Latest news with #ECCC
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Colleen Bready's Forecast: Air quality concerns remain in Manitoba
Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for July 18, 2025. Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for July 18, 2025. Friday brings air quality concerns and rising temperatures to Manitoba. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an air quality warning for central regions and parts of the north on Friday. The weather agency said smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility through the weekend. Smoke is also expected to move slowly southward, covering most of southern Manitoba by Saturday evening, according to the weather agency. Expand Autoplay 1 of 39 Mist over Caddy Mist over Caddy Lake against that beautiful sky! (Photo by Barb Bobychuk) Peguis , MB Peguis , MB (Photo by Cynthia Favell) Seagulls at Matlock pier Seagulls at Matlock pier (Photo by Diane Romanson) The Little Sask River A cool breeze getting ready for whatever is next. (Photo by Ray Baloun) Pinawa Pinawa clouds (Photo by Lea Bangert) Monday morning Monday morning at Dunnottar, Manitoba (Photo by Bill Miller) Clouds over Gardenton Clouds over Gardenton (Photo by Kim Okapiec) Jaeger and Wilson Jaeger and Wilson enjoying the warm, relatively smoke free morning. (Photo by Barb Lavallee) Ship docking Ship docking at the Port of Churchill (Photo by April Lundie) American Mink American Mink at the Seiner river (Photo by PAULETTE PINSONNEAULT) Rainbow Beautiful rainbow over Pelican Lake (Photo by Jamie Paquin) Gull Harbour Gull Harbour Lighthouse (Photo by Brett House) Notre Dame de Lourdes Beautiful and happy owl on perfect day. (Photo by Diane Simon) Great Balls of Peonies Gator and Harlow wholeheartedly agrees to the heavenly scent. (Photo by Pat Payjack) Lake Red Squirrel We feed the lake red squirrel corn on the cob on his special feeder. (Photo by Tania Kruk) Storm Storm last night near St-Pierre (Photo by Genevieve Hacault) Breezy morning Breezy morning and quite smokey (Photo by Andrew Ashett) Lightning flash on Caddy Lake Lightning flash on Caddy Lake, Whiteshell Prov. Park. (Photo by Mariam Bernstein) Beautiful Sunset Beautiful sunset in the Durban area. (Photo by Ryan Mccullough) Bald Eagle Bald eagle is drying its feathers after going after something in the river. (Photo by Allan Robertson) Red Sunset Red sunset (Photo by Ben Holyk) Mallard duckling Mallard duckling in action catching insects. (Photo by Wade Munro) The gulls are everywhere The gulls are everywhere (Photo by Pat Payjack) Rainbow Rainbow over St. Malo. (Photo by Linda Gay) Bird River No better way too start our holidays than coffee on the dock! (Photo by Tania Kruk) Split Lake Fire, smoke, Northern lights and the moon from my backyard. (Photo by Taralee Beardy) An artist touches up a mural An artist touches up a mural on the Gimli seawall as a storm rolls through in the distance. (Photo by Desiree Rantala) Northern lights Northern lights over Split Lake (Photo by Taralee Beardy) Sparkles and water Sparkles and water (Photo by Sheryl Twardoski) North Kildonan North Kildonan (Photo by Shirley Wark) Near Gimli Near Gimli (Photo by Cynthia Morrow) Rainbow Rainbow over Rainbow RM of Elton (Photo by Lacey Burdeniuk) Lee river sunset Lee river sunset (Photo by Ken Horn) Near Morris Near Morris (Photo by Sandra Harder) After the storm After the storm in Dropmore (Photo by Dan Watson) Rainbow Rainbow over Altbergthal, Manitoba (Photo by Jennifer Klassen) Stormy Sky Stormy sky Near Elm Creek (Photo by Tina Doell) Somerset storm Somerset storm (Photo by Amber Hacault) Mother Nature's own fireworks for Canada Day Mother Nature provided some spectacular fireworks for Canada Day! (Photo by Kat Hedges) Daytime highs for most of the north should reach the low 20s Friday afternoon. There is also the risk of thunderstorms from The Pas through Norway House to Island Lake. After a cooler week by mid-July standards, temperatures are heating up again in the southeast. Temperatures across the region, including Winnipeg, should reach the mid-20s Friday, just shy of normal mid-July daytime highs for the region. Showers are clipping southeast areas closer to the international border Friday. They will likely spread into northwestern Ontario this afternoon. Daytime highs are slightly cooler in the southwest, with afternoon highs expected to reach the low 20s. Fans heading to the Bomber game at Princess Auto Stadium Friday evening can look forward to clearing skies, light winds and temperatures in the low 20s at kickoff, falling to the upper teens in the second half of the game. Saturday could become noticeably smoky once again in Winnipeg. Otherwise, look for a mix of sun and cloud with afternoon temperatures in the mid-20s. Sunday will be as warm but cloudier.
