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Government tables bill to limit handguns, pledges to buy back assault-style weapons – CBC News

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New gun control legislation the federal government tabled today includes a national freeze on the purchase, sale, importation and transfer of handguns in Canada.

The government also is pledging to start buying back thousands of banned assault-style weapons before the end of the year.

While the proposal falls short of a full ban on handguns, it would effectively limit their number in Canada.

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“In other words, we’re capping the market for handguns,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a press conference Monday.

“As we see gun violence continue to rise, it is our duty to keep taking action.”

WATCH Trudeau announces legislation: 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces new gun control legislation

7 hours ago

Duration 1:17

Trudeau says the gun control bill tabled today includes a national freeze on the sale, importation and transfer of handguns in Canada, making this the government’s most ambitious attempt yet to restrict access to firearms in this country.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino presented the bill, C-21, in the House of Commons Monday.

“The bill we just tabled represents a milestone amidst a long and difficult battle which takes place on our streets every single day,” Mendicino said at the news conference. “It’s a battle which has claimed too many lives, leaving empty chairs at the dinner table, and empty desks in our classrooms.”

The legislation revives some federal measures that didn’t pass before last year’s general election and implements some new proposals made during the campaign.

They include taking away firearms licences from those involved in domestic violence or criminal harassment, increasing criminal penalties for smuggling and trafficking of firearms, and a “red flag” law which would require people deemed a threat to themselves or others to turn in their firearms to law enforcement.

Toronto police display guns seized during a series of raids. The Liberal government has introduced Bill C-71, which proposes tough new restrictions on hand guns and a mandatory government buy-back program for assault-style weapons. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)

The government previously proposed working with provinces and territories to put restrictions on handguns. Trudeau said his government abandoned that idea after consultations.

“In our discussions with law enforcement, advocates and experts, it became apparent that we needed a different solution,” he said.

“So we decided to take a new route, something that would tackle this issue at a national level.”

A limited number of people would be exempt from the handgun restrictions, including elite sport shooters and those with authorization to carry, such as valuable goods carriers, senior government officials said in a briefing.

The government also said in a news release that it would require magazines for long guns to be changed so they can’t carry more than five rounds. Sales of large-capacity magazines would be banned.

It also would increase the maximum penalty for offences under the law, such as illegally owning, acquiring or manufacturing a firearm, from 10 years imprisonment to 14.

“We recognize that the vast majority of gun owners use them safely, and in accordance with the law,” Trudeau said.

“But other than using firearms for sport shooting and for hunting, there is no reason anyone in Canada should need guns in their everyday lives.”

WATCH | Mendicino doesn’t rule out national handgun ban:

Public safety minister doesn’t rule out national handgun ban

5 hours ago

Duration 9:16

“We’re always going to be prepared to look at all options, but today was a significant stride in that direction,” said Public Safety Marco Mendicino when asked if the Liberal government would ever introduce a national ban on handguns.

Mendicino confirmed that the government would be proceeding with a mandatory buyback program for the over 1,500 assault-style weapons the government banned two years ago — including the AR-15. He said the details will have to wait for consultations with industry on compensation and likely won’t be available until this summer.

He said that the first weapons would be bought back before the end of this year.

“It’s going to be hard but we are going to get it done,” Mendicino said.

He added that the government is aiming to ban an even larger number of assault-style weapons through an amendment to the bill.

The legislation comes after a number of mass shootings in the United States, including a recent shooting at an elementary school that killed 19 children and two adults in Uvalde, Texas. Trudeau said in response to the massacre that Canadians are “remarkably united” in wanting to reduce gun violence at home.

Prior to the presentation of the bill, the House unanimously voted in favour of a motion expressing its horror at the Uvalde shooting and condolences to the family, friends and communities of the victims.

On Twitter, Conservative public safety critic Raquel Dancho said the legislation does not effectively address gun violence.

