Lawyer calls on Canada to speed up visa approvals as situation worsens in Gaza
Debbie Rachlis said Canada must speed up the approval process for the temporary special measures visa it is offering to members of Palestinian Canadians' families who are trying to flee the violence in Gaza.
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Montreal Gazette
5 hours ago
- Montreal Gazette
Letters: Canada-U.S. relationship will never be the same
Re: ' American writer shocked by how furious Canadians are with the United States ' (NP Montreal, July 25) In his New York magazine article, the writer suggests the Canadian chill toward the United States will eventually 'thaw,' especially if the next president is a Democrat. Maybe. But I doubt Canadians will soon forget how America turned against us after being the closest of allies and partners for decades. The anger will probably subside, but I believe the relationship will never be the same — never as trusting or as deep. America has shown us who they are. Jerry Trudeau, N.D.G. Rich get richer under Trump The U.S. is projected to receive $300 billion from tariffs collected internationally, while the so-called 'one big, beautiful bill' proposes cuts to government and social services. No plan seems to exist to share tariff revenue with Americans who have the greatest need. Instead, it seems destined to underwrite a tax cut that will benefit the wealthiest citizens. It's expected consumers will bear the biggest brunt of these tariffs. This might be acceptable if the money was being used to help those who are the most impacted by inflation and struggling to make ends meet. But it seems Trump takes from the poor and gives to the rich. Natalie Turko-Slack, Pierrefonds Santé Québec progress report? Re: ' Over 900,000 Quebecers on wait-lists for specialists ' (The Gazette, July 17) More than six months have passed since the CAQ government launched Santé Québec, the bureaucratic adjunct to the Health Ministry. It was supposed to operate with much improved efficiency to deliver better health care to more Quebecers, many of whom now lack either primary care doctors or timely services. As we wait to see concrete results form Santé Québec, I believe it is incumbent upon that organization to present a 'progress report' of what exactly has been accomplished so far and what plans are in the making so that we can have some reassurance that the huge cost for this major bureaucratic organization is not a colossal waste of the taxpayers money. Goldie Olszynko, Mile End Ozzy's Crazy Train late on arrival Re: ' Birmingham, the 'home of metal,' gives emotional farewell to Ozzy Osbourne ' (NP Montreal, July 31) I clearly remember in 1980 when Crazy Train was released as a single and never made it to the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. Seems it was too intense, too heavy metal. This week's Hot 100 has it at No. 46, and it is likely to rise. Turns out this classic has a new life, even if the artist's life had to end. Edmund Gleason, Pincourt Submitting a letter to the editor Letters should be sent by email to letters@ We prioritize letters that respond to, or are inspired by, articles published by The Gazette. If you are responding to a specific article, let us know which one. Letters should be sent uniquely to us. The shorter they are — ideally, fewer than 200 words — the greater the chance of publication. Timing, clarity, factual accuracy and tone are all important, as is whether the writer has something new to add to the conversation. We reserve the right to edit and condense all letters. Care is taken to preserve the core of the writer's argument. Our policy is not to publish anonymous letters, those with pseudonyms or 'open letters' addressed to third parties. Letters are published with the author's full name and city or neighbourhood/borough of residence. Include a phone number and address to help verify identity; these will not be published. We will not indicate to you whether your letter will be published. If it has not been published within 10 days or so, it is not likely to be.
National Observer
5 hours ago
- National Observer
Saskatchewan faces legal challenge for delaying coal phase out
Saskatchewan is facing a judicial review for its recent decision to extend coal power generation in the province beyond 2030. Federal regulations require all coal-fired power plants (except those outfitted with carbon capture technology) be shut down by 2030 to clean up Canada's electricity grid but Saskatchewan is not playing ball. In mid-June, news broke that the government and SaskPower plan to continue using coal-fired generation past the deadline and a handful of individuals and organizations filed for a judicial review to try and stop this from happening. The application, filed on July 18 by three individuals plus the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and Citizens for Public Justice, argues the province's decision is 'unreasonable' and should be reviewed by the courts due to a lack of public consultation, a disregard for Canadian and international law and potential implications on Canadian Charter rights. 'The climate crisis is urgent and we need our institutions, including the judicial system, to respond,' said Glenn Wright, the lawyer representing the applicants, in a press release. 'It is truly time for all hands on deck and we cannot let the coal decision stand without some judicial scrutiny. These applicants are taking an important stand for the benefit of all Canadians.' The individual applicants are a 12-year-old from Saskatchewan, Saskatoon resident Sherry Olsen and a farmer from Manitoba. 'The emissions from coal burned in Saskatchewan don't stay within Saskatchewan's borders,' said Matthew Wiens in the press release. 'They cross over into Manitoba and beyond, and impact the atmosphere that we all share.' 'The emissions from coal burned in Saskatchewan don't stay within Saskatchewan's borders,' said farmer and applicant Matthew Wiens. 'They cross over into Manitoba and beyond, and impact the atmosphere that we all share.' He said the wildfire smoke that blankets much of Canada makes him fear for his children's long-term health, citing cancelled sports practices due to poor air quality. And as a farmer, he's feeling the effects of climate change driven largely by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal. 'Weather extremes of heat, torrential rains, and drought are impacting my crops and livestock with increasing frequency,' Wiens said. The application is set for an initial hearing in Chambers at the Court of King's Bench in Saskatoon on Aug. 12, 2025, to address any preliminary issues and determine when the hearing of the application might be scheduled, according to the press release. The province did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the application. This article will be updated when comment is provided. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have opposed the federal Clean Electricity Regulations at every opportunity. Both premiers say the 2030 deadline is unrealistic and they will work towards net-zero grids by 2050. Ontario was the first province to phase out coal-fired electricity under Premier Kathleen Wynne in 2014. Last summer, Alberta transitioned its last coal plant to natural gas to complete the coal phase-out. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan still use coal-fired electricity.
