Latest news with #PublicSafety
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Residents say they're breathing easier with scrapyard licence unrenewed
The Department of Public Safety confirmed it has not renewed American Iron & Metal's salvage dealer licence, much to the relief of neighbours, who pushed to have the scrapyard moved away from their residential area. A spokesperson for the company said they're disappointed in the decision and weighing options on how to move forward.
Metro
3 days ago
- Politics
- Metro
Trump calls for Idaho murderer spared death penalty to 'explain what happened'
Weeks after Idaho murderer Bryan Kohberger avoided the death penalty, President Donald Trump has weighed in and is calling for answers. Kohberger agreed to a plea deal on July 2 that came as an abrupt shock to the families of four University of Idaho students he stabbed to death in their off-campus home in the small town of Moscow in 2022. One family in particular was infuriated that they, and the rest of the world, may never know Kohberger's motive and other details around the quadruple murder that shook the nation. Trump on Monday finally addressed Kohberger's plea bargain deal, which allowed him to avoid capital punishment. 'These were vicious murders, with so many questions left unanswered,' wrote Trump on his Truth Social platform. The US president said that life imprisonment, which Kohberger will serve out, is 'tough' but 'certainly better' than getting the death penalty. 'Before Sentencing, I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump said. 'There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING. 'People were shocked that he was able to plea bargain, but the Judge should make him explain what happened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump also referred to the victims – Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Ethan Chapin, 20 – as 'four wonderful young souls'. A judge has set aside the entire day on July 23 for Kohberger's sentencing hearing. The former criminology PhD student at nearby Washington State University will be handed four consecutive life sentences and 10 years for burglary, per his plea deal. Victims' family members will have the opportunity to make statements on how his crimes have affected them. Judge Steven Hippler has said that Kohberger's hearing could go into a second day if needed, to give families all the time they desire to express themselves. Kohberger will be allowed to say something – but he is by no means required to. More Trending His attorney, Anne Taylor, has already stated that his defense team won't make any remarks or provide further information at or after the sentencing. The families of victims have been divided on Kohberger's plea deal, with Chapin's parents satisfied. But Goncalves' loved ones have vocally opposed it. Kaylee's father, Steve Goncalves, left the courtroom before Kohberger's plea hearing began, saying he was 'just getting out of this zoo'. The family wrote on Facebook that they were 'beyond furious at the State of Idaho' and that 'they have failed us'. Trump on the first day of his second term signed an executive order titled Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety and has pushed for expanding its use. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Bowling coach, 33, sent disturbing texts to teen, 17, before shooting her and himself dead MORE: Gang lures celebrity barber to London with honey trap to steal £500,000 in crypto MORE: Man guilty of murdering couple before dumping remains near Clifton Suspension Bridge
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- General
- Cision Canada
Rouge National Urban Park Celebrates 10 Years Français
Milestone anniversary for Canada's first national urban park MARKHAM, ON, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Rouge National Urban Park, Canada's first national urban park and one of the largest protected urban parks in the world, offers easy access to residents of Canada's largest urban centre to explore a rich assembly of forests, creeks, farms and trails as well as marshland, a beach on Lake Ontario and human history spanning 10,000 years. Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, celebrated this important milestone at an event honouring Indigenous partners, volunteers, farmers, advocates, and local stakeholders who have helped shape the vision of the park. The ceremony highlighted key achievements from the past decade, including major land assembly and legislation, the completion of the park's first management plan, the development of a multi-species action plan, the completion of 137 restoration projects with partners and collaborators, the addition of 23 km of new trails and a $21 million investment in the future visitor, learning and community centre. Since its establishment in 2015, Rouge National Urban Park has become a globally recognized model for conservation in an urban setting. Spanning over 79 square kilometres, an area 1.3 times larger than the city of Manhattan, the park protects a remarkable diversity of natural, cultural, and agricultural landscapes and continues to evolve through Indigenous leadership, community stewardship, restoration efforts, and collaboration across all levels of government. Parks Canada will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rouge National Urban Park throughout 2025. Weekly features on the park's Facebook page will highlight key moments of its history, while on-site anniversary programming will offer visitors opportunities to reflect on the park's past, share their own stories, and contribute to a collective vision for the future of Canada's first national urban park. Quotes "Rouge National Urban Park demonstrates how strong conservation efforts and partnerships can restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and reconnect people with nature - and with each other -within their own communities. Its creation was made possible through decades of dedicated advocacy by community organizers and support from all levels of government. Today, this commitment to unity and collaboration continues to guide our government's approach to protecting what shapes our identity and makes us proud from coast to coast to coast. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "Rouge National Urban Park is both a cherished haven for residents and an emerging destination for visitors from across Canada and around the world. As the first of many national urban parks to come, the Rouge is setting the stage for a new era of urban tourism where conservation, recreation, and sustainability go hand in hand. With new trails, stronger community links, and a landmark visitor centre on the way, this park is not only protecting what we love about Canada, but also inviting more people than ever to discover it." The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park Quick Facts Rouge National Urban Park spans over 79 square kilometres in the GTA and is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The park is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, working farms, Indigenous heritage sites and some of the region's most important watersheds and wetlands. The park lies at the northern edge of the Carolinian Life Zone, a type of forest ecosystem that supports a rich diversity of life. Since 2015, more than 300,000 native trees, perennials, shrubs, and aquatic plants have been planted throughout Rouge National Urban Park. To date, Parks Canada and partners have completed 137 ecological restoration and farmland best management practices projects throughout Rouge National Urban Park. SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - The Government of Canada Celebrates Rouge National Urban Park's 10th Anniversary/ Français
