Tariff threats a top concern for Kitchener South-Hespeler voters. Here's what candidates say they'll do
After participating in a panel discussion on CBC K-W's The Morning Edition, Kitchener South-Hespeler candidates were asked to explain how they'd address and deal with U.S. tariffs. The three candidates who took part in the panel were Jessica Riley of the Green Party, NDP's Jeff Donkersgoed and Liberal Ismail Mohamed. There are five candidates in total in this riding. The other candidates are: Incumbent Jess Dixon of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, who declined to participate in the panel, and John Soule of the New Blue Party.
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Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
Fentanyl czar says government's border bill will help in fight against lethal drug
Published Jun 13, 2025 • 3 minute read Canada's fentanyl czar Kevin Brosseau, right, is seen with Denver, a Canada Border Services Agency narcotics detection dog during a tour of the CBSA Lansdowne port of entry in Lansdowne, Ont., on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Photo by Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug. Brosseau was appointed fentanyl commissioner in February in response to the White House's vocal concerns about the southbound flow of the synthetic opioid into the United States — criticism it used to justify tariffs against Canada. In an interview, Brosseau said Canada is 'not the significant source' of fentanyl entering the United States, but reiterated his stance that being the source of any of the drug is a concern because small amounts can have devastating effects. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brosseau, a former senior Mountie, said his American counterparts have expressed 'deep appreciation' for Canada's efforts to address fentanyl, given the U.S. focus on hardening the border and protecting the homeland. He said they want to take additional steps in 'a collaborative approach' with Canada to address any gaps in areas such as information sharing. As a result, Brosseau said, his message of integrating and amplifying the work on fentanyl north of the border 'has been well received' by the Americans. 'We know domestically, in communities across this country, there is a problem with fentanyl production, supply, trafficking and use,' he said. An average of about 21 people a day are dying in Canada from using the drug, 'and that's what incentivizes me to act and do something.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Liberal government's wide-ranging border bill has drawn pointed criticism from civil libertarians and refugee protection advocates. The legislation contains several elements Brosseau sees as helpful in tackling fentanyl, including a requirement that owners and operators at certain ports provide facilities for the Canada Border Services Agency to examine and detain goods bound for export. The bill would also remove barriers that prevent police from searching mail to advance a criminal investigation, where authorized to do so under the law, and expand Canada Post's inspection authority to open mail. The legislation would also make it easier for authorities to access information about internet subscribers, enable the health minister to more rapidly control precursor chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs and introduce new restrictions on large cash transactions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brosseau suggested a comprehensive approach is key because, otherwise, fighting fentanyl producers and traffickers becomes a game of whack-a-mole, with a new vulnerability popping up as soon as one is eliminated. 'Criminal organizations are incredibly adept at figuring out what the weak points are, and when the weak points are found, they will be exploited until you close it off,' he said. The proposed legislation builds on earlier Canadian border security measures, including the introduction of round-the-clock border surveillance using helicopters, drones and towers. Ottawa is also working with Washington on a North American 'joint strike force' to target organized crime groups that work across borders. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Overall, Brosseau is taking a broad view of the fentanyl problem, stressing the need to hold those who profit from the drug accountable and make sure authorities have the needed tools, while also putting programs in place to help addicted people find a path to recovery. 'I call it an all-of-society approach,' he said. 'And the conversations I have with everybody (are) that there are no free rides in this.' Brosseau said the scourge of fentanyl and other opioids has become a concern on his street among 'parents like me' — part of a larger national conversation. He said he's in a position to provide some comfort and security to fellow parents worried about their children who might be exposed to drugs, and solace to those who are going through heartache by showing 'that we're going to do something about it.' Sunshine Girls World Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls
