A 16-year-old wounded his mother with a firearm and then killed two police officers before taking his own life in Edmonton, Alberta early Thursday (March 16), the news agency Associated Press reported on Friday&nbsp;citing officials. According to Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee, the two officers were fatally shot when they arrived at an apartment building on a domestic dispute call around 12.47 am.&nbsp;

McFee said there was no indication that the officers were able to return fire. The police chief added that other officers sent to the apartment found the teenager dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He also said that the woman was in a life-threatening condition when taken to a hospital but was later listed in a serious but stable condition.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-lone-trucker-runs-over-pedestrians-many-killed-pm-trudeau-reacts-571735">Canada: Lone trucker runs over pedestrians, many killed; PM Trudeau reacts</a>

The deceased police officers were identified as Travis Jordan, 35, and Brett Ryan, 30. Jordan had been with the Edmonton Police for 8.5 years while Ryan served with the force for 5.5 years.&nbsp;

“I can’t tell you how devastated we are with their loss,” police chief Dale McFee said, the Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday, "Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two Edmonton Police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you."

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Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two <a href="https://twitter.com/edmontonpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdmontonPolice</a> officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you.
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These killings are the first for the police force since 2015 when Constable Daniel Woodall was shot numerous times while using a battering ram to enter a residence. Another officer of the force Sergeant Jason Harley was struck by a round that penetrated his body armour but survived. And in 1990, Constable Ezio Faraone was shot to death while responding to an armed robbery, the news agency further reported.&nbsp;

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A 16-year-old wounded his mother with a firearm and then killed two police officers before taking his own life in Edmonton, Alberta early Thursday (March 16), the news agency Associated Press reported on Friday citing officials.

A 16-year-old wounded his mother with a firearm and then killed two police officers before taking his own life in Edmonton, Alberta early Thursday (March 16), the news agency Associated Press reported on Friday citing officials. According to Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee, the two officers were fatally shot when they arrived at an apartment building on a domestic dispute call around 12.47 am. McFee said there was no indication that the officers were able to return fire. The police chief added that other officers sent to the apartment found the teenager dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He also said that the woman was in a life-threatening condition when taken to a hospital but was later listed in a serious but stable condition. ALSO READ | Canada: Lone trucker runs over pedestrians, many killed; PM Trudeau reacts The deceased police officers were identified as Travis Jordan, 35, and Brett Ryan, 30. Jordan had been with the Edmonton Police for 8.5 years while Ryan served with the force for 5.5 years. “I can’t tell you how devastated we are with their loss,” police chief Dale McFee said, the Associated Press reported. Taking to Twitter, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday, "Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two Edmonton Police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you." Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two @EdmontonPolice officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 16, 2023 × These killings are the first for the police force since 2015 when Constable Daniel Woodall was shot numerous times while using a battering ram to enter a residence. Another officer of the force Sergeant Jason Harley was struck by a round that penetrated his body armour but survived. And in 1990, Constable Ezio Faraone was shot to death while responding to an armed robbery, the news agency further reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canada: Teen shoots mother, kills two cops before taking his own life, says report

Two police officers were shot dead while responding to a domestic call early Thursday in Edmonton in Canada's western Alberta province, officials said.

The two constables showed up at an apartment in the city's Inglewood neighborhood just before 1 am local time after receiving an emergency call about a "family dispute," when they were shot by a man at the address, Edmonton police chief Dale McFee told a news conference.

"At this time, all indications are they did not have a chance to discharge their firearms," he said.

"These (officers) were doing their job. This is unthinkable. It's not imaginable. It's horrific. It's a tragedy," he said. "We're all grieving." 
 
Fellow officers arrived soon after the shooting and, not waiting for an ambulance, rushed their fallen comrades, aged 30 and 35, to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The suspected shooter was found dead of what the chief described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, while a female relative who'd called police was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and stabilised.

"We're all devastated," Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said, describing the officers' killings as an "unthinkable tragedy."

"Today is a very difficult and sad day," he said. "Every day, families of police officers send their loved ones off to duty to work and hope they return home safely. This did not happen today."

Canada has seen a series of unprecedented violent killings in recent years, some involving mass stabbings or the use of vehicles as weapons against pedestrians, though shootings remain much rarer than in the United States.

Television images from Edmonton on Thursday showed a massive police deployment in the residential neighborhood in the north central part of the city.

"Every day, police officers put themselves in harm's way to keep people safe," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Twitter message.&nbsp;

"The news that two @EdmontonPolice officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Two police officers were shot dead while responding to a domestic call early Thursday in Edmonton in Canada's western Alberta province, officials said. The two constables showed up at an apartment in the city's Inglewood neighborhood just before 1 am local time after receiving an emergency call about a "family dispute," when they were shot by a man at the address, Edmonton police chief Dale McFee told a news conference.

Two police officers were shot dead while responding to a domestic call early Thursday in Edmonton in Canada's western Alberta province, officials said. The two constables showed up at an apartment in the city's Inglewood neighborhood just before 1 am local time after receiving an emergency call about a "family dispute," when they were shot by a man at the address, Edmonton police chief Dale McFee told a news conference. "At this time, all indications are they did not have a chance to discharge their firearms," he said. "These (officers) were doing their job. This is unthinkable. It's not imaginable. It's horrific. It's a tragedy," he said. "We're all grieving." Fellow officers arrived soon after the shooting and, not waiting for an ambulance, rushed their fallen comrades, aged 30 and 35, to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. The suspected shooter was found dead of what the chief described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, while a female relative who'd called police was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and stabilised. "We're all devastated," Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said, describing the officers' killings as an "unthinkable tragedy." "Today is a very difficult and sad day," he said. "Every day, families of police officers send their loved ones off to duty to work and hope they return home safely. This did not happen today." Canada has seen a series of unprecedented violent killings in recent years, some involving mass stabbings or the use of vehicles as weapons against pedestrians, though shootings remain much rarer than in the United States. Television images from Edmonton on Thursday showed a massive police deployment in the residential neighborhood in the north central part of the city. "Every day, police officers put themselves in harm's way to keep people safe," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Twitter message. "The news that two @EdmontonPolice officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality," he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Man kills two police officers in Canadian city of Edmonton after injuring kin, ends life

The Canadian Government on Wednesday appointed a former Governor General of the country as its Independent Special Rapporteur to examine alleged interference by Beijing in the Federal elections in 2019 and 2021.

Canada appoints investigator to probe alleged China election meddling

Volkswagen has chosen Canada as the location for its first battery cell plant outside of Europe.&nbsp;The move will enable VW cars to access Canadian and US subsidies as the carmaker seeks to localise its electric vehicle production chain in the region.&nbsp;

The plant will be based in the city of St. Thomas, which is around 195 km northeast of Detroit and is set to become the largest single investment in Canada's auto sector.

What is the underlying idea behind this plan?

It is common knowledge that climate change is a major concern of this decade and the ones following.&nbsp;

Nations throughout the world recognise the fact that there is a need for combined action specially targeted at reducing carbon emissions to take care of climate concerns.

It is due to this idea that the Canadian government is investing in multi-billion-dollar green technology funds to attract companies involved in all levels of the EV supply chain.&nbsp;

Canada is rich in key raw materials for batteries, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, and home to a large mining sector.

The country is looking to woo EV companies as the world seeks to cut carbon emissions.

