A look at Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe

OTTAWA – The Bloc Québécois is poised to begin talks with other parties to bring down the minority Liberal government, which has not met its deadline to pass two key bills.

Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet set the deadline last month, putting the Liberals on notice that to avoid an election “before Christmas” they must adopt a pair of private member’s bills.

One of the Bloc bills aimed at safeguarding supply management in trade negotiations has the support of the government and is being studied by the Senate.

The other, which would raise old age security payments for seniors under 75, is one the Liberals say they do not support.

The Bloc demands came weeks after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced his party had ended the supply-and-confidence deal that gave the government support for more than two years.

So far during this fall sitting of Parliament, the Liberals have survived two non-confidence votes put forward by the Conservatives, with the Bloc and NDP voting against toppling the government.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

OTTAWA – RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme is among a slate of top security officials set to meet the House of Commons national security committee, weeks after making explosive allegations against the Indian government.

On Oct. 14, the RCMP alleged Indian diplomats and consular officials were persons of interest in cases of extortion, coercion and violence, including murder, that targeted Canadian citizens.

The RCMP said it took the extraordinary step of talking publicly about ongoing investigations because of threats to public safety.

That same day, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced Canada was expelling the Indian high commissioner and five other diplomats.

The Indian government denies the allegations and has expelled six Canadian diplomats.

The committee is also set to hear from the prime minister’s national security adviser and the director of CSIS today, and will later question Joly and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2024

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s three major political parties are hitting the campaign trail this morning with events in the Halifax area.

The NDP will be holding a media briefing on housing at an apartment building in Dartmouth.

The Liberals will also be in Dartmouth, at a supermarket to speak with reporters about affordability for working families.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Conservatives are scheduled to make a morning announcement in Halifax.

On the campaign trail Monday, the Tories promised to reduce income taxes and raise the minimum wage, and the Liberals pledged changes aimed at battling public cynicism in politics.

At dissolution, the Progressive Conservatives held 34 seats in the 55-seat legislature, the Liberals held 14 seats, the NDP had six and there was one Independent. Election day is Nov. 26.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.