Province targets impaired drivers, car thieves with tougher penalties

OTTAWA — Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin's staff inadvertently revealed internal discussions regarding a mandated 15% spending cut, with potential impacts on the Canada Water Agency's operations, as they prepared for budget proposals due August 28. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government aims for fiscal discipline to fund increased defense spending and tax cuts, leading to challenges in determining cuts without political fallout. Want More Context? 🔎

The gravesite of British Major General Robert Ross, who led the burning of the White House in 1814 during the War of 1812, saw many visitors this week, including Larry and Connie Tremain from Arizona. Ross, buried in Halifax, N.S., after his death at the Battle of North Point, remains a surprising figure for many Americans, who often lack awareness of this historical event and its implications for U.S.-Canada relations. Want More Context? 🔎

Gregor Robertson, the minister overseeing the federal agency that supported a B.C. Ferries' contract for ships from China, announced that Ottawa is considering a "buy Canada" policy, which has historically been weaker than the "buy American" strategy. This development comes amid disappointment over Toronto city council's decision to limit sixplexes to only nine wards. Want More Context? 🔎

Winnipeg police issued a warning about Jason Mark Bard, a 35-year-old convicted rapist and violent offender, who has been released from custody and is expected to reside in the city. Bard, whose criminal history includes sexual assault, choking, and multiple violent offenses, is considered a high risk to re-offend against adult females, despite having completed treatment for sexual offenses. Want More Context? 🔎

More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants are voting on a new contract after a strike in August 2023, which temporarily grounded flights. The tentative agreement includes significant pay increases and stipulations for paid ground time, but if rejected, only the pay portion will go to arbitration while other terms remain final, with the contract lasting until March 31, 2029. Want More Context? 🔎

Residents in Gold Canyon, Arizona, are witnessing a decline in Canadian buyers for vacation homes, driven by strained U.S.-Canada relations and a cooling U.S. housing market. Redfin reports a 22% drop in Canadian searches for U.S. properties, with many Canadians opting to sell their homes due to political dissatisfaction and economic factors, including tariffs and a weakening Canadian dollar. Want More Context? 🔎