Ontario now allows accents on Outdoors Cards
French-language speakers can now have accents in their names on Ontario outdoors cards, says Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, who pushed for the change, with mailing addresses also including accents, while efforts continue to add them to OHIP cards.
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Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Letters to the editor, June 10: ‘AI is not only an issue in higher education, but at the grade-school level as well'
Re 'B.C.'s energy minister says Ottawa should focus on practical projects with ready investors' (Report on Business, June 9): A retired economist would like to appeal to the former economist and now Prime Minister. I hope the process for nation-building projects is the international gold standard for public decision-making: cost-benefit analysis. We economists know that broad consultation in a transparent, structured decision-making process is the best way to find projects which provide the highest net benefits to Canadians. The government should grant standing in these analyses to First Nations and affected citizens. Mark Carney should take a lead in setting the inputs to these analyses. Progressive governments make this information known when taxpayers are on the hook for infrastructure projects. Provinces can provide the projects, but the feds should transparently control the process, parameters and participants. Published shadow wage, social costs of carbon, value of life and other cost-benefit parameters would mean that fantasy and knee-jerk projects are filtered out as bad for the health and well-being of Canadians. John Parker Toronto Re 'Carney to announce Canada's defence spending will hit NATO's target of 2% of GDP this fiscal year, sources say' (June 9): With the western half of the country on fire, a massive housing and infrastructure shortage, a drug epidemic and a health care crisis, how is it at all responsible to commit to increasing Canada's NATO spending to 2 per cent of GDP? It is said that this increase can cost between $15- to $20-billion, an enormous sum of money that should be used to address the aforementioned issues, which I see as more urgent threats to our national 'security' and well-being than anything this NATO spending may address. Mark Carney makes the case that this will boost our own homegrown defence industry. And herein lies the true aim of this new direction, in my opinion: a massive corporate handout to Canadian defence contractors and firms that would send large portions of this capital to their shareholders and executives. War is a racket, and Mark Carney was a banker, but I think we should expect more from our government amidst such dire circumstances. Evan Marnoch Winnipeg Re 'Toronto wrangles with a simple question: What is a multiplex?' (Real Estate, June 6): What stands out to me is again greedy developers pushing the boundaries of proposed zoning to maximize profit. Planning is then tied up in knots trying to regulate these outlandish proposals. This then creates the outcomes referenced: a couple of hundred applications on hold. Until we give city planners final authority on design, developers will likely continue to slow development approvals, not the city. Michael Marmoreo Toronto Re 'Canada can't solve its housing crisis without the provinces' (June 6): The most depressing aspect of this analysis and conclusion is that it could have been articulated five or even 10 years ago. The same paralysis remains, the same roadblocks in place hindering meaningful progress. In my own parcel of the country, at least two plots of city-owned land, publicly designated for affordable or seniors housing, have sat for years unscathed by any signs of development. Much of the public is tired of the shell game between federal, provincial or municipal jurisdictional. Just get it built already. Terry Sherbino Penticton, B.C. Re 'The criminal justice system keeps failing sexual-assault survivors. There has to be a better way' (June 9): As a practicing criminal lawyer, I commend the recommendation that it's time for Ontario to lift the moratorium on the option of restorative justice for sexual offences. In the right case, with an accused willing to accept accountability for their actions and a complainant who would be satisfied hearing that in a supportive, structured setting, the justice system and society would benefit from the use of that process. To deny that alternative would be an unjustifiable form of paternalism. Jeffrey Manishen Hamilton Re 'Some university professors say AI is here to stay, so students should learn how to use it' (June 4): Such use of artificial intelligence, if prevalent, circumvents the purpose of a university education, which is to read primary sources, to think and to analyze information. A return to individual oral presentations as tests could help ensure that students are doing some learning at a university level. Sandra Witelson, PhD Hamilton Parent of a Grade 4 student here. Dismayed to report that artificial intelligence is not only an issue in higher education, but at the grade-school level as well. My daughter recently brought home a research assignment and advised me that her slides could be completed by copying and pasting online search results. When I asked her teacher for clarification, the response was that 'many students have utilized the AI results.' Very disappointing that students are not given the chance to learn how to write an essay. I hope we can harness the power of AI soon to develop critical thinkers. As for now, it is proving to be a bumpy ride. Sarah Timney Toronto Re 'In this economy, can we even afford dogs and cats any more?' (June 5): Ironically, we had taken our dog to our veterinarian the day before this article was published. Our healthy five-year old's bill was $550 (this included five pills for ticks, heartworm and fleas). Our vet's practice was bought out by a U.S. company. A solution to this issue would be to increase the number of vets being graduated from Canadian colleges and universities. Our dentist's practice was also bought out by a U.S. company. When calling around for a new dentist, this wasn't the only one in town. If U.S. companies can profit from this, why can't Canadians? Jo-Anne Twamley Belleville, Ont. Re 'For the love of God, can someone please help CRA fix its website?' (Report on Business, June 3): An unfortunately funny article. Instead of just getting the limited functionality of the Canada Revenue Agency website to work, how about we go for gold and get some improvements? Most Canadians tax returns are simple enough that the CRA could complete the entire return automatically, requiring only approval; Finland and others already do this. Require institutions with tax-fee savings account holdings to issue monthly, not yearly, reports. Allow sort-by date of tax slips so users don't have to scroll through dozens to find out which institution filed after April 30. Respond faster than 'if you don't hear from us in six months, try calling us at 1-800-I-GIVE-UP.' We can and should expect more from our national institutions. Barry Bortnick Calgary 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