European carmakers are seeking to benefit from the US climate law that requires 50 per cent of EV battery components to be made in North America for vehicles to qualify for tax credits of up to $7,500.&nbsp;

VW’s announcement did not specify the investment size or plant capacity, but the carmaker is targeting 20 gigawatt-hours of capacity at its first North American site.&nbsp;

VW has said it is working towards setting up regional supply chains in Europe, North America and China for EV production in light of high transport and logistic costs, supply chain risks, and geopolitical tensions.&nbsp;

The IRA subsidy has given Volkswagen an incentive to prioritise decisions on North American investments.

The automaker stated that while it still has plans for battery plants in Europe, it will hold off to see if there are better incentives.&nbsp;

By taking advantage of the benevolent Inflation Reduction Act, which US President Joseph Biden generously introduced last year, European businesses are attempting to increase their US presence, as evidenced by the news of the new VW facility.&nbsp;

Given the high costs of transportation and logistics, supply chain concerns, and geopolitical unrest, Volkswagen has stated that it is seeking to establish regional supply chains for EV production in Europe, North America, and China. 
 
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Volkswagen has chosen Canada as the location for its first battery cell plant outside of Europe. The move will enable VW cars to access Canadian and US subsidies as the carmaker seeks to localise its electric vehicle production chain in the region.

Volkswagen has chosen Canada as the location for its first battery cell plant outside of Europe. The move will enable VW cars to access Canadian and US subsidies as the carmaker seeks to localise its electric vehicle production chain in the region. The plant will be based in the city of St. Thomas, which is around 195 km northeast of Detroit and is set to become the largest single investment in Canada's auto sector. What is the underlying idea behind this plan? It is common knowledge that climate change is a major concern of this decade and the ones following. Nations throughout the world recognise the fact that there is a need for combined action specially targeted at reducing carbon emissions to take care of climate concerns. It is due to this idea that the Canadian government is investing in multi-billion-dollar green technology funds to attract companies involved in all levels of the EV supply chain. Canada is rich in key raw materials for batteries, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, and home to a large mining sector. The country is looking to woo EV companies as the world seeks to cut carbon emissions. European carmakers are seeking to benefit from the US climate law that requires 50 per cent of EV battery components to be made in North America for vehicles to qualify for tax credits of up to $7,500. VW’s announcement did not specify the investment size or plant capacity, but the carmaker is targeting 20 gigawatt-hours of capacity at its first North American site. VW has said it is working towards setting up regional supply chains in Europe, North America and China for EV production in light of high transport and logistic costs, supply chain risks, and geopolitical tensions. The IRA subsidy has given Volkswagen an incentive to prioritise decisions on North American investments. The automaker stated that while it still has plans for battery plants in Europe, it will hold off to see if there are better incentives. By taking advantage of the benevolent Inflation Reduction Act, which US President Joseph Biden generously introduced last year, European businesses are attempting to increase their US presence, as evidenced by the news of the new VW facility. Given the high costs of transportation and logistics, supply chain concerns, and geopolitical unrest, Volkswagen has stated that it is seeking to establish regional supply chains for EV production in Europe, North America, and China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Volkswagen picks minerals-rich Canada for setting up first battery plant outside Europe

Two people were killed in the Canadian town of Amqui while nine other pedestrians were injured after they were run over by a pickup truck, about 650 kilometers north of Montreal, authorities said. A 38-year-old local man was arrested shortly after the incident, whose exact nature remains unspecified. The police said that they are investigating if the accused ran over people on purpose or not.&nbsp;

The two deceased individuals are in their 60s and 70s, while of the nine injured individuals, two are said to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to a hospital in Quebec city by the emergency responders.&nbsp;

Accident reconstruction experts are working to establish the circumstances of the crash, Quebec police spokeswoman Sergeant Helene St-Pierre told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-at-least-10-killed-in-mass-stabbings-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-incident-513012">Canada: At least 10 killed in mass stabbings. All you need to know about the incident</a>

"Everything indicates that this is an isolated event," she said. "There is no more danger in the area and only one suspect."

<h2>Canada pickup truck crash: What happened?</h2>

Witnesses cited in the&nbsp;local Canadian&nbsp;media said that a truck hit several people on a sidewalk outside a popular microbrewery. The truck&nbsp;then continued for another 400 to 500 meters (1,300 to 1,600 feet) along the road, striking more people.

The first responders reportedly found victims lying across the road and sidewalks on either side. A damaged stroller was said to be among the crash debris and early reports said children were among the injured. The authorities did not clarify if the children were among the injured.&nbsp;

<h2>Canada pickup truck pedestrian crash: When did it happen?</h2>

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 3 pm on Amqui's main street on Monday, which has a population of roughly 6,000.

Some of them were transported to a hospital in Quebec City.

The province's public security minister, Francois Bonnardel, said on Twitter that preliminary information suggested a "serious accident" had taken place.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: 10 killed, 15 injured in multiple stabbing incidents in Canada, police on the lookout

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"My heart is with the people of Amqui, Quebec today," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Twitter message. "As we learn more about the tragic events that have taken place, I'm keeping everyone affected in my thoughts," he added.

The latest incident comes a month after a bus crashed into a daycare center in a Montreal suburb, killing two four-year-old children and leaving six more injured in what police then said was a deliberate act.

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Two people were killed in the Canadian town of Amqui while nine other pedestrians were injured after they were run over by a pickup truck, about 650 kilometers north of Montreal, authorities said.

Two people were killed in the Canadian town of Amqui while nine other pedestrians were injured after they were run over by a pickup truck, about 650 kilometers north of Montreal, authorities said. A 38-year-old local man was arrested shortly after the incident, whose exact nature remains unspecified. The police said that they are investigating if the accused ran over people on purpose or not. The two deceased individuals are in their 60s and 70s, while of the nine injured individuals, two are said to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to a hospital in Quebec city by the emergency responders. Accident reconstruction experts are working to establish the circumstances of the crash, Quebec police spokeswoman Sergeant Helene St-Pierre told news agency AFP. ALSO READ | Canada: At least 10 killed in mass stabbings. All you need to know about the incident "Everything indicates that this is an isolated event," she said. "There is no more danger in the area and only one suspect." Canada pickup truck crash: What happened? Witnesses cited in the local Canadian media said that a truck hit several people on a sidewalk outside a popular microbrewery. The truck then continued for another 400 to 500 meters (1,300 to 1,600 feet) along the road, striking more people. The first responders reportedly found victims lying across the road and sidewalks on either side. A damaged stroller was said to be among the crash debris and early reports said children were among the injured. The authorities did not clarify if the children were among the injured. Canada pickup truck pedestrian crash: When did it happen? The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 3 pm on Amqui's main street on Monday, which has a population of roughly 6,000. Some of them were transported to a hospital in Quebec City. The province's public security minister, Francois Bonnardel, said on Twitter that preliminary information suggested a "serious accident" had taken place. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: 10 killed, 15 injured in multiple stabbing incidents in Canada, police on the lookout × "My heart is with the people of Amqui, Quebec today," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Twitter message. "As we learn more about the tragic events that have taken place, I'm keeping everyone affected in my thoughts," he added. The latest incident comes a month after a bus crashed into a daycare center in a Montreal suburb, killing two four-year-old children and leaving six more injured in what police then said was a deliberate act. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canada: Lone trucker runs over pedestrians, many killed; PM Trudeau reacts

Canada's last captive killer whale, dubbed "the loneliest whale in the world" has died. Kiska, the 47-year-old Orca whale, as per local media reports, died on Thursday (March 9) of bacterial infection. The lonely mammal spent the last four decades of her life in captivity, with more than 12 of those (since 2011) in isolation. Kiska was a resident of Marineland, a zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls.&nbsp;

Kiska, the 'world's loneliest whale', was captured in 1979 from Icelandic waters along with Keiko the whale, who went on to star in the movie 'Free Willy'. She spent her earlier captive life in various marine parks before ending up in the Canadian amusement park.

