Heritage Calgary says little can be done to save historic Maclean house in Ramsay
The historic Maclean home in the southeast community of Ramsay is about to meet its fate. A developer wants to knock it down to make way for some new townhomes. Despite being more than 110 years old, there is no legal way to save it. The CBC spoke with the CEO of Heritage Calgary about that.
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Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Letters to the editor, June 12: ‘I fear that without significant constitutional reforms, Canada is in the early stages of inevitable economic demise'
Re 'ArriveCan's main contractor GCStrategies paid without ensuring work was done: A-G' (June 11): The Auditor-General's report makes it clear that at issue was government services not following its own rules in awarding contracts, thus wasting taxpayer dollars. Mark Carney's response was to point out that GCStrategies has been suspended from receiving further contracts. Fine, but what about the individuals and departments found to have broken government rules? Apparently nothing, as Mr. Carney simply pledges to do better going forward. A new government, but seemingly the same values on accountability. David Harper Burlington, Ont. Re 'Canada invites Saudi Crown Prince to G7 summit' (June 11): This deeply disturbs me. Is it possible that the Prime Minister or his advisers are unaware of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a brutal act with the Crown Prince's fingerprints all over it? Are we so desperate for investment and trade to want to engage with such an authoritarian regime? For a country that professes to believe in the rule of law and human rights, this invitation disgusts me. Ken Pattern Vancouver Re 'Mexico and Canada fell apart over migration. Could it bring us back together?' (June 10): I have long been puzzled by what has appeared to be Canadian indifference toward things Mexican beyond tequila, tacos and beach resorts. Mexicans are enormously diverse, a trait that we share, and know exactly who they are as a people and a nation. Nowhere do I see a sugar-coating of their often-violent history. As a NAFTA partner and, yes, often times a competitor, we have missed an opportunity to gain a solid foothold into our own hemisphere with the world's largest Spanish-speaking nation. Bilingual Canadians will likely find learning Spanish quite easy, as I did during the pandemic. I support the Carney government's look across the ocean to Europe. I would be enthusiastic about deepening engagement with Mexico. David Roy Toronto Re 'The Liberals get around to fixing the thing they broke' (Editorial, June 7): The underlying purpose of refugee law is not to protect those fleeing from past persecution. It is to protect those who face future persecution. The length of time a person has spent in Canada should have no bearing on this issue and thus should not be used as a reason for diluting procedural protections for some claimants. Donald Galloway Victoria Re 'ROI' (Letters, June 11): Letter-writers do a good job of explaining the opposing views on building pipelines as nation-building projects, and I find merit in both arguments. It seems to me that a compromise – where Canada builds pipelines yet does so in the most ethical and efficient manner, with proceeds earmarked for environmental objectives – could win the day. 'Building a nation' with such disparate interests necessitates a balanced approach. Jeff Zuk Hamilton Even before new energy infrastructure projects have been announced, the usual suspects of opposition are out in force. The swell of national unity is, it seems, not unbounded, but conditional. It is becoming increasingly clear to me that Canada is ungovernable. This nation, as currently configured, feels set up to fail. Canada may not only be left behind with respect to major infrastructure: We will likely become technology slaves dependent upon the United States. Optimism alone is not a recipe for success. I fear that without significant constitutional reforms, Canada is in the early stages of inevitable economic demise that will increase the likelihood of 'absorption' by the U.S. Martin McMahon Oak Bay, B.C. Re 'Advocates question tax-cut bill's plan to shield federal parties from provincial privacy laws' (June 10): I find it incomprehensible and shocking that federal parties are not subject to any privacy legislation. And I find it disturbing that the Liberals would attempt to quietly entrench this unacceptable state of affairs in an unrelated bill. The lack of privacy protections for Canadians is not an abstract matter. The infamous 'robocall' data breach and electoral crime of 2011 played out across the country. There were no legal or financial consequences for the Conservative Party itself for this egregious data breach. They were not obligated to inform individuals who had their data compromised. We learned through the Cambridge Analytica scandal in the United States that political parties can amass thousands of data points about every elector. It's long past time for