Seven stories in the news today from The Canadian Press:
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TRUDEAU: CANADA DOES NOT AND WILL NOT PAY RANSOM
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking an uncompromising stance against terrorist kidnappers, vowing that Canada will never pay ransom for the release of hostages. He took the hard line Tuesday as he wrapped up a three-day cabinet retreat in Alberta that was overshadowed by the beheading death of Canadian John Ridsdel by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines.
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TRUDEAU MEETS WITH FIRST NATIONS LEADERS
Cheering supporters greeted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he arrived in Saskatchewan for what First Nations leaders described as a historic meeting that heralds a sign of change. Trudeau held a private meeting Tuesday evening with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council in Fort Qu’Appelle, about 75 kilometres northeast of Regina. Trudeau said he’s working on helping the relationship between First Nations people and the federal government.
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PARENTS GUILTY IN SON’S MENINGITIS DEATH
The parents of a toddler who died of meningitis have been found guilty of failing to provide him with the necessaries of life. David and Collet Stephan were charged after 19-month-old Ezekiel died in March 2012. The couple testified at their trial in Lethbridge, Alta., that they believed their son had croup or flu, so they treated him for 2 1/2 weeks with remedies that included smoothies with hot peppers, garlic, onions and horseradish.
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NOTLEY TO TALK CLIMATE CHANGE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she is going to Washington, D.C. mainly to spread the word on her government’s climate-change plan. Notley says Alberta taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint is a story that needs to be emphasized with decision-makers and those with influence. The premier is to fly out today and meet with elected officials and David MacNaughton, Canadian ambassador to the United States.
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SURVEY SUGGESTS TWO-THIRDS OF QUEBECERS FAVOUR GUN REGISTRY
A new survey conducted for a gun-control advocacy group suggests that two-thirds of Quebecers are in favour of the registration of long guns. Leger’s poll for PolySeSouvient comes as provincial lawmakers study Bill 64, which, if passed, would create Canada’s only provincial long-gun registry.
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U.S. SENATE HEARING INTO QUEBEC’S VALEANT TO BEGIN TODAY
American lawmakers investigating price hikes by embattled Quebec drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals will also question one of the company’s leading investors, hedge fund manager William Ackman. The U.S. Senate’s aging committee holds its third meeting on drug prices today, responding to escalating costs that have squeezed patients and strained health-care budgets across the country.
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OREGON FAMILIES FIND PEACE IN AID IN ASSISTED DYING
As Canada debates new assisted death legislation, families in Oregon whose loved ones have used medical aid in dying describe powerful experiences. Pam Wald’s husband Ben Wald had terminal cancer when he used the law in 2012 and he died surrounded by friends in their living room. Pam says Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act gives terminally-ill people the opportunity to end their lives on their own terms.
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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:
— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet in Regina with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
— Drugstore chain Jean Coutu Group, Suncor Energy and Goldcorp Inc., are among the companies reporting quarterly results today.
— Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. releases its quarterly Housing Market Assessment.
— Various groups hold a news conference in Ottawa to press the government to stop the sale of light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia.
— Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau visits Toronto to mark Rail Safety Week.