Watch |&nbsp;The mystery behind Whale strandings on shores of Cyprus

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We can confirm that Kiska, MarineLand’s last orca has been buried at the park. This, sadly is her final resting place. May she rest in peace. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPKiska?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPKiska</a> <a href="https://t.co/GUKbY2NtAN">pic.twitter.com/GUKbY2NtAN</a>
— Phil Demers (@walruswhisperer) <a href="https://twitter.com/walruswhisperer/status/1634643700025380866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per the animal rights organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), "Kiska the orca has died from a bacterial infection at Marineland of Canada in Ontario."

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You deserved so much better, Kiska. 
 
We won’t stop fighting for orcas like you. <a href="https://t.co/BWcOy2gZ1K">pic.twitter.com/BWcOy2gZ1K</a>
— PETA (@peta) <a href="https://twitter.com/peta/status/1634344449542086664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The group further added that "she spent her final years isolated in a cramped tank, swimming in endless circles or sometimes floating listlessly. Like all orcas and other dolphins held prisoner in marine parks and exploited for entertainment, she deserved to stay in the ocean with her family, where she could have experienced a natural life."

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Heartbreaking video of Kiska, MarineLand’s last orca’s tank prior to and just after her tragic death. Let her legacy be that of inspiring great change as she’s the last orca that will ever be in captivity in Canada. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPKiska?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPKiska</a> <a href="https://t.co/pBRt1Hw4Rg">pic.twitter.com/pBRt1Hw4Rg</a>
— Phil Demers (@walruswhisperer) <a href="https://twitter.com/walruswhisperer/status/1634620668477054977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Kiska outlived all five of her calves, who sadly died before even reaching five years of age. In the wild, orcas, on average, have a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. For males, the maximum life expectancy is 60 years, while for females it is 80 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/absolutely-amazingbut-also-breaks-your-heart-moon-the-hunchback-whale-travels-5000kms-with-a-broken-back-542245">'Absolutely amazing...but also breaks your heart': Moon the humpback whale travels 5000kms with a broken back</a>

In September 2021, a video of Kiska bashing her head against the glass wall of her "cramped tank" had gone viral. The haunting video showed the "world's loneliest whale" slamming her head and body against the walls of her "prison".&nbsp;

Following the video, animal activists and rights organisations even filed a legal complaint about the "mental suffering" Kiska was enduring.

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Cette vidéo qui montre Kiska en train de se taper la tête contre les parois de son aquarium du Marineland de Niagara Falls au Canada, a été tournée le 4 septembre 2021. 
Kiska est morte hier. Elle vivait seule, sans congénère, entre désespoir et folie, depuis 2011.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeKiska?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeKiska</a> <a href="https://t.co/44A3Y46KgO">pic.twitter.com/44A3Y46KgO</a>
— Muriel Fusi (@Muriel_FUSI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Muriel_FUSI/status/1634475855375106048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In spite of that, her imprisonment continued. Canada banned whale and dolphin captivity in 2019, however, marine mammals like Kiska who were already in captivity were made an exception to the law.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/killer-whales-make-lifelong-sacrifice-for-their-sons-study-560246">Killer whale mothers make ‘lifelong sacrifice’ for their sons, reveals study</a>

Countries like the United States, China, Japan, Spain and Russia still allow for the captivity and breeding of killer whales like Kiska. According to a Whale &amp; Dolphin Conservation USA report, as of January 9, 2023, at least 173 orcas have died in captivity in the US. Another 30 deaths account for miscarriages or still-born calves. Despite this, and the years of activism on part of animal activists, the US SeaWorld still holds captive 18 orcas in its three parks.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Canada's last captive killer whale, dubbed "the loneliest whale in the world" has died. Kiska, the 47-year-old Orca whale, as per local media reports, died on Thursday (March 9) of bacterial infection.

Canada's last captive killer whale, dubbed "the loneliest whale in the world" has died. Kiska, the 47-year-old Orca whale, as per local media reports, died on Thursday (March 9) of bacterial infection. The lonely mammal spent the last four decades of her life in captivity, with more than 12 of those (since 2011) in isolation. Kiska was a resident of Marineland, a zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls. Kiska, the 'world's loneliest whale', was captured in 1979 from Icelandic waters along with Keiko the whale, who went on to star in the movie 'Free Willy'. She spent her earlier captive life in various marine parks before ending up in the Canadian amusement park. Watch | The mystery behind Whale strandings on shores of Cyprus We can confirm that Kiska, MarineLand’s last orca has been buried at the park. This, sadly is her final resting place. May she rest in peace. #RIPKiska pic.twitter.com/GUKbY2NtAN — Phil Demers (@walruswhisperer) March 11, 2023 × As per the animal rights organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), "Kiska the orca has died from a bacterial infection at Marineland of Canada in Ontario." You deserved so much better, Kiska. We won’t stop fighting for orcas like you. pic.twitter.com/BWcOy2gZ1K — PETA (@peta) March 11, 2023 × The group further added that "she spent her final years isolated in a cramped tank, swimming in endless circles or sometimes floating listlessly. Like all orcas and other dolphins held prisoner in marine parks and exploited for entertainment, she deserved to stay in the ocean with her family, where she could have experienced a natural life." Heartbreaking video of Kiska, MarineLand’s last orca’s tank prior to and just after her tragic death. Let her legacy be that of inspiring great change as she’s the last orca that will ever be in captivity in Canada. #RIPKiska pic.twitter.com/pBRt1Hw4Rg — Phil Demers (@walruswhisperer) March 11, 2023 × Kiska outlived all five of her calves, who sadly died before even reaching five years of age. In the wild, orcas, on average, have a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. For males, the maximum life expectancy is 60 years, while for females it is 80 years. Also read | 'Absolutely amazing...but also breaks your heart': Moon the humpback whale travels 5000kms with a broken back In September 2021, a video of Kiska bashing her head against the glass wall of her "cramped tank" had gone viral. The haunting video showed the "world's loneliest whale" slamming her head and body against the walls of her "prison". Following the video, animal activists and rights organisations even filed a legal complaint about the "mental suffering" Kiska was enduring. Cette vidéo qui montre Kiska en train de se taper la tête contre les parois de son aquarium du Marineland de Niagara Falls au Canada, a été tournée le 4 septembre 2021. Kiska est morte hier. Elle vivait seule, sans congénère, entre désespoir et folie, depuis 2011.#FreeKiska pic.twitter.com/44A3Y46KgO — Muriel Fusi (@Muriel_FUSI) March 11, 2023 × In spite of that, her imprisonment continued. Canada banned whale and dolphin captivity in 2019, however, marine mammals like Kiska who were already in captivity were made an exception to the law. Also read | Killer whale mothers make ‘lifelong sacrifice’ for their sons, reveals study Countries like the United States, China, Japan, Spain and Russia still allow for the captivity and breeding of killer whales like Kiska. According to a Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA report, as of January 9, 2023, at least 173 orcas have died in captivity in the US. Another 30 deaths account for miscarriages or still-born calves. Despite this, and the years of activism on part of animal activists, the US SeaWorld still holds captive 18 orcas in its three parks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Isolated for over a decade, world’s ‘loneliest whale’, Kiska, dies in Canada after 40 years of captivity

Showing the middle finger to someone is part of a person’s constitutional rights in Canada. A judge has ruled that flipping off someone is covered under freedom of expression in Canada even if it may not be civil or polite. Judge Dennis Galiatsatos from the French-speaking province of Quebec issued his interpretation in a 26-page decision on February 24th. The judge observed in his ruling, “To be abundantly clear, it is not a crime to give someone the finger.”

