For the second time in two years, Canadians are voting in a federal election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the campaign in mid-August, two years ahead of schedule as he seeks a third term in office. The campaign was a five-week sprint as all the party leaders made their pitches to voters. 
Here are a few&nbsp;things you need to know about the campaign.

 
Why an election at this stage?&nbsp; 
During the short campaign, Mr. Trudeau argued that only a majority Liberal government can beat the coronavirus and set a path to recovery. However, the other parties have supported his pandemic response. The Liberals’ standing rose in the polls, and Mr. Trudeau’s personal approval ratings soared. 
As per the political analysts, he called the election to take advantage of that popularity. However, this idea seems to have backfired. Since he called the election, Mr. Trudeau’s poll numbers, and his party’s, have fallen.

Tough competition between two frontrunners 
New Conservative leader Erin O'Toole is running in his first federal campaign at the helm of the center-right party. He begins the race as an unknown to many Canadians. However, his pitch has helped him gain traction. 
From early September the two parties have been locked in a statistical tie for first place, each at about 30 percent in national polls. This indicates that another minority government is likely.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-justin-trudeau-sought-a-poll-he-risks-losing-with-only-a-week-to-go-413093">Also read |&nbsp;Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go</a>

COVID-19 affecting the elections 
Canada has one of the world’s highest vaccination rates. However, in some areas, cases have surged due to the delta variant, making the hospitals close to their capacity.&nbsp; 
While Mr. Trudeau supports vaccine mandates for travel and for federal workers, as well as vaccine passports, Mr. O'Toole opposes them.

Various other issues that have surfaced 
Issues like climate change, gun control, economic impact due to the pandemic, also play a major part.&nbsp; 
Canada has recovered nearly all the jobs lost by the pandemic. However, &nbsp;Mr. Trudeau’s pandemic spending on vaccines and economic support has led to massive debts. After criticising this, Mr. O’Toole unveiled similar spending plans.&nbsp; 
Also, he promised to balance the budget within 10 years, a time frame that most economists say is too distant to be credible. 
&nbsp;

For the second time in two years, Canadians are voting in a federal election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the campaign in mid-August, two years ahead of schedule as he seeks a third term in office.

For the second time in two years, Canadians are voting in a federal election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the campaign in mid-August, two years ahead of schedule as he seeks a third term in office. The campaign was a five-week sprint as all the party leaders made their pitches to voters. Here are a few things you need to know about the campaign. Why an election at this stage? During the short campaign, Mr. Trudeau argued that only a majority Liberal government can beat the coronavirus and set a path to recovery. However, the other parties have supported his pandemic response. The Liberals’ standing rose in the polls, and Mr. Trudeau’s personal approval ratings soared. As per the political analysts, he called the election to take advantage of that popularity. However, this idea seems to have backfired. Since he called the election, Mr. Trudeau’s poll numbers, and his party’s, have fallen. Tough competition between two frontrunners New Conservative leader Erin O'Toole is running in his first federal campaign at the helm of the center-right party. He begins the race as an unknown to many Canadians. However, his pitch has helped him gain traction. From early September the two parties have been locked in a statistical tie for first place, each at about 30 percent in national polls. This indicates that another minority government is likely. Also read | Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go COVID-19 affecting the elections Canada has one of the world’s highest vaccination rates. However, in some areas, cases have surged due to the delta variant, making the hospitals close to their capacity. While Mr. Trudeau supports vaccine mandates for travel and for federal workers, as well as vaccine passports, Mr. O'Toole opposes them. Various other issues that have surfaced Issues like climate change, gun control, economic impact due to the pandemic, also play a major part. Canada has recovered nearly all the jobs lost by the pandemic. However, Mr. Trudeau’s pandemic spending on vaccines and economic support has led to massive debts. After criticising this, Mr. O’Toole unveiled similar spending plans. Also, he promised to balance the budget within 10 years, a time frame that most economists say is too distant to be credible.

Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign

Outside a TV studio in a Vancouver, British Columbia, suburb where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada was recording an interview days before the country’s election, a man shouted insults, mostly obscene, about Trudeau and his family while blasting Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” from a stereo on a cart.