National Observer
12 hours ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Will Trump kill Canada's PFAS rules?
Canada is expected to finalize rules on toxic PFAS chemicals — but the government's recent silence has left environmental advocates spooked that the groundbreaking effort could be derailed by Trump's trade war. "I assume US chemical industry lobbyists are looking to see how they can capitalize on the trade war with Canada," said Elaine MacDonald, program director for healthy communities at Ecojustice. 'We are concerned.' PFAS are a class of around 15,000 water- and grease-repellant chemicals that are used in everything from cars to cosmetics to cookware. Nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in nature, the chemicals are linked to cancer and can harm the kidneys and liver, cause reproductive harm and hurt the endocrine and immune systems. In March, the federal government reached the penultimate step in the process of listing most PFAS as toxic under Canada's Environmental Protection Act — a move that, once finalized, will let officials widely regulate the chemicals. Consultation ended in early May, paving the way for the final step of regulations that, months later, the government has yet to finalize. In a statement, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said the government plans to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams and restrict use of the chemicals for non-medical purposes by 2027. It expects to finalize the listing in 2026. However, timelines are "subject to change." In comparison, it took federal officials about two years, from 2020 to 2022, to list plastics as toxic under Canada's environmental laws and start regulating the material by banning six single-use plastic items. Canada isn't alone in its push to regulate PFAS. Several European countries and the EU have proposed or implemented sweeping measures to restrict use of the chemicals in recent years, as have several US states. The American federal government was also taking measures to tackle the chemicals — until Trump took office. Canada is expected to finalize rules on toxic PFAS chemicals — but the government's recent silence has left environmental advocates spooked that the groundbreaking effort could be derailed by Trump's trade war. Since then, the Trump administration has repealed proposed limits on how much PFAS industry can release into the environment; rolled back drinking water standards for the chemicals; tweaked federal rules to weaken state-level efforts to restrict the chemicals and defunded research on harm they cause. "Canada is not a country that typically leads the way," said MacDonald. "If other countries start weakening their commitments to regulate PFAS, as the US has already, Canada will likely try to do the same. I expect that it will look more like dragging their feet on regulations rather than an outright retreat." Tariffs and lobbyists The US has already used PFAS to justify some of its tariff battles. In February, the US Trade Representative singled out European measures meant to largely eliminate the production and use of PFAS as a "trade barrier," a designation that observers say aims to force the bloc to ditch the rules or suffer even higher tariffs on trade with the US. Rémy Alexandre, toxics project lead at Ecojustice, said PFAS has not yet come up publicly in Canada's trade negotiations with the US. But she said the fact they've played into US-EU trade negotiations — combined with Trump's aggressive rollback of American regulations — suggests chemical producers are rallying the Trump administration in their worldwide fight against PFAS regulations. American chemical producers and their lobby groups have been involved in Canada's years-long push to regulate the chemicals — it started in 2021 — submitting comments in an effort to "chip away" at the proposed rules, she said. Canada's National Observer asked the American Chemistry Council, America's largest chemical industry lobby group, and its Canadian equivalent, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, for comment about their position on Canada's planned PFAS rules in the context of ongoing trade negotiations. The groups gave nearly identical statements that claim regulating PFAS as a class "is neither scientifically accurate nor appropriate," and they "remain committed to working with Canadian policymakers on targeted, science-based measures that protect health and the environment while maintaining access to essential technologies and products." The impact of industry lobbying efforts are real, said Sydney Jordan, a Minnesota state legislator who played a key role in pushing through her state's stringent PFAS rules. For instance, her state backed down on some parts of its PFAS ban recently due to industry pressure, despite Democrats holding considerable power at the state level. "[The] Republican Party just isn't interested in regulating PFAS, and sides with industry on this issue," she said. Despite the American reversal on PFAS, Canada stands to benefit if it sticks to its planned PFAS rules as it tries to develop stronger trade links with the EU. The bloc and several member countries, such as France and Denmark, are moving fast on restrictions. If Canada wants to keep up, it needs to be quick, Alexandre said. Moreover, an April poll by Abacus Data and Environmental Defense found about 86 per cent of Canadians support federal measures to phase PFAS out of consumer products. That support cuts across regions and political affiliation, the data show.