The ruling came with respect to a case involving a person showing his neighbour the middle finger in Beaconsfield, Quebec. The accused, a 45-year-old teacher named Neall Epstein, was arrested by Police in May 2021 for allegedly flipping off and threatening his neighbour. Now, judge Galiatsatos has clarified that not only Epstein’s arrest amounted to injustice but he had also not committed any crime.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault

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As per media reports, Neall Epstein had an old dispute with his 34-year-old neighbour Michael Naccache. Naccache reportedly made threatening gestures towards Epstein while holding a power tool in his hands. This made the 45-year-old teacher flip him off. Naccache also claimed that Epstein made a throat-slashing gesture towards him, indicating he would kill him. However, the judge refused to accept the claims and ruled in favour of the accused teacher.

As reported by AFP, the judge in his ruling said, “Flipping the proverbial bird is a God-given, charter-enshrined right that belongs to every red-blooded Canadian.” Galiatsatos further stated that the gesture “may not be civil, it may not be polite, it may not be gentlemanly... nevertheless, it does not trigger criminal liability.”

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-quebec-makes-mandatory-oath-to-british-monarch-optional-541843">Canada's Quebec makes mandatory oath to British monarch optional</a>

The judge then went on to give Naccache an earful for pursuing the case against the teacher. He told the 34-year-old man to feel lucky as he was not being charged for threats that he issued against the teacher. He also wished he could literally — not just figuratively — throw the case out of court.&nbsp;

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Showing the middle finger to someone is part of a person’s constitutional rights in Canada. A judge has ruled that flipping off someone is covered under freedom of expression in Canada even if it may not be civil or polite.

Showing the middle finger to someone is part of a person’s constitutional rights in Canada. A judge has ruled that flipping off someone is covered under freedom of expression in Canada even if it may not be civil or polite. Judge Dennis Galiatsatos from the French-speaking province of Quebec issued his interpretation in a 26-page decision on February 24th. The judge observed in his ruling, “To be abundantly clear, it is not a crime to give someone the finger.” The ruling came with respect to a case involving a person showing his neighbour the middle finger in Beaconsfield, Quebec. The accused, a 45-year-old teacher named Neall Epstein, was arrested by Police in May 2021 for allegedly flipping off and threatening his neighbour. Now, judge Galiatsatos has clarified that not only Epstein’s arrest amounted to injustice but he had also not committed any crime. Watch: Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault × As per media reports, Neall Epstein had an old dispute with his 34-year-old neighbour Michael Naccache. Naccache reportedly made threatening gestures towards Epstein while holding a power tool in his hands. This made the 45-year-old teacher flip him off. Naccache also claimed that Epstein made a throat-slashing gesture towards him, indicating he would kill him. However, the judge refused to accept the claims and ruled in favour of the accused teacher. As reported by AFP, the judge in his ruling said, “Flipping the proverbial bird is a God-given, charter-enshrined right that belongs to every red-blooded Canadian.” Galiatsatos further stated that the gesture “may not be civil, it may not be polite, it may not be gentlemanly... nevertheless, it does not trigger criminal liability.” Also Read| Canada's Quebec makes mandatory oath to British monarch optional The judge then went on to give Naccache an earful for pursuing the case against the teacher. He told the 34-year-old man to feel lucky as he was not being charged for threats that he issued against the teacher. He also wished he could literally — not just figuratively — throw the case out of court. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Showing middle finger a constitutional right in Canada, judge declares in a 26-page decision

Canada Soccer say their pay proposals for their men's and women's national teams will ensure equality and make the women's team the second-best paid in the world. The governing body, which faced a strike threat from their women's team last month, said their plan was awaiting agreement from players unions. The plan features a pooling of prize money from the men's and women's World Cups with the income divided out equally between the two teams.

The statement from Canada Soccer was issued shortly before a hearing to parliament's Heritage Committee where women players will testify. "If accepted by the Player Associations, the collective bargaining agreements will pay both National Teams the same amount for playing a 90-minute match and both National Teams will share equally in competition prize money," the organisation said. "Additionally, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will become the second-highest paid women’s national team among FIFA’s 211 Member Associations," they added.

Last week the body announced an interim funding agreement for the women's team to cover their run-up to the Women's World Cup which is being held in New Zealand and Australia in July. Canada won gold in the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and are among the contenders to challenge defending World Cup champions, the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-nba-star-shawn-kemp-freed-from-jail-after-lawyers-claim-he-fired-in-self-defence-570440">Ex-NBA star Shawn Kemp freed from jail after lawyer claims he fired in ‘self-defence’</a>

Canada Soccer said they had agreed to all nine demands made by women's team players last month covering flights, hotels as well as transparency over finances. Former Olympic athlete Charmaine Crooks was named acting president of Canada Soccer after former president Nick Bontis quit after the row with the women's players.

Canada Soccer General Secretary Earl Cochrane said he hoped the players would sign up to the proposals. "The deal in front of our players today is unprecedented in Canadian sport and will make us a leader among FIFA Member Associations," he said. "We have appreciated the conversations with the two Players’ Associations and we believe serious progress has been made. With fresh leadership, now is the time to conclude those discussions and finalize a deal. Together, we can get this done.” added&nbsp;Cochrane.

Canada Soccer say their pay proposals for their men's and women's national teams will ensure equality and make the women's team the second-best paid in the world.

Canada Soccer say their pay proposals for their men's and women's national teams will ensure equality and make the women's team the second-best paid in the world. The governing body, which faced a strike threat from their women's team last month, said their plan was awaiting agreement from players unions. The plan features a pooling of prize money from the men's and women's World Cups with the income divided out equally between the two teams. The statement from Canada Soccer was issued shortly before a hearing to parliament's Heritage Committee where women players will testify. "If accepted by the Player Associations, the collective bargaining agreements will pay both National Teams the same amount for playing a 90-minute match and both National Teams will share equally in competition prize money," the organisation said. "Additionally, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will become the second-highest paid women’s national team among FIFA’s 211 Member Associations," they added. Last week the body announced an interim funding agreement for the women's team to cover their run-up to the Women's World Cup which is being held in New Zealand and Australia in July. Canada won gold in the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and are among the contenders to challenge defending World Cup champions, the United States. Also read: Ex-NBA star Shawn Kemp freed from jail after lawyer claims he fired in ‘self-defence’ Canada Soccer said they had agreed to all nine demands made by women's team players last month covering flights, hotels as well as transparency over finances. Former Olympic athlete Charmaine Crooks was named acting president of Canada Soccer after former president Nick Bontis quit after the row with the women's players. Canada Soccer General Secretary Earl Cochrane said he hoped the players would sign up to the proposals. "The deal in front of our players today is unprecedented in Canadian sport and will make us a leader among FIFA Member Associations," he said. "We have appreciated the conversations with the two Players’ Associations and we believe serious progress has been made. With fresh leadership, now is the time to conclude those discussions and finalize a deal. Together, we can get this done.” added Cochrane.