Heckling is something Trudeau has always faced, but this time the attacks have new bite. After six years in office, a prime minister who promised “sunny ways” and presented himself as a new face is now the political establishment, with a track record and missteps for opponents to criticize. Even if the Liberal Party clings to its hold on Parliament, as observers expect, this bruising election campaign has done him no favours.

Ben Chin, the prime minister’s senior adviser, said that no politician could have sustained Trudeau’s initial popularity.

“If you’re in power for six years or five years, you’re going to have more baggage,” Chin said. “You have to make tough decisions that not everybody’s going to agree with.”

For much of his time in office, opposition party leaders have accused Trudeau of putting his personal and political interests before the nation’s good — of which the snap election being held Monday is the most recent example. They also have had rich material to attack him on over controversies involving a contract for a charity close to his family, and a finding that he broke ethics laws by pressing a minister to help a large Quebec company avoid criminal sanctions.

And for every accomplishment Trudeau cites, his opponents can point to unfulfilled pledges.

Anti-vax protesters have thronged his events, some with signs promoting the far-right People’s Party of Canada, prompting his security detail to increase precautions.

One rally in Ontario where protesters significantly outnumbered the police was shut down over safety concerns, and at another in the same province, the prime minister was pelted with gravel as he boarded his campaign bus. A local official of the People’s Party later faced charges in that episode of assault with a weapon.

Trudeau has many achievements since 2015 to point to. His government has introduced carbon pricing and other climate measures, legalized cannabis, increased spending for Indigenous issues and made 1,500 models of military-style rifles illegal. A new plan will provide daycare for 10 Canadian dollars a day per child.

Although his popularity has diminished, Trudeau’s star power remains. When he dropped by the outdoor terrace of a cafe in Port Coquitlam, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, for elbow bumps, quick chats and selfies with voters, a crowd soon swelled.

“We love you, we love you,” Joy Silver, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from nearby Coquitlam, told Trudeau.

But as Election Day nears, many Canadians are still asking why Trudeau is holding a vote now, two years ahead of schedule, with COVID-19 infections on the rise from the delta variant, taxing hospitals and prompting renewed pandemic restrictions in some provinces or delaying their lifting in others.

Also criticized was that he called the vote the same weekend Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, when Canadian troops were struggling to evacuate Canadians as well as Afghans who had assisted their forces.

“They’ve been struggling with answering that question the whole campaign,” said Gerald Butts, a longtime friend of Trudeau’s and a former top political adviser. “And that’s part of why they’re having trouble getting the message across.”

Trudeau has said that he needs to replace his plurality in the House of Commons with a majority to deal with the remainder of the pandemic and the recovery that will follow — although he avoids explicitly saying “majority.” The Liberal Party’s political calculation was that it was best to strike while Canadians still held favourable views about how Trudeau handled pandemic issues, particularly income supports and buying vaccines.

“We’re the party with the experience, the team and the plan to continue delivering real results for Canadians, the party with a real commitment to ending this pandemic,” Trudeau said at a rally in Surrey, another Vancouver suburb, standing in front of campaign signs for candidates from the surrounding area. “Above all, my friends, if you want to end this pandemic for good, go out and vote Liberal.”

During much of the 36-day campaign, the Liberals have been stuck in a statistical tie with the Conservative Party of Canada, led by Erin O’Toole, each holding about 30% of the popular vote. The New Democrats, a left-of-center party led by Jagmeet Singh, lies well behind at about 20%.

Kimberly Speers, a political scientist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, said that Trudeau’s personality and celebrity may be working against him.

“The messaging, from the NDP and the Conservatives especially, is that it’s a power grab and it’s all about him,” she said. “And that message has just really seemed to stick with voters.”

Some scandals during Trudeau’s tenure have helped the opposition, too. In 2019, Trudeau’s veterans affairs minister, an Indigenous woman, quit amid allegations that when she was justice minister, he and his staff had improperly pressured her to strike a deal that would have allowed a large Canadian corporation to avoid a criminal conviction on corruption charges.