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Disappointment mixed with cautious optimism, resolve in Manitoba as Trump makes good on tariff threat
Manitoba business and labour leaders expressed disappointment Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump hiked his tariff on many Canadian goods to 35 per cent, bringing further economic uncertainty. They remained hopeful ongoing trade talks between the two countries will strike the right deal for Canada's economy. 'We were hoping to avoid this escalation in our current trade tensions with the U.S.,' said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Loren Remillard. 'We remain confident, in time, we will find common ground with the U.S. administration. The most important thing is getting the right deal for Canada, not necessarily getting it done right now.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES The steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, is bracing for potential impacts. Trump increased the tariff (on imports not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA) after a deal wasn't struck before a deadline he imposed. Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck agreed no deal is better than a bad one for Canada. 'I think there are a lot more businesses that are watching this with great uncertainty and unease, and that's not good for anyone, but we can't let the U.S. just dictate a deal that's only good for them and hurts our economy,' he said. 'I'm glad our prime minister (Mark Carney) is working towards a deal that puts Canadians first.' Rebeck said tariffs are hurting both countries' economies, with about 200 Manitobans — largely in the steel sector and some in food production — on work-sharing measures or laid off. Alan Arcand, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' chief economist, said the U.S. is Manitoba's No. 1 trading partner, with 80 per cent of the province's exports going to its southern neighbour. Manitoba's exports to the U.S. were down by 30 per cent between January and May, he said. 'That's definitely a huge problem for the Manitoba economy,' Arcand said. 'It's been a challenge the entire year, and increasing the tariff rate from 25 per cent to 35 per cent adds on to those difficulties.' Arcand said CME supports the federal government's decision to 'remain firm' and pursue a better deal. Canada's automotive, steel, aluminum, copper and softwood lumber industries have been most affected by the trade war, he said. In Manitoba, the advanced manufacturing sector could be among the most affected by the increased tariff, Remillard said. He said a vast majority of Manitoba's exporters is compliant with CUSMA and therefore will not be subject to the increased tariff, but a significant percentage will be impacted. Remillard said he expects eligible companies that haven't filled out the necessary paperwork will make a 'significant move' to become compliant in the coming days. He said Trump's changing trade policy has had a chilling effect on business. Arcand said it has been nearly impossible for businesses to plan. While some groups or politicians encouraged Ottawa to retaliate, Remillard said the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is hoping 'calmer approaches' by the federal government continue, and it doesn't take any action that will hurt Canadians. All levels of government should provide supports or resources to affected sectors to help them weather the storm, he said. Trump already applied 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The move left the steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, bracing for potential impacts. 'You just can't do business at a 50 per cent tariff. It's just out of the question,' said Mayor Larry , who's been monitoring Brazil-based Gerdau SA's steel mill in Selkirk. 'Every time I go by there, I'm looking at the yard to see how many employees' cars are parked there, and how many trailers are there loaded with steel and ready to go. 'Of course, it's been very, very busy before this latest increase to the tariffs. We were seeing a lot of double trailers loaded with steel coming out of the mill.' Johannson said he saw some trailers — destination unknown — ready to go when he drove by Friday morning. 'We're seeing back and forth in there, and that's a good thing. Honestly, as mayor, I just can't see doing business with a 50 per cent tariff,' he said. 'Fifty per cent tariffs is not a fair rate. It's a ludicrous rate.' When Premier Wab Kinew visited the mill in March, he said the Manitoba government will source Canadian steel for all its infrastructure projects and relevant equipment purchases. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. Johannson, whose father and grandfather worked at the mill, is hoping that approach is mirrored across Canada. 'We want Manitoba steel to have equal opportunity in any projects in Canada,' he said. 'We can supply the steel.' In the meantime, Johannson wants negotiations between Canada and the U.S. to be 'ramped up.' 'We have to get (the tariffs) down,' he said. 'I wish I could lock the door until they come out of there with a good deal that is beneficial to both.' Chris KitchingReporter Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris. Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