Canada Soccer claim women's team will become second-highest paid after proposing equal pay deal

Toronto's school board has become the first in Canada to recognise that caste discrimination exists in the city's schools and has asked a provincial human rights body to help in creating a framework to address the issue.

The&nbsp;Toronto&nbsp;District School Board on Wednesday voted in favour of a motion to that effect, which was introduced by board trustee Yalini Rajakulasingam. Sixteen trustees voted in favour of the motion and five voted against it.

The move addresses an issue important to the area's South Asian diaspora, particularly the Indian and Hindu communities. It comes weeks after Seattle became the first US&nbsp;city to outlaw caste discrimination after a city council vote.

India's caste system is among the world's oldest forms of rigid social stratification.

"This motion is not about division, it is about creating healing and empowering communities and providing them safer schools that students deserve," Rajakulasingam said.

Rajakulasingam called for a partnership between the human rights commission of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, and&nbsp;Toronto's school board.

The caste system dates back thousands of years and allows many privileges to upper castes but represses lower castes. The Dalit community is on the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system and have been treated as "untouchables."

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago, yet bias persists, according to several studies in recent years, including one that found people from lower castes were under-represented in higher-paying jobs.

Debate over the caste system's hierarchy is contentious in India and abroad, with the issue intertwined with religion. Some people say discrimination is now rare. Indian government policies reserving seats for lower-caste students at top Indian universities have helped many land tech jobs in the West in recent years, besides a quota in government jobs.

Activists opposing caste discrimination say it is no different from other forms of discrimination like racism and hence should be outlawed. 
 
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Toronto's school board has become the first in Canada to recognise that caste discrimination exists in the city's schools and has asked a provincial human rights body to help in creating a framework to address the issue.

Toronto's school board has become the first in Canada to recognise that caste discrimination exists in the city's schools and has asked a provincial human rights body to help in creating a framework to address the issue. The Toronto District School Board on Wednesday voted in favour of a motion to that effect, which was introduced by board trustee Yalini Rajakulasingam. Sixteen trustees voted in favour of the motion and five voted against it. The move addresses an issue important to the area's South Asian diaspora, particularly the Indian and Hindu communities. It comes weeks after Seattle became the first US city to outlaw caste discrimination after a city council vote. India's caste system is among the world's oldest forms of rigid social stratification. "This motion is not about division, it is about creating healing and empowering communities and providing them safer schools that students deserve," Rajakulasingam said. Rajakulasingam called for a partnership between the human rights commission of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, and Toronto's school board. The caste system dates back thousands of years and allows many privileges to upper castes but represses lower castes. The Dalit community is on the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system and have been treated as "untouchables." Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago, yet bias persists, according to several studies in recent years, including one that found people from lower castes were under-represented in higher-paying jobs. Debate over the caste system's hierarchy is contentious in India and abroad, with the issue intertwined with religion. Some people say discrimination is now rare. Indian government policies reserving seats for lower-caste students at top Indian universities have helped many land tech jobs in the West in recent years, besides a quota in government jobs. Activists opposing caste discrimination say it is no different from other forms of discrimination like racism and hence should be outlawed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Toronto school board becomes first in Canada to recognise caste discrimination

Giving someone the middle finger is a "God-given" right that belongs to all Canadians, a Quebec judge said, as he recently acquitted a Montreal-area man of criminal harassment and uttering threats.

Giving the middle finger 'no crime'; Flipping someone off a 'god-given right': Canada judge's order

The Canadian police have started their investigation into claims of Chinese “police service stations” in Montreal, Quebec, that claimed to have been established to harass or intimidate Chinese origin people living in the country.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that they had received inputs about two sites being operated as police stations.

China has denied these accusations,&nbsp;saying&nbsp;that they are just "service centres" for its nationals overseas.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said that his government is "very concerned about" this issue.

"We're in the process of making sure the RCMP is following up on this and that our intelligence systems are taking this seriously," he said, according to BBC.

The move comes a year after a Spanish NGO Safeguard Defenders, which monitors disappearances in China, claimed in its report that there at least 100 such police stations operating across the globe in 53 countries, including the UK and the US.

They claimed that the stations are part of efforts by China's regime to "harass, threaten, intimidate and force targets to return to China for persecution".

In the aftermath of the report, several countries including the US and the Netherlands conducted similar probes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-trump-case-former-president-might-soon-be-indicted-in-the-matter-570489">Stormy Daniels-Trump case: Former president might soon be indicted in the matter</a>

It comes amidst claims of Chinese interference in Canada's internal affairs, including accusations by the government that Beijing tried to influence the last two Canadian elections. China has denied those accusations.

In a statement, the RCMP in Quebec said, “We are carrying out police actions aimed at detecting and disrupting these foreign state-backed criminal activities, which may threaten the safety of persons living in Canada."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/showing-middle-finger-a-constitutional-right-in-canada-judge-declares-in-a-26-page-decision-570473">Showing middle finger a constitutional right in Canada, judge declares in a 26-page decision</a>

The police agency had launched a similar investigation in Toronto in November following reports of Chinese "police service stations". However, the RCMP in Ontario did provide any information related to that probe when it was asked on Thursday.

Last week, RCMP's deputy commissioner for federal policing Michael Duheme told a parliamentary committee that the agency has "taken overt actions" that led to the ceasing of operations at four alleged Chinese police stations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Canadian police have started their investigation into claims of Chinese “police service stations” in Montreal, Quebec, that claimed to have been established to harass or intimidate Chinese origin people living in the country.

The Canadian police have started their investigation into claims of Chinese “police service stations” in Montreal, Quebec, that claimed to have been established to harass or intimidate Chinese origin people living in the country. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that they had received inputs about two sites being operated as police stations. China has denied these accusations, saying that they are just "service centres" for its nationals overseas. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said that his government is "very concerned about" this issue. "We're in the process of making sure the RCMP is following up on this and that our intelligence systems are taking this seriously," he said, according to BBC. The move comes a year after a Spanish NGO Safeguard Defenders, which monitors disappearances in China, claimed in its report that there at least 100 such police stations operating across the globe in 53 countries, including the UK and the US. They claimed that the stations are part of efforts by China's regime to "harass, threaten, intimidate and force targets to return to China for persecution". In the aftermath of the report, several countries including the US and the Netherlands conducted similar probes. Also read | Stormy Daniels-Trump case: Former president might soon be indicted in the matter It comes amidst claims of Chinese interference in Canada's internal affairs, including accusations by the government that Beijing tried to influence the last two Canadian elections. China has denied those accusations. In a statement, the RCMP in Quebec said, “We are carrying out police actions aimed at detecting and disrupting these foreign state-backed criminal activities, which may threaten the safety of persons living in Canada." Also read | Showing middle finger a constitutional right in Canada, judge declares in a 26-page decision The police agency had launched a similar investigation in Toronto in November following reports of Chinese "police service stations". However, the RCMP in Ontario did provide any information related to that probe when it was asked on Thursday. Last week, RCMP's deputy commissioner for federal policing Michael Duheme told a parliamentary committee that the agency has "taken overt actions" that led to the ceasing of operations at four alleged Chinese police stations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Canadian police launch probe into alleged Chinese police stations in Montreal city

The Canadian government on Tuesday (March 7) expunged the historic indecency and anti-abortion laws targeting women and members of the LGBTQ community. The repealed laws had targeted women and LGBTQ individuals' access to abortion as well as to bathhouses, nightclubs, and swinger clubs, considered to be safe spaces for the queer communities.&nbsp;

In a statement published in Cision, Canada's Minister for Public Safety Marco Mendicino said on Tuesday, "Today's additions of abortion-related, bawdy house and indecency-based offences to the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act (which came into effect in 2018) represent yet another important and necessary step towards righting historical and systemic discrimination faced by many Canadians."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-grindr-not-doing-enough-to-safeguard-lgbtq-people-human-rights-watch-564464">Meta, Grindr 'not doing enough' to safeguard LGBTQ people: Human Rights Watch</a>

On the other hand, the country's Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien said that citizens deserved non-discriminatory policies that put their safety first, which is why the government "recognises that past laws and regulations were unjust and compromised the freedoms of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and women."

