Latest news with #Tupper
NDTV
24-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Canada Election 2025: Who Was Charles Tupper, The 68-Day Prime Minister
Ottawa: Mark Carney, the 24th Prime Minister of Canada, has called a snap election months ahead of the scheduled October polls. Elected the leader of the Liberal Party and sworn in as Prime Minister in March 2025, Mr Carney heads into the elections with some edge over his Conservative counterpart Pierre Poilievre. There is no fixed term for the Prime Minister in Canada. He or she can hold the office as long as they have the confidence of the majority of the House of Commons. The shortest tenure in Canadian political history was that of Charles Tupper, who held the office for just 68 days in 1896. Mr Tupper's brief and turbulent time at the helm serves as a reminder of how quickly leadership can shift in a parliamentary democracy. About Charles Tuppe Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, in 1821, Mr Tupper was a trained physician. He earned his medical degree in Scotland in 1843 before returning home to practice. According to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography and The Canadian Encyclopedia, he is the only prime minister of Canada to have had a medical background. Yet it was politics, and not medicine, that defined his legacy. Mr Tupper began his political career by defeating Liberal stalwart Joseph Howe in 1855 to secure a seat in Nova Scotia's provincial assembly. As part of the Conservative Party, he swiftly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming premier in 1864. His support for a united Canada played a critical role in shaping the Confederation. He persuaded the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to support the federal union in 1866, paving the way for the birth of Canada in 1867, according to a report in The National Post. After Confederation, he transitioned to federal politics, serving in various roles under Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, including Minister of Public Works and Minister of Railways and Canals. Even while stationed in London as Canada's High Commissioner to the UK, he remained a key political figure. His return to active politics came after the sudden death of Prime Minister John Thompson in 1894. When Mackenzie Bowell failed to manage a party crisis over Manitoba's education rights for Francophones, Mr Tupper was asked to step in as Secretary of State, with a clear understanding that he would become prime minister once Parliament was dissolved, according to a report in the National Post. Mr Tupper formally assumed the premiership on May 1, 1896, at the age of 74, making him the oldest person to ever take office as Canadian prime minister. But his time was limited. Though the Conservatives won the popular vote in the June 23 election, they failed to secure a majority in the House of Commons. Wilfrid Laurier's Liberals clinched more seats, forming a minority government. He initially resisted relinquishing power, questioning Mr Laurier's ability to govern. He even attempted to make appointments, which were rejected by then-Governor General Lord Aberdeen. Ultimately, Mr Tupper was compelled to resign without ever having set foot in Parliament as prime minister. "He even began making appointments, none of which were approved by Lord Aberdeen," the National Post reported. If Mark Carney fails to secure a win in the April 28 election, he will replace Charles Tupper as Canada's shortest-serving Prime Minister, with just 45 days in office.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Increasing wildfire risk requires permits, extra precautions
Apr. 18—Fire officials are warning Mainers to take extra precautions with outdoor burning and other fire-related activities because of the increased wildfire risk that follows the spring thaw. Recent brushfires have been reported in Lebanon, North Berwick and Greenwood. The Maine Forest Service is reporting high wildfire risk across the southern half of the state, with moderate risk across the northern counties, according to the Wildfire Danger Report at "As we enter a period and season of increased wildfire risk, it's vital for everyone to stay informed and take proactive measures," said Raymond Fire Chief Bruce Tupper. "Together, we can protect our homes and natural resources." Spring conditions such as dry underbrush and rising temperatures have increased the risk of wildfires across the state, Tupper said in an emailed statement. In Maine, a valid open-burning permit is required for most outdoor fires, including brush piles, debris burning, and campfires and fireworks. Permits can be obtained online through the forest service or by contacting local fire departments. Burning is permitted only when the fire danger is low to moderate, depending on wind conditions. Burning when the risk is high, very high or extreme is prohibited. Violations may result in fines or legal action. "Although a permit is issued, you are still responsible if the fire gets out of hand," Tupper said. "If unpredicted winds kick up, extinguish the fire." The forest service assigns daily fire danger ratings based on temperature, humidity, wind speed, recent precipitation and fuel moisture content. "When there is little to no new, green vegetation popping up, wildfire conditions change quickly with just a little bit of wind," Tupper said. "The wind can carry flames to last year's fallen leaves, downed branches and twigs." Changing environmental conditions may be driving wildfires into new territories and seasons, said Scott Doyle, spokesman for Raymond Fire & Rescue. Maine's wildfire season is typically late March through late November. "We have been seeing wildland fires catching in places the last six months that typically do not have large wildland fires to battle," Doyle said. "We want citizens and visitors to be safe with fire to help avoid a catastrophic event here in Maine." These steps can help prevent wildfires and property damage: —Clear a 30-foot space around buildings that's free of dead leaves, brush and other flammable materials. —Use fire-resistant landscaping, including plants and ground covers that reduce fire risk. —Make sure grills, fire pits and chimneys are clean and functioning properly. —Always have two adults present when burning outdoors and extinguish fires completely before leaving. —Keep rakes, shovels and water nearby so fires can be extinguished quickly. Copy the Story Link