Global News
an hour ago
- Global News
Canada's fentanyl czar says border bill will help in fight against drug
Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill. Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug. Brosseau was appointed fentanyl commissioner in February in response to the White House's vocal concerns about the southbound flow of the synthetic opioid into the United States — criticism it used to justify tariffs against Canada. In an interview, Brosseau said Canada is 'not the significant source' of fentanyl entering the United States, but reiterated his stance that being the source of any of the drug is a concern because small amounts can have devastating effects. Story continues below advertisement Brosseau, a former senior Mountie, said his American counterparts have expressed 'deep appreciation' for Canada's efforts to address fentanyl, given the U.S. focus on hardening the border and protecting the homeland. He said they want to take additional steps in 'a collaborative approach' with Canada to address any gaps in areas such as information sharing. As a result, Brosseau said, his message of integrating and amplifying the work on fentanyl north of the border 'has been well received' by the Americans. 0:25 Anandasangaree introduces bill aimed at tightening border security, immigration system 'We know domestically, in communities across this country, there is a problem with fentanyl production, supply, trafficking and use,' he said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy An average of about 21 people a day are dying in Canada from using the drug, 'and that's what incentivizes me to act and do something.' Story continues below advertisement The Liberal government's wide-ranging border bill has drawn pointed criticism from civil libertarians and refugee protection advocates. The legislation contains several elements Brosseau sees as helpful in tackling fentanyl, including a requirement that owners and operators at certain ports provide facilities for the Canada Border Services Agency to examine and detain goods bound for export. The bill would also remove barriers that prevent police from searching mail to advance a criminal investigation, where authorized to do so under the law, and expand Canada Post's inspection authority to open mail. The legislation would also make it easier for authorities to access information about internet subscribers, enable the health minister to more rapidly control precursor chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs and introduce new restrictions on large cash transactions. Brosseau suggested a comprehensive approach is key because, otherwise, fighting fentanyl producers and traffickers becomes a game of whack-a-mole, with a new vulnerability popping up as soon as one is eliminated. 5:18 Canada's new fentanyl czar looks to satisfy Trump's border demands 'Criminal organizations are incredibly adept at figuring out what the weak points are, and when the weak points are found, they will be exploited until you close it off,' he said. Story continues below advertisement The proposed legislation builds on earlier Canadian border security measures, including the introduction of round-the-clock border surveillance using helicopters, drones and towers. Ottawa is also working with Washington on a North American 'joint strike force' to target organized crime groups that work across borders. Overall, Brosseau is taking a broad view of the fentanyl problem, stressing the need to hold those who profit from the drug accountable and make sure authorities have the needed tools, while also putting programs in place to help addicted people find a path to recovery. 'I call it an all-of-society approach,' he said. 'And the conversations I have with everybody (are) that there are no free rides in this.' Brosseau said the scourge of fentanyl and other opioids has become a concern on his street among 'parents like me' — part of a larger national conversation. He said he's in a position to provide some comfort and security to fellow parents worried about their children who might be exposed to drugs, and solace to those who are going through heartache by showing 'that we're going to do something about it.'