"This is another crucial step in achieving the goals set out in the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan – by continuing to promote human rights and encourage the development of inclusive federal policies, programs, and laws," Ien added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-five-pregnant-women-sue-the-state-of-texas-over-abortion-ban-569481">In a first, five pregnant women sue the state of Texas over abortion ban</a>

By repealing these laws, people with previous convictions can apply for an expungement order for free under the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, which allows for the permanent destruction of historically unjust records of conviction, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

There is no fee to apply for an expungement order. Applicants would be needed o provide evidence that the conviction meets certain criteria. "Given the historical nature of the offences, sworn statements/solemn declarations may be accepted as evidence if applicants have demonstrated that court and police records are not available," the above statement read.&nbsp;

In case the person is deceased, an appropriate representative, such as a family member or a trustee, can apply on their behalf.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Canadian government on Tuesday (March 7) expunged the historic indecency and anti-abortion laws targeting women and members of the LGBTQ community. The repealed laws had targeted women and LGBTQ individuals' access to abortion as well as to bathhouses, nightclubs, and swinger clubs, considered to be safe spaces for the queer communities.

The Canadian government on Tuesday (March 7) expunged the historic indecency and anti-abortion laws targeting women and members of the LGBTQ community. The repealed laws had targeted women and LGBTQ individuals' access to abortion as well as to bathhouses, nightclubs, and swinger clubs, considered to be safe spaces for the queer communities. In a statement published in Cision, Canada's Minister for Public Safety Marco Mendicino said on Tuesday, "Today's additions of abortion-related, bawdy house and indecency-based offences to the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act (which came into effect in 2018) represent yet another important and necessary step towards righting historical and systemic discrimination faced by many Canadians." ALSO READ | Meta, Grindr 'not doing enough' to safeguard LGBTQ people: Human Rights Watch On the other hand, the country's Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien said that citizens deserved non-discriminatory policies that put their safety first, which is why the government "recognises that past laws and regulations were unjust and compromised the freedoms of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and women." "This is another crucial step in achieving the goals set out in the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan – by continuing to promote human rights and encourage the development of inclusive federal policies, programs, and laws," Ien added. ALSO READ | In a first, five pregnant women sue the state of Texas over abortion ban By repealing these laws, people with previous convictions can apply for an expungement order for free under the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, which allows for the permanent destruction of historically unjust records of conviction, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday. There is no fee to apply for an expungement order. Applicants would be needed o provide evidence that the conviction meets certain criteria. "Given the historical nature of the offences, sworn statements/solemn declarations may be accepted as evidence if applicants have demonstrated that court and police records are not available," the above statement read. In case the person is deceased, an appropriate representative, such as a family member or a trustee, can apply on their behalf. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canada expunges historic laws targeting women, LGBTQ community

Days after opposition parties opened up a front, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that two agencies will probe the allegations of Chinese interference in the country's elections.

Days after opposition parties opened up a front, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that two agencies will probe the allegations of Chinese interference in the country's elections. According to Trudeau, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) will probe the matter. However, he added the caveat that neither of the investigations will be public. While NSICOP will look into the election interference angle, NSIRA will assess how Canada's security agencies responded to the allegations and handled foreign interference. Trudeau also announced the appointment of an Independent Special Rapporteur to probe classified reports about Chinese muddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. "I will be appointing an independent special rapporteur, who will have a wide mandate and make expert recommendations on combating interference and strengthening our democracy," Trudeau told reporters in Parliament Hil, Ottawa. WATCH | Gravitas | On Camera: Xi Jinping confronts Justin Trudeau Opposition parties demand public inquiry Notably, last week, Canada's opposition parties pressured the Trudeau government to open a public inquiry into alleged election interference by China. "We want to know exactly what the Chinese authoritarian government did, and whether there were political parties aware of those actions or not,” said Pierre Poilievre, Conservative party leader. Even after the announcement on Monday, the New Democrats criticised the NSICOP committee probe saying it was no substitute to a 'public inquiry'. "The way to stop foreign actors from acting in secret is to refuse to keep their secrets," said Peter Julian, New Democrat MP. Read more: 'We want to know': Canada's opposition parties call for inquiry into Chinese interference in elections Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy has refuted all the claims about election interference. “We are not interested in meddling with Canada’s internal affairs, nor have we ever tried to do so,” it said in an email. Tensions between the two countries reached a tipping point when Trudeau was given a dressing down by Chinese President Xi Jinping in front of cameras at the G20 summit in Indonesia last year. Xi scolded Trudeau for leaking details of a meeting where the Canadian prime minister brought up the issue of China interfering in Canada's affairs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Trudeau launches probe into Chinese interference in polls after receiving stick from opposition

Canadian siblings Adiah and Adrial Nadarajah have been named by Guinness as the world's most premature twins, born at 22 weeks or 126 days early. The Canadian brother and sister have overtaken the record, previously held by twins Keeley and Kambry Ewoldt, born in 2018 in the US state of Iowa at 125 days.

Canadian siblings Adiah and Adrial Nadarajah have been named by Guinness as the world's most premature twins, born at 22 weeks or 126 days early. The Canadian brother and sister have overtaken the record, previously held by twins Keeley and Kambry Ewoldt, born in 2018 in the US state of Iowa at 125 days. Usually, pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks but Shakina Rajendram, the mother went into labour after just 21 weeks and five days. Four months early into her pregnancy, the doctors gave a zero per cent chance of survival to the babies. “When I went into labour, the babies were denied all life-sustaining measures at the hospital I was admitted to and almost left to die,” revealed Rajendram before adding, "We were in shock." As a rule of thumb, most hospitals do not attempt to save babies born before 24 to 26 weeks. According to a BBC report, Rajendram was told that if her babies were born, even a few minutes before 22 weeks, the doctors would not save them and they will be left to die. Read more: US: Woman sets Guinness World Record; runs ultramarathon for 23 consecutive days When all hope was seemingly lost, the couple was accepted by the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto which had a dedicated neonatal intensive care unit. The situation, however, still remained grim. Facing a life-and-death situation, Rajendram, on the second day of her labour tried to hold the babies for as long as possible. However, 15 minutes after midnight and less than two hours after entering 22 weeks inside the womb, Rajendram's water broke and the babies were born. The twins had a combined weight of 750 grams which also made them the ‘lightest twins at birth’. "We watched the babies almost die before our eyes many times," Rajendram told Guinness. Read more: Dogs of Chernobyl: Scientists look for genetic effects of radiation in canines around the nuclear plant Even after the babies were born, the fight was not over. The little kids had to battle a host of health complications ranging from lung disease to brain bleeding to sepsis to fluid management to breathing issues. However, after six months in the hospital - the babies managed to hold their own and recently celebrated their first birthday. Guinness released a video documenting the journey of the parents and the kids. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Canadian siblings given 0% chance of survival now hold Guinness record for world's most premature twins

Canadian companies have been given approval by the country’s federal health agency to produce and sell cocaine, seemingly reflecting Health Canada’s bid to improve safety conditions for the country’s drug addicts. This also comes after a radical policy shift to address an opioid overdose crisis which has killed thousands.&nbsp;

In a statement, a Canadian biosciences company, Sunshine Earth Labs, on Thursday (March 2) said that they have been licensed to produce and sell cocaine, a month after a similar licensing arrangement was offered to the British Columbia-based Adastra Labs.