federal parties to be subject to meaningful privacy legislation. Canadians should demand it. Susan Watson Guelph, Ont. I guess we shouldn't look to the federal government to address any privacy concerns we might have, since they want to grant themselves immunity from any such legislation. Do as we say…. Paddy Fuller Ottawa Re 'In a challenging market, a few brave developers push forward' (Real Estate, June 6): There is forecasted to be 24,000 unsold condos sitting on the market in Toronto and 3,500 in Vancouver by the end of the year. Maybe we should figure out how to build stuff people want to live in, and can afford to purchase, before we embark on the federal government's 'build, baby, build' strategy for solving the housing crisis. Barbara Yaffe Vancouver Re 'CIBC chief calls for tax changes to help young Canadians struggling to save money' (Report on Business, June 10): I do not disagree with helping young Canadians, but I think the CIBC CEO's recommendation will serve the bank well. Of course the bank wants to negotiate more mortgages. What is CIBC doing to help young people? Are they reducing banking fees, increasing interest earned on money in the bank or lowering interest rates on loans? Jan Vanderwal Toronto Re 'Is AI dulling critical-thinking skills? As tech companies court students, educators weigh the risks' (June 7): With the advent of the pocket calculator came the mantra that tech will make learning easier. With the personal computer it was that tech will make learning fun. With artificial intelligence it will be that tech will make learning unnecessary. I'm not a Luddite. I'm just reflecting on a lifetime of experience in education, the snake oil that senior decision-makers have bought over the decades and the ill effects of their decisions. Learning requires a mix of effort, focus and discipline. It always has. Before we use the tools, we should learn how to use our brains. Dan Brennan Belleville, Ont. .................................................................................................................................. Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Kingston causeway workers get severance pay nearly a year after bridge torn down
Social Sharing After months of waiting, workers who operated the LaSalle Causeway lift bridge in Kingston, Ont., have finally received their severance. It comes nearly a year after the century-old crossing was demolished following what was supposed to be a repair job, but instead ended with the entire structure being scrapped. "I'm glad it's over. It's a chapter in my life I don't have to worry about again," said Doug Stewart, who worked as a bridge operator for about a year-and-a-half before it was torn down. Stewart, along with bridge master Tom Vilneff, was among the three causeway workers laid off at the end of January. Their collective agreement said they should have received the thousands they were owed within 30 days, but as the weeks added up without any pay, their savings began to take a beating, the men told CBC in a story published May 6. The next day, they heard from the pay centre for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the federal department responsible for the bridge. In a phone interview on Wednesday, Stewart described the update from PSPC as a "relief." "It was three months before I got any any action out of the PSPC, and it was only the day after the CBC story ran about that I saw any real action," he explained. Vilneff confirmed he has also since received a compensation package and severance pay. CBC has not been able to confirm whether the third worker received their severance. PSPC did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent Wednesday morning. In a statement back in May, the department said it was aware of "issues faced by its former employees" and was working to resolve them as quickly as possible. At the time, a spokesperson also said that in the previous fiscal year, 89 per cent of its severance cases were processed within 30 days. Grievance filed over financial distress The crossing connects downtown to the city's eastern suburbs and was known as the "singing bridge" for the sound made by the tires of thousands of commuters who crossed it every day. A temporary span is currently in its place. Stewart said he's filed a grievance with PSPC about the severance not being paid in a timely fashion, causing financial distress for his family. "I'm not really after any extra money out of them," he said "I'm just [sending a] 'do better next time' note to my government." Stewart has since found work as a tour guide around the city and said he's happy to have a new way to share his knowledge and show his appreciation for Kingston's history. Still, the former bridge operator said he remains frustrated by how both the crossing and his career there were discarded, adding the way the workers were treated showed a "lack of respect." "It was sort of, 'OK you're done, now off you go.' We weren't responsible for the catastrophes that happened to that bridge," he said. "And I still miss it. I miss the sound of it."
