Five stories in the news today from The Canadian Press
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DOUBTS EXPRESSED OVER TRAVIS VADER VERDICT
The long road to a conviction in the deaths of an elderly Alberta couple may take another twist today. Brian Beresh, defence lawyer for Travis Vader, says he will appeal a finding of guilty on two charges of second-degree murder in the slayings of Lyle and Marie McCann. Beresh says the judge made a mistake in convicting Vader, saying he used a definition of murder in his reasoning that was declared unconstitutional 26 years ago.
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CLOSING ARGUMENTS TODAY IN RADITA TRIAL
Closing arguments are scheduled to to wrap up today in the trial of a Calgary couple. Emil Radita, 59, and his 54-year-old wife, Rodica, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Alexandru. The Crown argued Thursday that the parents should be convicted of first-degree murder. Alexandru, who was one of eight children, weighed just 37 pounds when he died.
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TRUDEAU HOSTS AIDS CONFERENCE
A conference that hopes to find ways to raise $13 billion U.S. to replenish the Global Fund in its fight against AIDS kicks off today in Montreal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hosting the two day event which will include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, rock star Bono and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates. The event comes ahead of what is expected to be Trudeau’s first address to the UN General Assembly next week.
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CANADIAN ACCUSED OF SPYING IN CHINA BACK HOME
A Canadian accused of spying and jailed in China for more than two years has been released and is back in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office issued a brief statement expressing “delight” at Garratt’s release. Garratt, who lived in China for about 30 years, was indicted in January on accusations of spying for Canada and stealing Chinese state secrets.
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SAJJAN BACKS OFF ON MILITARY COMMENTS
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan is reportedly backing off on comments his office made suggesting he might consider giving direct power to First Nations to call in the military when they feel their rights or communities are being threatened. The Winnipeg Free Press, in a report out of Ottawa, says it was told by Sajjan on Thursday that he doesn’t think the system needs to be changed.
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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:
— Statistics Canada will release manufacturing data for July and Canada’s international transactions in securities for July.
— The taxi industry seeks an injunction in Montreal to block a plan to keep Uber on Quebec roads for a year.
— Public Safety Minister and Saskatchewan MP Ralph Goodale will makes infrastructure announcement in Regina.
— The British Columbia Conservative Party holds its leadership convention in Prince George.