“Today’s announcement fails to focus on the root cause of gun violence in our cities: illegal guns smuggled into Canada by criminal gangs,” she said. “The PM has had 7 years to fix this serious issue, yet he continues to chase headlines and bury his head in the sand.”

John Brassard, the Conservative house leader, told CBC’s Power & Politics, the legislation unfairly targets legal gun owners.

“The real problem in this country is not the law-abiding firearms owners, who are heavily regulated, heavily-licensed … the real problem in this country has to do with gangs and criminals who are importing firearms, mostly from the United States, using illegal guns on our streets,” he told host Vassy Kapelos.

Alistair MacGregor, the NDP public safety critic, agreed that handgun smuggling is an issue, but said the problem is complex and will require a number of different measures.

“What the government should be doing now is working with provinces, and working with municipalities, to help those jurisdictions that do want to ban a handgun,” MacGregor said.

The Coalition for Gun Control, a group founded in the wake of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, welcomed the bill.

“This proposed law will strengthen screening processes for gun licences with a particular focus on risk factors associated with domestic violence, but also suicide and hate crimes,” Wendy Cukier, the group’s president and a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, said in a media statement.

“The game-changer is the proposed national ban on the sale and importation of handguns which will stem the flow of these guns. Legal handguns are a significant source of handguns used in crime and are the guns most often used in mass shootings. Canadians want them banned.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also praised the proposed measures but added she wants to see a full ban on handguns eventually.

“National tools to fight armed and domestic violence are a win for Montreal and cities across the country,” she said in a media statement. “We hope that the step taken today by the Canadian government leads us towards the complete ban of handguns on our territory and out of the reach of young people.”

Tracy Wilson, vice-president of public relations for the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights, criticized the bill and the Trudeau government’s approach to the issue, saying the proposed law puts too much emphasis on regulating legal firearms and not enough on criminals and unlicensed weapons.

“Once again, it’s targeting the entirely wrong demographic,” she said.

“Once again, [Trudeau’s] choosing to go down the path of targeting legal, licensed, RCMP-vetted gun owners, instead of focusing on unlicensed criminals and their illicit firearms.”

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Ironman Canada: Ottawa to host 2025 triathlon – CTV News Ottawa

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The city of Ottawa will be hosting the Ironman Canada Triathlon in 2025.

It will be the first full-distance Ironman event to be held in Ottawa. The event is scheduled to take place Aug. 3, 2025.

“We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Ottawa and bring Ironman Canada-Ottawa, one of our most historic race franchises, to the Canadian capital,” said Ironman VP of North American operations Keats McGonigal in a news release. “Ottawa offers the quintessential Canadian race environment with a plethora of outdoor activities, great weather and a mosaic of culture all nestled at the very seat of government. Ironman Canada has played a prominent role in the history of Ironman and will continue with the expansion to Ottawa. We are enthusiastic and excited to see what futures hold here in Ottawa, Ontario.”

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The triathlon will begin at Britannia Beach, with a 3.8-kilometre two-loop swim in the Ottawa River.

Ironman Ottawa Swim Course (Ironman Canada/supplied)

From there, the 180-km bike portion will run along NCC and city roads, including the Kichi Zibi Mikan, the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Laurier Avenue, Nicholas Street, Sussex Drive, and the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Roads will be closed to traffic for the event.

Finally, the marathon run will begin at Parliament Hill, run along Wellington Street before looping to head south on Colonel By Drive alongside the Rideau Canal to Hog’s Back and then back up the Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Parliament Hill.

“I am thrilled to welcome the Ironman Canada competition to Ottawa,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “I love this city and so will you. There are so many triathletes in Ottawa. And it’s an absolutely stunning and beautiful place to swim, bike and run. It’s also the perfect location for outdoor adventures and world class events, especially an event as prestigious as Ironman Canada. Ottawa is a great place for this amazing competition. Everyone from athletes to families, friends and fans will have an amazing race experience here. I look forward to seeing everyone here in August 2025.”