“We will evaluate how the commercialization of this substance fits in with our business model at Adastra in an effort to position ourselves to support the demand for a safe supply of cocaine”, said the chief executive Michael Forbes of the British Columbia-based company. The labs, which until now focused on cannabis extracts, are also allowed to produce and sell hallucinogens, psilocybin and psilocin which are more commonly known as magic mushrooms.&nbsp;

The Sunshine Labs said that they received permission from the federal health agency to “legally possess, produce, sell and distribute coca leaf and cocaine” in November, last year. This was in addition to MDMA (ecstasy), morphine and diacetylmorphine (heroin). “We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in the last year, said Donovan Edwards, CEO of Sunshine Earth Labs, in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, “we have been proactively pursuing amendments to our Dealer's License to include MDMA, coca leaf, cocaine, opium, morphine, and diacetylmorphine to position ourselves as a legitimate safer supply partner. We will continue to work on securing global trade relationships to import ethically sourced medical products for safer supply.”

Notably, the move is in line with a criminal code exemption which was granted by the government to the aforementioned Canadian province for a three-year pilot project which aims to destigmatize drug use which they believe stops people from seeking help, reported AFP. It also made British Columbia only the second jurisdiction in North America to decriminalise hard drugs following the United States’ Oregan in 2020.&nbsp;

Out of the more than 30,000 overdose-related deaths recorded across Canada, British Columbia accounted for over 10,000 since 2016 when it declared a public health emergency and was dubbed as the epicentre of the crisis. The number also represented nearly six people dying each day from toxic drug poisoning out of the five million residents of the province.&nbsp; 
 
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Canadian companies have been given approval by the country’s federal health agency to produce and sell cocaine, seemingly reflecting Health Canada’s bid to improve safety conditions for the country’s drug addicts.

Canadian companies have been given approval by the country’s federal health agency to produce and sell cocaine, seemingly reflecting Health Canada’s bid to improve safety conditions for the country’s drug addicts. This also comes after a radical policy shift to address an opioid overdose crisis which has killed thousands. In a statement, a Canadian biosciences company, Sunshine Earth Labs, on Thursday (March 2) said that they have been licensed to produce and sell cocaine, a month after a similar licensing arrangement was offered to the British Columbia-based Adastra Labs. “We will evaluate how the commercialization of this substance fits in with our business model at Adastra in an effort to position ourselves to support the demand for a safe supply of cocaine”, said the chief executive Michael Forbes of the British Columbia-based company. The labs, which until now focused on cannabis extracts, are also allowed to produce and sell hallucinogens, psilocybin and psilocin which are more commonly known as magic mushrooms. The Sunshine Labs said that they received permission from the federal health agency to “legally possess, produce, sell and distribute coca leaf and cocaine” in November, last year. This was in addition to MDMA (ecstasy), morphine and diacetylmorphine (heroin). “We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in the last year, said Donovan Edwards, CEO of Sunshine Earth Labs, in a statement. He added, “we have been proactively pursuing amendments to our Dealer's License to include MDMA, coca leaf, cocaine, opium, morphine, and diacetylmorphine to position ourselves as a legitimate safer supply partner. We will continue to work on securing global trade relationships to import ethically sourced medical products for safer supply.” Notably, the move is in line with a criminal code exemption which was granted by the government to the aforementioned Canadian province for a three-year pilot project which aims to destigmatize drug use which they believe stops people from seeking help, reported AFP. It also made British Columbia only the second jurisdiction in North America to decriminalise hard drugs following the United States’ Oregan in 2020. Out of the more than 30,000 overdose-related deaths recorded across Canada, British Columbia accounted for over 10,000 since 2016 when it declared a public health emergency and was dubbed as the epicentre of the crisis. The number also represented nearly six people dying each day from toxic drug poisoning out of the five million residents of the province. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canadian companies have been licensed to make and sell cocaine. Here’s why

A parliamentary panel in Canada has summoned four top Google executives amid criticism over the search engine giant's test run to block some news content in the country in view of the Online News Act. Also known as Bill C-18, the Act - if cleared by Parliament - would require internet giants to compensate Canadian media firms if they republish the content on their platforms.&nbsp;

Google and its parent company, Alphabet, have also been told to submit copies of documents and messages, linked to its decision related to the Act, to the panel by Thursday (March 2), according to a report published by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.&nbsp;The Heritage committee on Tuesday (February 28) unanimously passed Liberal MP Chris Bittle's motion.&nbsp;

Last week, Google- which has called the legislation "link tax" - said&nbsp;that it was testing blocking some Canadian users' access to news as a potential response to the Online News Act. Less than 4 per cent of the nation's population would bear the impact, it further said, as the move drew anger.&nbsp;

Also watch| Google responds to US department lawsuit over alleged online ad monopoly

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Responding to the test run, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also lashed out at Google. "It really surprises me that Google has decided that they'd rather prevent Canadians from accessing news than actually pay journalists for the work they do. I think that's a terrible mistake and I know Canadians expect journalists to be paid for the work they do," Trudeau said.&nbsp;

The legislation passed Canada's House of Commons in December and is currently in the unelected upper chamber of the parliament. Meanwhile, Facebook too expressed apprehension about the Act.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A parliamentary panel in Canada has summoned four top Google executives amid criticism over the search engine giant's test run to block some news content in the country in view of the Online News Act.

A parliamentary panel in Canada has summoned four top Google executives amid criticism over the search engine giant's test run to block some news content in the country in view of the Online News Act. Also known as Bill C-18, the Act - if cleared by Parliament - would require internet giants to compensate Canadian media firms if they republish the content on their platforms. Google and its parent company, Alphabet, have also been told to submit copies of documents and messages, linked to its decision related to the Act, to the panel by Thursday (March 2), according to a report published by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Heritage committee on Tuesday (February 28) unanimously passed Liberal MP Chris Bittle's motion. Last week, Google- which has called the legislation "link tax" - said that it was testing blocking some Canadian users' access to news as a potential response to the Online News Act. Less than 4 per cent of the nation's population would bear the impact, it further said, as the move drew anger. Also watch| Google responds to US department lawsuit over alleged online ad monopoly × Responding to the test run, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also lashed out at Google. "It really surprises me that Google has decided that they'd rather prevent Canadians from accessing news than actually pay journalists for the work they do. I think that's a terrible mistake and I know Canadians expect journalists to be paid for the work they do," Trudeau said. The legislation passed Canada's House of Commons in December and is currently in the unelected upper chamber of the parliament. Meanwhile, Facebook too expressed apprehension about the Act. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top Google executives summoned in Canada over blocking news content

After U.S. & Canada, the European Union has decided to ban Tiktok from official devices. This ban applies on 3 major institutions of the EU. Will Europe ban the app from public devices as well? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: EU purges TikTok from official devices

Canada is the most recent nation to impose a ban on TikTok on devices provided by the government, claiming it poses a "unacceptable" level of risk to security and privacy. The action highlights the growing opposition to the social networking app owned by ByteDance, the most valued start-up in the world, due to worries about its ties to the Chinese government and control over user data globally.