Montreal Gazette
3 hours ago
- Montreal Gazette
Analysis: After months of campaigning, Quebec Liberals will elect their new leader on Saturday
Quebec Politics By QUEBEC — It has been a long process, often overshadowed by other events, but Quebec's Liberals will finally get their new leader on Saturday. About 600 Liberals are expected to roll into the Quebec City convention centre this weekend to witness the election and the first moves of a successor to Dominique Anglade, who quit the leadership in November 2022. She left politics after the Liberals obtained their worst electoral score ever in the Oct. 3, 2022 general election, which gave Premier François Legault's Coalition Avenir Québec a second mandate in office. Many Liberals will arrive having already voted electronically or by phone for one of the five candidates in the leadership race. Others, who chose to wait, will cast their ballots on the site of the Centre des congrès, where the leadership convention is being held. The candidates get one last time to make their pitch in speeches Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The party has not provided an update on the percentage of votes cast to date, but sources said voting has been brisk. There have been no technical problems with the voting system. The actual result of the vote will be announced around 4:15 p.m. Saturday followed by a speech by the winner. For the party, the vote will mark the end of a long leadership process that kicked off officially in January but in reality started rolling informally long before that. In June 2024, former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre was the first to say he wanted the job, followed in August by Charles Milliard, a pharmacist and former president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec. Other candidates followed, defying early predictions that few contenders would emerge to lead a party so apparently out of step with Quebecers. After Milliard, Marc Bélanger, a lawyer specializing in international taxation, hopped into the race followed by former federal Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez in September. Beauce farmer and economist Mario Roy quietly entered the race in January by informing his local newspaper. In March, the final candidate to step forward was former Roberval Liberal MNA Karl Blackburn, who had considered running earlier, then decided not to because of health reasons. Given a clean bill of health after the Christmas holidays, he entered the race March 30, rapidly collecting the necessary signatures and the $40,000 entry fee. In theory, that would have meant six candidates in the race, but in February after the Liberal party's election committee said he did not fulfil all the requirements, Coderre dropped out of the race, leaving five people on the ballot for the June 14 vote. Coderre left complaining he was unfairly treated. The official campaign, which included a total of six debates, kicked off Jan. 13 but was rapidly overshadowed by a series of events out of the control of the Liberals. In delivering his end-of-session greetings June 6 in the legislature, interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay, in his last hours in the role before being replaced June 14, used humour to say some times even the best-laid plans do not always pan out. 'What extraordinary timing (for the race),' he joked. 'Trump is elected, Trump imposes tariffs, the federal Liberals have a leadership race, there is a federal election, the Canadiens make the series, the Pope dies, a Pope is elected. 'June 14? Habemus papam in the Quebec Liberal Party. We can't wait, we can't wait.' The candidates, nevertheless, cranked up their campaign machinery. While there was less of a buzz in the general population, Liberals, including many veterans who had not been seen in years, showed up for the debates. Over the campaign, Rodriguez picked up the support of the greatest number of Liberal caucus members with a total of 10 MNAs on his team. Milliard got five. The other candidates got none. During the debates, it became apparent the five candidates had similar policy positions — with nuances — but where they differed was in their backgrounds and personalities. Rodriguez, who was perceived as the front-runner in the race, was often the main punching bag of the other candidates during debates. Blackburn, in particular, questioned whether it was a good idea to have a former federal MP from the Trudeau years lead the party when it desperately needs to woo francophone nationalists back into the fold. Rodriguez countered saying since he was the best known of the candidates, the one with the most real political experience and that he stood the best chance of beating Legault and the Parti Québécois in the 2026 election. The race helped the Liberals another way. As of the cutoff date to buy a membership and be eligible to vote in the leadership election, party membership had grown to 20,495 from an all-time low of about 10,000. So who will win? It is almost impossible to predict given the voting system in place. The party has opted for a points system with each of Quebec's 125 ridings assigned 3,000 points. Of the 3,000 points, 1,000 are in the hands of youth members ages 25 and under. To win, a candidate has to obtain a majority of the 375,000 points. If no candidates gets a majority on the first ballot, a second is held between the two candidates with the most votes. That's why candidates were working hard until the last minute in the hopes of wooing Liberals into making their candidate their second or third choice. But even after winning over the party, the winner faces other challenges in the coming weeks, starting with rebuilding a party on the outs with voters. There is also the matter of a seat in the legislature. None of the candidates are elected. While the new leader might decide to wait until 2026 to run for office, a seat in the National Assembly would give the person greater visibility because the Liberals form the official opposition. There is currently one vacant seat, Arthabaska, but no date has been set for a byelection. The riding was won in 2022 by the CAQ. The PQ, Quebec Conservatives and Québec solidaire have named their candidates, but the CAQ and Liberals have not. In theory, the new leader could run there, but the risk of losing is probably too high. The last time Arthabaska voted Liberal was 2008. There is another option. The winner could appeal to a member of the Liberal caucus to step aside and spark a byelection in a riding with deeper Liberal roots.