General registration opens April 22 on the Ironman website. The Ironman Canada-Ottawa triathlon, part of the VinFast Ironman North America Series, will offer qualifying slots to the 2026 VinFast Ironman World Championship.

“This event showcases the resilience and determination of athletes from far and wide, leaving a legacy of excellence in our city,” said Ottawa Tourism president and CEO Michael Crockatt. “We’re confident about this partnership and believe this will significantly contribute to our local economy, grow our sports tourism market, inspire our community, and further showcase our ability to host world-class events. Ottawa’s scenic landscapes and vibrant communities are ready to welcome participants and spectators alike for an unforgettable experience.”

[embedded content]

Turn by turn directions

Bike course

  • Head southeast on Greenview Ave
  • Turn left onto Carling Ave
  • Take the ramp onto Kichi Zibi Mikan East
  • Stay on parkway until it turns into Wellington St
  • Turn Right onto Lyon St
  • Turn Left onto Laurier Ave W
  • Take Ramp onto Queen Elizabeth Driveway and head south
  • Turn Right onto Queen Elizabeth Pl towards Wilton Crescent and Bank St
  • Turn Right onto Wilton Crescent
  • Turn Right onto Bank St
  • Turn Right onto Echo Dr
  • Turn Right onto Colonel By Dr and head north
  • Colonel By Dr ends and becomes Sussex Dr – Continue North on Sussex Dr
  • Sussex Dr continues along the Ottawa River and turns into Princess Ave
  • Princess Ave becomes Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Pkwy
  • Stay on Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Pkwy until it ends at Regional Rd 48/St Joseph Blvd where you will U-Turn prior to the intersection.
  • Stay on Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Pkwy west until its Princess Ave, and then Sussex Dr again into Ottawa
  • Right onto Wellington St
  • Continue on Wellington St until it turns back into Kichi Zibi Mikan West
  • Stay on Kichi Zibi Mikan until the yet to be determined exact turn around point approx. near Deschênes Rapids Lookout and begin your second or final loop.
  • Repeat these steps above until you return to our transition area for the final time and dismount.

Exact transition area is still being determined and right now it shows on Wellington St. This remains to be determined but it will be in and around this general area within 800 meters.

Ironman Ottawa bike course (Ironman Canada/supplied)

Run course

  • Head west on Wellington St
  • Use the Wellington St Underpass to access Commissioner St
  • Turn left onto Commissioner St
  • Right onto Wellington St
  • Right on Colonel By Dr- Stay on Colonel By Dr all the way down to Hogs Back Rd
  • Turn around just before Hogs Back Rd and head North
  • Turn Right onto the ramp up to Bronson Ave
  • Turn Left onto Bronson Ave
  • Turn Left onto Lakeview Terrace
  • Turn Right onto Queen Elizabeth Driveway
  • Queen Elizabeth Driveway turns into Prince of Wales Dr
  • Turn around at Prince of Wales Dr and NCC Scenic Driveway (exact turn around will be adjusted here to make the exact distance and may be before or after the roundabout)
  • Head North on Prince of Wales Dr
  • Prince of Wales Dr turns into Queen Elizabeth Driveway
  • Stay on Queen Elizabeth Driveway until Hawthorne Ave
  • Turn right onto Hawthorne Ave
  • Turn left onto Colonel By Dr
  • Turn left onto Wellington St
  • Continue on Wellington until turn around to start second loop
  • Follow steps above to complete second loop
  • Finish line is currently planned on the beautiful and historic Wellington St.

Athletes will notice the bike, run and finish are all planned for Wellington St. Ironman has different versions of the plan still being vetted out and will have updates as it completes those discussions.

Ironman Ottawa Run Course (Ironman Canada/supplied)

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Former mayor appealing sexual assault conviction dies of cancer – CBC.ca

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The former mayor of a township just outside Cornwall, Ont. — who resigned six months after he was charged with sexual assault and child luring in 2021 — died last month.

According to an online obituary, Frank Prevost died of cancer on March 9. He was 56.

