December sales provide little cheer for retailers

SummaryThe Leaders’ Debates Commission has disinvited the Green Party from the federal leaders’ debates due to their failure to run candidates in at least 90% of federal ridings, as they have not named candidates in over 100 of the 343 ridings. Co-leader Jonathan Pedneault stated this was a strategic decision to avoid splitting the progressive vote where Conservatives are strong, but the Commission deemed this approach inconsistent with party viability. The Greens plan to issue...

The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the definition of a woman and sex in the Equality Act refers specifically to "a biological woman and biological sex," allowing an appeal from the gender critical campaign group For Women Scotland. This ruling may affirm the current interpretation of the law while also recommending that Parliament consider amending the Equality Act to address unforeseen consequences. The live blog covering this story is now closed, but further information...

NewsFeedIn Gaza, thousands are in urgent need of prosthetic limbs due to injuries sustained from Israeli attacks, exacerbated by the ongoing blockade that restricts medical supplies. In response, local technicians are creatively crafting prosthetic arms and legs using recycled materials, providing essential aid amidst the humanitarian crisis. This innovative approach highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of those affected, as they seek to overcome the challenges imposed by the blockade. Full Article

Canadian Election Debate RescheduledAn election debate in Canada has been rescheduled to avoid overlapping with a Montreal Canadiens hockey game, which takes place on April 17 at 19:00 ET. The French-language leaders' debate was initially set for 20:00 ET but will now begin two hours earlier at 18:00 ET to accommodate hockey fans, allowing them to engage in both the election campaign and the potential playoff-clinching game. The Leaders' Debates Commission acknowledged Canadians' passion for...

In southern Gaza, a mobile bakery, the last operational one in the region, is being towed by a tractor due to Israeli evacuation orders amid intensified military operations. The bakery, run by World Central Kitchen (WCK), produces only 25,000 loaves daily—one-third of its capacity—due to flour shortages caused by the Israeli blockade. With 2 million Gazans reliant on food aid, the humanitarian crisis has worsened since the World Food Programme had to close its bakeries,...

As Canada approaches its federal election, with U.S. relations, economic concerns, and affordability taking center stage, Indian residential school survivors and their advocates are calling on all political parties to commit to supporting investigations into unmarked burials and missing children. This plea comes in light of the discovery of over a hundred "unmarked burial features" at the former McIntosh Indian Residential School, and researchers indicate there may be additional potential burial sites on the property....