MARKHAM, ON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Scarborough–Guildwood–Rouge Park, will participate in a special event marking the 10th anniversary of Rouge National Urban Park. Minister Anandasangaree will attend on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. The event will honour the many partners, community members and organizations who have contributed to the protection and evolution of Rouge National Urban Park—Canada's first national urban park. After the program concludes, invited guests may participate in a free guided walk to showcase new trails and facilities, restoration efforts, and the park's natural, cultural, Indigenous and agricultural heritage. The details are as follows: SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
'Toxic environment' and favouritism plague RCMP watchdog, review finds
An independent assessment of the RCMP watchdog, prompted by an anonymous email from employees, uncovered concerns about favouritism, a lack of transparency, heavy workloads and 'a toxic environment.' The workplace assessment of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP found 'a clear call for change and action at the leadership level to restore credibility and trust within the organization.' The Canadian Press recently obtained a copy of the May 2024 assessment, almost six months after filing an Access to Information request with Public Safety Canada, which ordered the report. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The Ottawa-based review commission is an independent agency created by Parliament to ensure public complaints about the conduct of RCMP members are examined fairly and impartially. Public Safety hired independent workplace investigator Robert Neron for the assessment after receiving an October 2023 email from review commission employees fearful of signing their names due to the watchdog's small size. In a June 2024 note to Public Safety summarizing his findings, Neron said the anonymous email had alleged the review commission was in total disarray because of a lack of leadership from the commission chairperson. Michelaine Lahaie was serving in the role at that time. Neron's summary, heavily redacted before release under the access law, rejected the pointed allegation against the chairperson — a conclusion he reached after interviewing commission employees, including Lahaie, and circulating a detailed questionnaire to staff. Neron found employees generally felt engaged with their work and that most believed leadership treated them fairly and provided constructive feedback. However, some staff expressed serious concerns. The report says a significant number felt overwhelmed by their workloads, causing stress and making them less satisfied with their jobs. It cites a 'notable communication gap' between the leadership and staff, with many employees saying organizational messaging was too infrequent and lacked clarity and consistency. The report says feedback from employees on methods of resolving conflict was mixed, 'with a distinct portion of the workforce feeling unsupported.' There were also multiple complaints of 'a toxic work environment' due to the behaviour and practices of leadership. 'The staff expresses a strong desire to address and resolve this toxic environment,' the report says. 'They seek an anonymous reporting system to report workplace misconduct, especially involving senior managers.' Employees also wanted additional support for mental health issues and a more compassionate means of accommodating staff needs. Many employees said supervisors and team managers should have more autonomy over decisions about investigative outcomes and allowing people to work remotely, the report adds. 'They believe some current leaders lack the necessary skills and hold positions due to favouritism.' The questionnaire, distributed to current and recently departed employees, revealed a consensus that the commission lacked vision, strategy and a cohesive plan for its future, the report says. 'Respondents feel there are no opportunities to discuss the broader mission or innovate.' The report makes several recommendations to improve employee well-being and promote stronger leadership at the commission. 'In our view, addressing these concerns is crucial to fostering a more inclusive, equitable and productive organizational culture,' Neron said in his letter last year to Public Safety. 'Employees' experiences demonstrate an urgent need for reforms in organizational management to address these issues.' Following completion of Neron's report, Public Safety took steps to help Lahaie communicate the findings to commission staff and implement the various recommendations, the records released under the access law show. Lahaie, a military veteran, was appointed chairperson of the complaints commission for a five-year term in 2019. Her tenure was later extended through early this year. Employees' experiences demonstrate an urgent need for reforms in organizational management to address these issues The chairperson's job has been vacant since January and Lahaie is now vice-chairperson at Tribunals Ontario, a provincial government agency. Lahaie declined to comment on the workplace assessment, citing restrictions related to her new position. The review commission has put in place several initiatives to bolster employee well-being following the assessment, said Public Safety spokesperson Tim Warmington. The measures include better availability of wellness information on the organization's intranet and presentations to staff on stress resilience, conflict management and employee assistance, Warmington said in an emailed response to questions. The review commission's mandate is set to expand to cover the activities of the Canada Border Services Agency as well as the RCMP. Legislation establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission received royal assent last year, though it is unclear when the new agency will be up and running. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