In the summer of 2021, Ontario Provincial Police accused Prevost, then 53 and the mayor of South Glengarry, of sexually assaulting a man over several years, as well as three counts of child luring stemming from an undercover police operation.

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He was convicted of the sexual assault charge in 2023 and had been in the process of appealing.

The child luring charges were still winding their way through court at the time of his death.

Prevost was also charged in February 2022 with violating a condition of his release order. He had been ordered not to use the internet or similar communication services to access unlawful content, social media, dating sites, chat rooms or forums.

Trials had been scheduled for both outstanding matters, according to court records, but Prevost’s health had been deteriorating.

They “could not proceed because he was unable to attend court or participate in a trial,” his lawyer Mark Ertel said in an email.

All outstanding charges against Prevost were withdrawn at the request of the Crown on April 4.

Prevost’s death was first reported by Cornwall Newswatch.

Notice to abandon appeal

In July 2023, Ontario Court Justice Diane Lahaie found Prevost guilty of sexual assaulting someone between 2018 and 2021 in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, according to court records.

In November, Prevost was sentenced to four years in prison, his name was added to the sexual offender registry, and he was ordered to submit his DNA, among other orders.

He and his lawyer launched an appeal that same month. On Nov. 8, the court granted Prevost bail pending a hearing on the matter.

Prevost died before the hearing could take place, the court confirmed.

A notice to abandon the appeal has been submitted and is being processed, a spokesperson for the court wrote in an email Monday.

After the first charges were announced, Prevost took an unpaid six-month leave of absence as mayor of South Glengarry and was removed as warden of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

He announced his resignation after those six months passed.

Lyle Warden was promoted from deputy mayor to interim mayor. Current South Glengarry Mayor Lachlan McDonald was elected in 2022.

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Canada carbon tax rebate: 2024 deposits start for some

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OTTAWA –

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Canadians living in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and all four Atlantic provinces will receive the first of four instalments Monday if they filed their 2023 taxes by March 15.

Those who filed their taxes since March 15 will see their first instalment on May 15, while those who file after Monday will wait until June or July.

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The payments are based on household size and for a family of four range from $190 in New Brunswick to $450 in Alberta.

Ottawa also has just launched a new online estimator that shows how much you should get from the rebates.

In a bid to make the rebates more understandable Ottawa renamed them the “Canada Carbon Rebate” this year but is still negotiating with the big banks about changing how the deposits are labelled when they show up in your account.

Ottawa has been battling with banks about how the deposits are labelled since they moved to quarterly payments for the rebates in 2022.

Many Canadians were confused, or didn’t realize they even got the rebate, when payments showed up with vague labels including “EFT deposit from Canada”, “EFT Credit Canada.” or sometimes just “federal payment.”

The federal government asked the banks to help label them with the old moniker — the climate action incentive payment — but some didn’t arguing they had a 15 character limit for deposit description.

The deposits will be labelled different depending on where you bank, with some going with the full Canada Carbon Rebate name, others shortening it “CDACarbonRebate” or “Canada CCR/RCC.”

In French, the labels could be “Carbone RemiseCA” or “Dépôt direct/Remise canadienne sur carbone.”

The rebates are sent to offset what people pay in carbon pricing when they buy fuel so they’re not left worse off as a result.

People who do things to lower their fuel use are even better off because they still get the same rebate but pay less in carbon pricing.

The rebate amounts are set annually based on how much carbon price Ottawa expects to collect in each province.

British Columbia, Quebec and Northwest Territories have their own carbon pricing system for consumers so residents there don’t receive the federal payment. Yukon and Nunavut use the federal system but have an agreement to distribute the proceeds themselves.

The parliamentary budget officer says about 80 per cent of Canadians get back more from the rebates than they pay.

He also says though that the economic impact of carbon pricing could lower wages over time, erasing that benefit for some Canadians. The government however argues that climate change itself can cause economic harm if it is left unchecked.

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