'Come hug it out': Canadian tourism groups reassure U.S. visitors they're welcome amid political tension
Late last year, Dan Davis of Cleveland, Ohio, began planning a motorcycle trip with friends this summer that includes several days in Ontario. But those plans became a little uncertain after U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January and imposed tariffs on Canada, sparking a trade war. That, coupled with Trump's frequent threats to make Canada the 51st state, has sparked anger among many Canadians. Davis noted that, in February, Canadians booed the U.S. national anthem at several NHL hockey games, and in March, the Canadian government ran a billboard campaign in a dozen U.S. states, including Ohio, declaring that Trump's "tariffs are a tax." "Those things just made us wonder, 'Wow, are we going to be welcome in Canada?' " said Davis, adding that the licence plates on the group's motorcycles reveal they're from Ohio — a state Trump won in the 2024 election. "On a motorcycle, you're a little more vulnerable," he said. "All it takes is one person to say, 'You know what, I'm going to show these guys a lesson,' whether it's vandalizing a bike or … throwing a beer can at you." Fewer U.S. tourists visiting Canada Since Trump took office and Canada-U.S. relations have become strained, fewer Canadians are visiting the U.S., and fewer Americans are coming to Canada. In May, the number of trips Americans took to Canada declined 10.7 per cent by car, and 5.5 per cent by air compared to the same time last year. Some tourism associations worry a number of Americans may be staying away because they fear a chilly reception, so they've launched ad campaigns which assure their neighbours they'll be warmly welcomed. It's a worthy cause considering what's at stake: The majority of Canada's tourists come from the U.S., and they spent $15.3 million in the country last year. "It was really important for us to send the message to these visitors … that they are truly welcome, not to be scared to visit us," said Isabelle Charlebois, general director of Tourism Eastern Townships, a region in southeastern Quebec near the U.S. border. The group launched a TV ad in late May, running in New England and New York state. Set in the Eastern Townships, it shows a U.S. tourist whispering sheepishly to a hotel clerk that he's American. The clerk smiles knowingly, and gives the American a big, warm hug. "Come hug it out in the Eastern Townships," says the tagline. WATCH | Quebec tourism group offers to 'hug it out': Charlebois says the ad campaign was partly inspired by the fact that local tourism operators were fielding numerous calls from concerned Americans. "They were calling … asking if they should postpone their trip, or if they will be welcome in Quebec," she said. "This relationship we have with our neighbour is really important for us. That's why we sent this message, and I hope it works." 'Perception is reality' In May, out of the 200 businesses surveyed by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, 32 per cent reported lower summer bookings by Americans compared to the same time last year. John Kinney, owner of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, says, so far this season, his location just outside Niagara Falls has seen 15 per cent fewer American customers compared to this time last year. "Unfortunately, perception is reality," said Kinney. "If it's perceived that there's political woes, people say, 'I hear Myrtle Beach is nice.' They just go to a completely different area." To encourage Americans to heard north, Niagara Falls Tourism has launched a page on its website just for them. Along with listing attractions, it declares, "To our friends in the U.S.A. — we can't wait to welcome you!" Back in Cleveland, Davis spotted a billboard last week on the highway and says he took it as a sign he's welcome in Canada. This time, instead of denouncing Trump's tariffs, the billboard invited Americans to visit Ontario and take advantage of the low Canadian dollar. Destination Ontario, the province's tourism organization, launched the campaign in several U.S. states last month. "It's good to see that they are encouraging visitors," said Davis, who is now looking forward to his Ontario trip. "We all just need to come together as human beings on both sides of the border and embrace each other." B.C. bear tour operators beckon Americans Over on the West Coast, British Columbia businesses that specialize in bear viewing are also rolling out the welcome mat. More than a dozen took part in a video, posted on YouTube on May 30, which promises Americans "open arms" and "warm hospitality." B.C.'s Commercial Bear Viewing Association, which put together the ad, says it will soon be launched as part of a social media campaign in select U.S. markets. WATCH | B.C. businesses welcome U.S. tourists: Marg Leehane, general manager of Great Bear Lodge in Campbell River, B.C., shouted out, "You're always welcome," in the video. It's a message she hopes will resonate, as American bookings at her lodge are down by 28 per cent so far compared to this time last year. "Americans always make up a good percentage of our visitors, and we're disappointed to not have them coming," she said. "I think they're worried the political message will get reflected on them. But of course, that's not how most Canadians feel." Leehane says she's getting more Canadian bookings this year than usual, which helps offset the decline in American customers. Still, she worries that decline could have lasting repercussions. "We don't want to lose that pipeline of American visitors," she said. "They would have come back as repeat guests. So it's not just this year that we would lose out on those visitors, it's the future years."