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
What you need to know about the G7 summit in Alberta
Social Sharing The news is about to be flooded with the latest from the Group of Seven (G7) as some of the world's most powerful leaders travel to the Canadian Rockies next week for high-level meetings on some of the most pressing global issues. Here's a primer on the G7. What is the G7 again? The G7 is made up of some of the world's key democracies, who meet every year to act as a co-ordinated voice on major issues, including trade and economics, security and climate change. What is now the G7 dates back 50 years and is currently made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, who rotate hosting duties. The European Union is also a member. It used to be the G8 when Russia was at the table. But the country was expelled in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea. Historically, the elite group's mission has been to guide the world's economy and rally around shared values, like protecting human rights and the rule of law. But its relevance and effectiveness has been questioned in recent years amid increasingly protectionist trade views at the table, and the rise of India and China's economic power. When and where is it? Leaders will start arriving in Kanansaskis, Alta., nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies on Sunday with meetings planned for Monday and Tuesday. There's often closing news conferences on the final day. Kanansaskis is not new to this kind of hubbub; it was the site of the 2002 G8 summit. Canada has hosted the summit seven times, the last one being Charlevoix, Que., in 2018. Who's going? Following a bout of elections since last summer's meeting, many of the G7 leaders are new to the big table. That includes host Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. U.S. President Donald Trump makes his closely watched return. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has a few G7 gatherings under her belt and hosted the summit last year. At this point France's Emmanuel Macron, first elected in 2017, could be considered the dean of the G7. The European Union will be represented by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and António Costa, president of the European Council. It's also tradition to invite other global leaders. This year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (this year's G20 chair), South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and World Bank President Ajay Banga are attending, according to the Prime Minister's Office. Government sources said Canada has also invited Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but the Prime Minister's Office confirmed Wednesday he is not attending. How can Trump, a convicted felon, get into Canada? Just over a year ago, Trump was found guilty of all 34 counts in a criminal "hush money" trial involving adult actress Stormy Daniels, spurring questions if the now re-elected U.S. president would be granted access to the summit. While Canada is among dozens of countries who refuse entry to felons, Ottawa laid out in an order-in-council that representatives of foreign states are granted certain privileges and immunities while in Canada for the G7. The short of it: there are international agreements protecting foreign leaders, their officials and diplomatic envoys. In this case that includes exemptions from immigration restrictions to "facilitate travel to Canada to the extent required for attendance at the G7 meetings." "This does not replace the need for a visa, where one is required, but it can facilitate admission to Canada of an individual who may otherwise be inadmissible," the order reads. A spokesperson from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada declined to comment on Trump's upcoming trip for "privacy" reasons, only adding that "inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis." What's on the agenda? Carney said Canada is looking for action on three core missions. The first theme is "protecting our communities and the world," which calls for leaders to promote peace and security, counter foreign interference and transnational crime, address global pressures driving migration and improve the global responses to wildfires. The second is "building energy security and accelerating the digital transition," including collaboration around fortifying critical mineral supply chains and using artificial intelligence and quantum technology to boost economic growth. Finally, Carney said he will push to secure "partnerships of the future," like attracting private investment to build infrastructure and create higher-paying jobs. Canadian sources have said they are hoping for some sort of Canada-U.S. trade deal by the time Trump and Carney meet at the summit. Support for Ukraine will also be on the agenda as Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion drags on at immense human cost. Ukrainian officials have said they are preparing for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump as the Ukrainian president continues to press for a ceasefire deal. The Israel-Gaza conflict will also undoubtedly be discussed. Earlier this week, Canada joined allies including the U.K. in sanctioning two far-right Israeli ministers for "their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities." Canada and its G7 partners France and the U.K. have been increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to end the blockade of aid into Gaza, where international experts warn of famine. In response to the sanctions, Israel's government said it will meet next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision." Can I travel to Kananaskis to see the leaders? Hard no. The G7 summit is being described as the " largest domestic security operation" a country can take on, and the site will be locked down and packed with police. These types of gatherings are already tightly controlled but last year's assassination attempts on Trump further adds to the security posture. The RCMP has prepared for this sort of high-stakes operation before but said technological threats have advanced since 2018, including the "weaponization of drones" and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. WATCH | RCMP highlight security measures: RCMP highlight security measures for upcoming G7 summit 9 days ago Duration 11:35 Calgary RCMP provide an update on the security measures needed for the 51st G7 summit from June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alta. Officials say strict security measures are in place, including a restricted airspace and designated demonstration zones. Canada hosts the summit every seven years. Even journalists, who will be stationed in Banff and Calgary, will have limited access to the summit site. There are also natural threats that security forces have to deal with: wildlife and wildfires. With Kananaskis located in the Bow Valley's forests, officials say they're monitoring for any possible wildfire outbreaks and keeping tabs on bears and cougars. What if I want to protest? Organizers are expecting large protests. Those crowds will be sent to designated G7 demonstration zones: one in Banff and three in Calgary. In a 2025 twist, the protests will be livestreamed to the restricted area where the leaders are gathered. "People who want to express themselves, as is their right, can't get close to the leaders," said RCMP Chief Supt. David Hall during a recent media briefing. "So by establishing that video link, we are helping facilitate that Charter access." Will anything actually be achieved? That remains to be seen. The G7 leaders work toward reaching consensus on issues or agreeing to certain commitments, but relations between certain leaders have become fractured in recent years. The last time Canada hosted the G7, it fell into name-calling and disarray. Tump refused to endorse the communique and called then prime minister and the summit's host Justin Trudeau "very dishonest and weak." In the fallout, Trump adviser Peter Navarro, who still remains close to the president, went on Fox News to say there was a "special place in hell" for Trudeau. With the G7 marking its 50th anniversary amid economic uncertainty and deadly conflicts, there's more pressure than ever for the seven leaders to find common ground.
