
‘The devastation is real': Sask. MLA recounts escape from La Ronge wildfire zone
Evacuations are in top gear and Cumberland MLA Jordan Mcphaill shares his experience as an evacuee from wildfires in La Ronge.
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CTV News
32 minutes ago
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke expected to linger as air quality could worsen across Simcoe County
A special air quality statement is in effect for several regions across Simcoe County as wildfire smoke continues to affect air quality and visibility throughout Central Ontario. According to Environment Canada, smoke is expected to linger with air quality to worsen as levels increase. Residents are advised by the national weather agency to limit outdoor activities and if indoors, keep windows closed to prevent smoke from coming in. With the weekend fast-approaching, Environment Canada says people should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. Mild and common symptoms linked to poor air quality include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution include people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and members who work outdoors.


CTV News
33 minutes ago
- CTV News
Justice department cutting up to 264 jobs as it faces ‘budgetary pressures'
The Canadian flag flies on the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill as pedestrians make their way along Sparks Street Mall in Ottawa on Nov. 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA — The federal department of justice is set to lay off up to 264 employees as it navigates what it calls 'significant budgetary pressures.' Ian McLeod, a spokesperson for the department, says in an email that the department is taking 'difficult but necessary' steps to manage available resources, given ongoing budget pressures that 'can no longer be sustained.' He says 264 positions in the department 'may no longer be required' and that the employees in those roles were notified this week. McLeod says the department has implemented 'several measures' aimed at addressing budgetary pressures over the past year, including staffing restrictions. The number of federal public service jobs dropped by almost 10,000 in the last year, marking the first decrease since 2015. As of March 31, 357,965 people were working for the Government of Canada, down from 367,772 in 2024. Between 2024 and 2025, the justice department lost 29 workers, going from 5,637 to 5,608 employees. Hundreds of workers in other federal organizations — like the Canada Revenue Agency, Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — also have been laid off recently. Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to cap, not cut, the federal public service. He also has promised to launch a 'comprehensive' review of government spending with the aim of increasing its productivity. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2026. Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press


CBC
34 minutes ago
- CBC
Air quality in Toronto among worst in the world amid wildfire smoke, global tracker shows
Environment Canada says air quality in the city is 'very high risk' as of noon Friday Air quality in Toronto reached "very high risk" on Environment Canada's air quality health index early Friday afternoon as wildfire smoke spreads over the city. As of 12 p.m., Toronto's air quality reached above 10 on the index. A value between four to six is considered moderate risk, while seven to 10 is high risk, according to the federal weather agency's website. Currently, the value is above 10, which means very high risk. Toronto's air quality is currently the second most polluted major city in the world, according to a ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. That puts it below Santiago, Chile, and above Montreal, which is in third place as it also faces wildfire smoke from western provinces. Parts of the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities are under a special air quality statement Friday as wildfires scorch Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, Environment Canada said in a statement early Friday morning. The smoke is expected to last from Friday morning into the early afternoon. The air quality statement is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Pickering, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket and Georgina. It is also in effect further north for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale. Environment Canada issued a similar special air quality statement for much of Ontario on Thursday. People are advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities or events, the federal weather agency said in Friday's statement. Those who must spend time outdoors are advised to wear a "well-constructed, will-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask" such as an N95 mask, Environment Canada said. These masks can reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke, but there can still be risks to health, the statement read. When indoors, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. A clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system or a certified portable air cleaner may help protect indoor air from wildfire smoke, Environment Canada said. People may experience "mild and common symptoms" such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the federal weather agency said. More serious and less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. People are advised to seek immediate medical assistance if they think they are having a medical emergency. Seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with existing illness or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors are the most likely to be impacted by outdoor health pollution, Environment Canada said. "Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution," the statement read. Toronto Pearson International Airport said it does not "anticipate any impacts to operations" as a result of the smoke, in a post on X on Friday. Students can stay inside Friday: TDSB spokesperson Principals at the Toronto District School Board will keep an eye on the air quality health index throughout the day and decide whether to move outdoor recess or activities indoors, said Ryan Bird, a TDSB spokesperson. They may consider moving indoors if the air quality reaches between seven and 10 on the index, he said. "Students who wish to stay inside and/or students that are at increased risk of experiencing symptoms will be accommodated," Bird said in an email to CBC Toronto. When the air quality reaches level seven or above, schools will use their existing portable HEPA filter units, keep windows closed and minimize the opening and closing of external doors, he said. If the air quality index reading goes above 10, "outdoor physical exertion should be avoided altogether," he said.