Andy Donato cartoon, Feb. 23, 2025

Every Saturday night, Israelis gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, advocating for the return of hostages held by Hamas, with 58 still unaccounted for. Former hostage Naama Levy emphasized the importance of solidarity for families enduring the pain of captivity, while Nili Gefen expressed her initial hopes for government action, now focused on support for the families. Despite the intertwined nature of political issues and the hostage situation, Gefen highlighted the need for a...

Quebec has introduced a significant bill aimed at reducing trade barriers, marking its entry into the Canadian internal trade party. Minister Christopher Skeete emphasized the need for Quebec to be open to interprovincial trade, allowing products from other provinces to be marketed without extra requirements, with exceptions to be announced later. Despite criticisms of being protectionist, Skeete believes the new law could boost Quebec's GDP by up to $25 billion, while Quebec’s MNAs reaffirmed the...

Canadians who purchased packaged bread from 2001 to 2021 may be eligible for a cash payout from a $500-million class action settlement against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and George Weston Ltd. for price-fixing. The Ontario Superior Court has approved the settlement, while the Quebec Superior Court will review a similar agreement on June 16. Eligible claimants can file online once the claims process opens, with potential payouts depending on the number of claims, though most can...

The Canadian military's CH-148 Cyclone helicopters faced a 27-day grounding in May 2022 due to concerns over spare parts potentially exceeding their service life, with only one helicopter currently operational. The fleet, comprising 26 helicopters used for various naval missions, was paused on May 1 by the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division until May 27, while investigations into component safety were conducted. Challenges persist for the Cyclone fleet, including aging systems and operational security...

The Ontario government has introduced legislation to prevent the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) from renaming schools after Sir John A. Macdonald, Egerton Ryerson, and Henry Dundas without ministerial approval. This move, part of the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, aims to enhance accountability and stop financial mismanagement by school boards. Education Minister Paul Calandra emphasized the need for swift intervention, while supporters, including the Canadian Institute for Historical Education, expressed satisfaction with the...

Summary of Wildfire Situation in Saskatchewan Thousands in Saskatchewan have evacuated due to severe wildfires affecting multiple communities, including Pelican Narrows and Hall Lake, prompting a provincial state of emergency declared by Premier Scott Moe. Major fires, such as the Shoe Lake and Pisew fires, have burned over 216,000 and 55,873 hectares respectively, disrupting highways and necessitating evacuations to cities like Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Despite minimal rainfall expected, meteorologists caution that strong winds may...