almonds and hazelnuts.

“As an organization, we obviously follow consumer trends, and have seen the amount of interest in plant-based products, particularly fluid beverages,” said Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Lactalis Canada, whose parent company Lactalis is the largest dairy products company in the world.

The facility was a milk processing plant for six decades, until Lactalis Canada began renovating it in 2022. It now manufactures not only the new brand, but also the company’s existing Sensational Soy brand, and is the company’s first dedicated plant-based facility.

“We’re predominantly a dairy company, and we’ll always predominantly be a dairy company, but we see these products as complementary,” said Taylor.

It makes sense that major dairy companies want to get in on plant-based milk, said Gregoire. The dairy business is large — a “cash cow,” if you will — but not really growing, while plant-based products are seeing a boom.

“If I’m looking for avenues of growth, I don’t want to be left behind,” he said.

Gregoire said there’s a potential for consumers to get confused with so many options, which is why it’s so important for brands to find a way to differentiate themselves, whether it’s with taste, health, or how well the drink froths for a latte.

Competition in a more crowded market is challenging, but Taylor believes it results in better products for consumers.

“It keeps you sharp, and it forces you to be really good at what you’re doing. It drives innovation,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2024.



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