Canada bans TikTok on government devices over security risks

The U.S. & Canada have decided to ban Tiktok from 'govt devices'. Will they implement a nation-wide ban? What lessons can they learn from India? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: America finally wakes up to TikTok threat

After the United States and the European Union, now Canada has decided to ban TikTok from all government-issued devices. The Canadian government said that the ban would go into effect from Tuesday (February 28) and federal employees would also be blocked from downloading the application in the future.

After the US, Canada bans the Chinese social media app TikTok from government-issued devices over security concerns. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in a statement said that the app presents an "unacceptable" threat to security as TikTok's data collection methods provide access to the contents of the government phone.&nbsp;

The country's federal and provincial privacy regulators are jointly investigating the Chinese app owned by ByteDance, over concerns about the use and disclosure of personal information, Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-accuses-european-union-of-not-consulting-it-over-continent-wide-employee-ban-565697">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok accuses European Union of not consulting it before continent-wide employee use ban</a>

The Treasury Board statement said, "for the broader public, the decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice." "However, the Communications Security Establishment’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) guidance strongly recommends that Canadians understand the risks and make an informed choice on their own before deciding what tools to use."

The move comes days after the European Commission imposed a similar ban all across the continent. The commission in its statement said, "suspending the use of TikTok is a purely internal decision for cybersecurity reasons to protect the Council General Secretariat's (GSC) data and staff. As the GSC has no contractual relationship with TikTok, there is no obligation to consult or inform them."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-accuses-european-union-of-not-consulting-it-over-continent-wide-employee-ban-565697">Also read |&nbsp;Canada: TikTok under scanner as privacy regulators launch investigation</a>

TikTok has been repeatedly denying such intentions.

The social media said that it was disappointed by Canada's decision. A spokesperson in an emailed statement said that the decision was issued without citing any specific security concerns and&nbsp;no contact was made to discuss the concerns prior to the decision-making.

This recent move is another potential irritant in Sino-Canadian relations, which have been tensed for the last few years over Ottawa's suspicions that China has been conducting air and marine surveillance operations and has attempted to influence its elections. Responding to such accusations, China denied and urged Ottawa to halt what it has called unwarranted speculation and smearing.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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After the US, Canada bans the Chinese social media app TikTok from government-issued devices over security concerns. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in a statement said that the app presents an "unacceptable" threat to security as TikTok's data collection methods provide access to the contents of the government phone.

After the US, Canada bans the Chinese social media app TikTok from government-issued devices over security concerns. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in a statement said that the app presents an "unacceptable" threat to security as TikTok's data collection methods provide access to the contents of the government phone. The country's federal and provincial privacy regulators are jointly investigating the Chinese app owned by ByteDance, over concerns about the use and disclosure of personal information, Reuters reported. Also read | TikTok accuses European Union of not consulting it before continent-wide employee use ban The Treasury Board statement said, "for the broader public, the decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice." "However, the Communications Security Establishment’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) guidance strongly recommends that Canadians understand the risks and make an informed choice on their own before deciding what tools to use." The move comes days after the European Commission imposed a similar ban all across the continent. The commission in its statement said, "suspending the use of TikTok is a purely internal decision for cybersecurity reasons to protect the Council General Secretariat's (GSC) data and staff. As the GSC has no contractual relationship with TikTok, there is no obligation to consult or inform them." Also read | Canada: TikTok under scanner as privacy regulators launch investigation TikTok has been repeatedly denying such intentions. The social media said that it was disappointed by Canada's decision. A spokesperson in an emailed statement said that the decision was issued without citing any specific security concerns and no contact was made to discuss the concerns prior to the decision-making. This recent move is another potential irritant in Sino-Canadian relations, which have been tensed for the last few years over Ottawa's suspicions that China has been conducting air and marine surveillance operations and has attempted to influence its elections. Responding to such accusations, China denied and urged Ottawa to halt what it has called unwarranted speculation and smearing. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After US and European Commission, Canada bans TikTok from government devices over security risks

Following similar moves by the United states and EU, Canada has banned TikTok from government-issued devices and mobile phones. Seth Schachner, Managing Director of Strat Americas joins us to discuss the practical implications of this.

Is the clock ticking on TikTok?

The Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest open-air ice rink and a UNESCO world heritage site in Canada, will not open this year for the first time in its history because of a mild winter.

World's largest skating rink in Canada won't open this year

Canada is launching an investigation on federal as well as provincial level into short-video sharing platform TikTok. The joint investigation has been launched over concerns about the Chinese-owned platform's collection, use and disclosure of personal information of users.

Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement that the federal privacy regulator and provincial regulators in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia will investigate whether TikTok complies with Canadian privacy laws or not.

They will focus on examining "whether valid and meaningful consent is being obtained for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information," according to the statement.

A spokesperson for TikTok said the privacy and safety of users "is always a top priority" and the probe was an opportunity to "set the record straight" on how the company protects the privacy of Canadians. The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters.

TikTok is being scrutinised by agencies and governments around the world due to concerns that China may misuse the app users' data. China denies such allegations. ByteDance, a Chinese company, owns TikTok.

The European Union's two biggest policy-making institutions have banned TikTok from staff phones, while the U.S. Senate in December passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the app on government-owned devices.

The investigation also adds another potential thorn in Sino-Canadian relations which have been tense for various reasons, including recent accusations by Ottawa that China has tried to influence its elections and that it has been running air and maritime surveillance activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Canada is launching an investigation on federal as well as provincial level into short-video sharing platform TikTok. The joint investigation has been launched over concerns about the Chinese-owned platform's collection, use and disclosure of personal information of users.

Canada is launching an investigation on federal as well as provincial level into short-video sharing platform TikTok. The joint investigation has been launched over concerns about the Chinese-owned platform's collection, use and disclosure of personal information of users. Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement that the federal privacy regulator and provincial regulators in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia will investigate whether TikTok complies with Canadian privacy laws or not. They will focus on examining "whether valid and meaningful consent is being obtained for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information," according to the statement. A spokesperson for TikTok said the privacy and safety of users "is always a top priority" and the probe was an opportunity to "set the record straight" on how the company protects the privacy of Canadians. The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters. TikTok is being scrutinised by agencies and governments around the world due to concerns that China may misuse the app users' data. China denies such allegations. ByteDance, a Chinese company, owns TikTok. The European Union's two biggest policy-making institutions have banned TikTok from staff phones, while the U.S. Senate in December passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the app on government-owned devices. The investigation also adds another potential thorn in Sino-Canadian relations which have been tense for various reasons, including recent accusations by Ottawa that China has tried to influence its elections and that it has been running air and maritime surveillance activities. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canada: TikTok under scanner as privacy regulators launch investigation

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