CTV News
a day ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Colleen Bready's Forecast: Air quality concerns continue
Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for July 17, 2025. As temperatures rise in Manitoba, so do air quality concerns in parts of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario on Thursday. Cooler temperatures earlier in the week brought a break from the worst wildfire smoke in northern Manitoba, but those conditions are changing. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an air quality warning for several northern and central regions from Lynn Lake, Flin Flon and The Pas, through Norway House, Thompson and Island Lake. The weather agency said smoke is expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility for the rest of the week. There is also the risk of thunderstorms in the north on Thursday, which could produce lightning strikes. Otherwise, most areas will see sunshine or a mix of sun and cloud with afternoon highs in the low 20s. Expand Autoplay 1 of 39 Mist over Caddy Mist over Caddy Lake against that beautiful sky! (Photo by Barb Bobychuk) Peguis , MB Peguis , MB (Photo by Cynthia Favell) Seagulls at Matlock pier Seagulls at Matlock pier (Photo by Diane Romanson) The Little Sask River A cool breeze getting ready for whatever is next. (Photo by Ray Baloun) Pinawa Pinawa clouds (Photo by Lea Bangert) Monday morning Monday morning at Dunnottar, Manitoba (Photo by Bill Miller) Clouds over Gardenton Clouds over Gardenton (Photo by Kim Okapiec) Jaeger and Wilson Jaeger and Wilson enjoying the warm, relatively smoke free morning. (Photo by Barb Lavallee) Ship docking Ship docking at the Port of Churchill (Photo by April Lundie) American Mink American Mink at the Seiner river (Photo by PAULETTE PINSONNEAULT) Rainbow Beautiful rainbow over Pelican Lake (Photo by Jamie Paquin) Gull Harbour Gull Harbour Lighthouse (Photo by Brett House) Notre Dame de Lourdes Beautiful and happy owl on perfect day. (Photo by Diane Simon) Great Balls of Peonies Gator and Harlow wholeheartedly agrees to the heavenly scent. (Photo by Pat Payjack) Lake Red Squirrel We feed the lake red squirrel corn on the cob on his special feeder. (Photo by Tania Kruk) Storm Storm last night near St-Pierre (Photo by Genevieve Hacault) Breezy morning Breezy morning and quite smokey (Photo by Andrew Ashett) Lightning flash on Caddy Lake Lightning flash on Caddy Lake, Whiteshell Prov. Park. (Photo by Mariam Bernstein) Beautiful Sunset Beautiful sunset in the Durban area. (Photo by Ryan Mccullough) Bald Eagle Bald eagle is drying its feathers after going after something in the river. (Photo by Allan Robertson) Red Sunset Red sunset (Photo by Ben Holyk) Mallard duckling Mallard duckling in action catching insects. (Photo by Wade Munro) The gulls are everywhere The gulls are everywhere (Photo by Pat Payjack) Rainbow Rainbow over St. Malo. (Photo by Linda Gay) Bird River No better way too start our holidays than coffee on the dock! (Photo by Tania Kruk) Split Lake Fire, smoke, Northern lights and the moon from my backyard. (Photo by Taralee Beardy) An artist touches up a mural An artist touches up a mural on the Gimli seawall as a storm rolls through in the distance. (Photo by Desiree Rantala) Northern lights Northern lights over Split Lake (Photo by Taralee Beardy) Sparkles and water Sparkles and water (Photo by Sheryl Twardoski) North Kildonan North Kildonan (Photo by Shirley Wark) Near Gimli Near Gimli (Photo by Cynthia Morrow) Rainbow Rainbow over Rainbow RM of Elton (Photo by Lacey Burdeniuk) Lee river sunset Lee river sunset (Photo by Ken Horn) Near Morris Near Morris (Photo by Sandra Harder) After the storm After the storm in Dropmore (Photo by Dan Watson) Rainbow Rainbow over Altbergthal, Manitoba (Photo by Jennifer Klassen) Stormy Sky Stormy sky Near Elm Creek (Photo by Tina Doell) Somerset storm Somerset storm (Photo by Amber Hacault) Mother Nature's own fireworks for Canada Day Mother Nature provided some spectacular fireworks for Canada Day! (Photo by Kat Hedges) Meanwhile, ECCC issued a special air quality statement for parts of eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, closer to where wildfires are burning. An area of high pressure over the area should keep smoke more contained in those areas for the time being. Conditions are uniform across southern Manitoba Thursday, including Winnipeg, with a mix of sun and clouds and below-normal mid-July temperatures in the low 20s. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-20s in Winnipeg and much of Manitoba by the weekend. Rain or showers could start by Sunday night and continue on Monday across most of the province, too.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Rain, thunderstorms to sweep through Calgary on Thursday
Rainy weather is in the area with the exception of Friday. Forecast for July 16, 2025, Calgary An upper low pressure system circulating over central BC is heading our way and could bring rain and a thunderstorm risk as early as 11 pm tonight. We had a nice reprieve from the instability on Wednesday, with an ample amount of sunshine and temperatures within the seasonal range. But that all changes once again later tonight. An upper low pressure system circulating over central B.C. is heading our way and could bring rain and a thunderstorm risk as early as 11 p.m. tonight. Rainfall projections, July 16, 2025, Calgary Rainfall totals are modelling to be anywhere from 10 to 20 mm for Calgary, but so far, no rainfall warnings or thunderstorm watches/warnings have been issued. Following that event, more rain will push into Calgary early Thursday morning and won't start to dissipate until around 4 p.m. Rainfall totals are modelling to be anywhere from 10 to 20 mm for Calgary, but so far, no rainfall warnings or thunderstorm watches/warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Precipitation forecast, July 16, 2025, Calgary Following that event, more rain will push into Calgary early Thursday morning and won't start to dissipate until around 4 pm. (CTV Calgary) This will once again cool our temperatures across the province, with a below seasonal high of 15C expected for the city on Thursday. Expect another bounce back on Friday though, with clearing conditions bringing sunshine and a comfortable high 22C --but again, it will be short lived. An upper low pressure system will develop once again in B.C. and move into central Alberta on Saturday and Sunday bringing more rain and thunderstorm potential. Expect temperatures to only reach the high teens from Saturday through to Monday.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
B.C. community broke 84-year-old high temperature record Tuesday
White Rock Pier is seen in this file photo from June 2021. ( White Rock, B.C., saw its hottest July 15 on record Tuesday, breaking a previous all-time high that had stood for since 1941. The seaside city saw a high of 32.3 C on Tuesday, according to preliminary data from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The 84-year-old previous record for July 15 was 31.1 C. Three other B.C. communities – all on Vancouver Island or in the Lower Mainland – also set new record highs for July 15 Tuesday, according to ECCC. The hottest new record was 33.7 C, set in Squamish. The district's previous record for July 15 was 32 C, set just two years ago in 2023. The Malahat area saw a new record of 32.5 C on Tuesday, up from the old record of 29.8 C set in 2018. Qualicum Beach also broke a record from 2018 Tuesday, with the mercury rising to 30.5 C, a full degree higher than the previous mark of 29.5 C. Environment Canada bases its temperature record reports on 'a selection of historical stations in each geographic area that were active during the period of record.' Much of southern B.C. has been experiencing above-average temperatures this week, though the daily highs and lows have not quite met the criteria for issuing heat warnings.