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Afghan-Canadian combat advisers launch discrimination suit against Department of National Defence
Former military language and cultural advisers — who at times carried out some of the most difficult and dangerous assignments of Canada's war in Afghanistan — are now suing the federal government for discrimination over the alleged failure to properly train and take care of them following their service alongside combat troops, CBC News has learned. A statement of claim was filed on May 30 in Ontario Superior Court on behalf of 30 of the men — Canadian citizens of Afghan origin — who were recruited by the Defence Department to help the army on the ground during the brutal Kandahar campaign. The federal government was served notice of the $50 million discrimination suit last Thursday. Known by the acronym LCAs, the advisers were tasked with helping commanders and troops overcome language and cultural barriers. But they also conducted dangerous intelligence gathering on the Taliban, warned of attacks and eavesdropped on insurgent communications. They were civilians, not soldiers. Many of them returned to Canada injured and broken, only to be denied care by the federal government because their contracts with the Defence Department ended after their time overseas and their health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder, emerged afterward. "After years of dedicated service to their country, LCAs were abandoned in the community," said the court filing, which noted that many of them had secret clearance and could not discuss the operations in which they had been involved. Department 'actively frustrated and undermined' cases, suit claims The crux of the discrimination claim is that the advisers "were recruited based on their identities as Muslim Canadians of Afghan descent and were subjected to the same risks and hazards" as soldiers, yet, "Canada deprived LCAs of the same benefits and supports it provides to soldiers in recognition of these risks and hazards of war." The former advisers also claim they were discriminated against by not being given adequate pre-deployment training to prepare for the hazards of combat. CBC News has followed the plight of the men since 2019, and their case has also been championed by the Canadian Forces Ombudsman's office. The Defence Department, in response to media stories and watchdog pressure, sent the advisers' cases to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), which is where most Defence Department cases involving civilian injury end up. The lawsuit claims the Defence Department "actively frustrated and undermined" the cases of the advisers by the "withholding of critical information from the WSIB and its imposition of confidentiality obligations." The actions, the court filing says, limited the ability of the LCAs to disclose information and that contributed to the rejection of most of their serious injury claims. The federal government has not responded to the claims in the court challenge. 'I would do it again and again' One of the former advisers, Jamail Jushan, says it's been a disheartening journey. "We were forgotten — ignored," Jushan told CBC News in an interview, adding that everyone he and fellow LCAs have dealt with have been sympathetic, but unmoved. "They appreciated our work, they appreciated our mission, but they paid lip service and there was no action." Jushan was among a handful of former Afghan advisers who demonstrated in front of Parliament on Remembrance Day last year, hoping to draw attention to their plight. Despite feeling ignored and suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, Jushan says that if someone asked him to serve again, he would. "I would do it again and again," Jushan said. "I am sick, but if something happened to Canada, this is my country, I will defend these people. I will defend this country. I sacrificed myself. I sacrificed my family. I sacrificed everything. I love this country." He said Canada gave him a home and a sense of belonging before the war. Abdul Hamidi, another adviser, said he's not so sure he would have gone had he known what it was going to be like and how he would be treated. "I'm a Canadian man. I'm a human being. I am one of you," said Hamidi, who was given a partial disability assessment, though it doesn't cover all of his injuries. "There's nothing different between us. So if you brought me to this level you have to answer me." Hamidi says that in terms of experiences and injuries, the only difference between him and those he advised in Afghanistan is that they carried the title of soldier. WATCH | Advisers who worked with Canadian Forces in Afghanistan fight for benefts: Afghan Canadians who worked with military fight for recognition, benefits 7 months ago Duration 2:10 Afghan Canadians who worked with the military as interpreters and cultural advisers during the war say they have been ignored by the federal government and are still fighting for the same recognition and health benefits as the soldiers they served beside. No compensation despite ombudsman recommendation Emma Phillips, one of the lawyers who filed the Charter discrimination case, says the military has publicly acknowledged the crucial role the men played in the Kandahar campaign, but has turned its back on them. The Canadian Forces Ombudsman's office has recommended that the advisers be granted a special compensation package, similar to one handed out for cadets injured in an accidental grenade explosion in the 1970s. In that case, cadets were eligible for $42,000 with an additional financial award going up to $310,000 for those seriously injured. The Defence Department has so far refused to budge. Phillips says the government's ongoing refusal to grant the advisers compensation is "a tragedy, really." An investigation by the ombudsman six years ago found that care for the civilian contractors during the war was an afterthought. Before the beginning of major combat operations in 2006, the department briefly considered implementing a policy to limit the duration and scope of civilian deployments. But the idea was inexplicably dropped, and it wasn't until 2007 that a temporary directive was drafted. The ombudsman's 2019 investigation found that the order was not implemented until November 2011 — four months after Canadian troops had withdrawn from fighting the Taliban.