Despite his championing of diversity, it emerged during the 2019 election that Trudeau had worn blackface or brownface three times in the past. And last year a charity with deep connections to his family was awarded a no-bid contract to administer a COVID-19 financial assistance plan for students. (The group withdrew, the program was cancelled, and Trudeau was cleared by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner.)

His opponents have also focused on promises they say he has fallen short on, including introducing a national prescription drug program, creating a new electoral structure for Canada, lowering debt relative to the size of the economy, and ending widespread sexual harassment in the military and solitary confinement in federal prisons. The Center for Public Policy Analysis at Laval University in Quebec City found that Trudeau has fully kept about 45% of his promises, while 27% were partly fulfilled.

Singh has been reminding voters that Trudeau vowed to bring clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities. There were 105 boil-water orders in effect at First Nations when Trudeau took power, with others added later. The government has restored clean water to 109 communities, but 52 boil-water orders remain.

“I think Mr. Trudeau may care, I think he cares, but the reality is that he’s often done a lot of things for show and hasn’t backed those up with real action,” Singh said during the official English-language debate.

O’Toole, for his part, has sought to portray the vote as an act of personal aggrandizement.

“Every Canadian has met a Justin Trudeau in their lives: privileged, entitled and always looking out for No. 1,” he said at a recent event in rural Ottawa. “He was looking out for No. 1 when he called this expensive and unnecessary election in the middle of a pandemic.”

Security and secrecy have increased at Trudeau’s campaign stops after several of them were disrupted by protesters angry about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules and vaccine passport measures that the prime minister has imposed.

At the rally outside a banquet hall in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, Trudeau, sleeves rolled up and microphone in hand, gave an energetic speech before diving into a mostly South Asian crowd eager to pose for pictures with him.

In a change from previous practice, the crowd had been gathered by invitation rather than by public announcement, partly to keep its size within pandemic limits, and no signs promoted the event on the formidable gate to the remote location. Up on the hall’s roof, two police snipers in camouflage surveyed the scene.

After an earlier rally in Ontario was cancelled, Trudeau was asked if U.S. politics had inspired the unruly protests. His answer was indirect.

“I think we all need to reflect on whether we do want to go down that path of anger, of division, of intolerance,” he said. “I’ve never seen this intensity of anger on the campaign trail or in Canada.”

Translating wider poll results into precise predictions of how many seats the parties will hold in the next House of Commons is not possible. But all of the current polling suggests that Trudeau may have alienated many Canadians with an early election call and endured abuse while campaigning, for no political gain. The most likely outcome is that the Liberals will continue to hold power but not gain the majority he sought.

If that proves to be the case, Butts said, “it’s going to end up pretty close to where we left off, which is a great irony.”

Outside a TV studio in a Vancouver, British Columbia, suburb where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada was recording an interview days before the country’s election, a man shouted insults, mostly obscene, about Trudeau and his family while blasting Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” from a stereo on a cart.

Outside a TV studio in a Vancouver, British Columbia, suburb where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada was recording an interview days before the country’s election, a man shouted insults, mostly obscene, about Trudeau and his family while blasting Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” from a stereo on a cart. Heckling is something Trudeau has always faced, but this time the attacks have new bite. After six years in office, a prime minister who promised “sunny ways” and presented himself as a new face is now the political establishment, with a track record and missteps for opponents to criticize. Even if the Liberal Party clings to its hold on Parliament, as observers expect, this bruising election campaign has done him no favours. Ben Chin, the prime minister’s senior adviser, said that no politician could have sustained Trudeau’s initial popularity. “If you’re in power for six years or five years, you’re going to have more baggage,” Chin said. “You have to make tough decisions that not everybody’s going to agree with.” For much of his time in office, opposition party leaders have accused Trudeau of putting his personal and political interests before the nation’s good — of which the snap election being held Monday is the most recent example. They also have had rich material to attack him on over controversies involving a contract for a charity close to his family, and a finding that he broke ethics laws by pressing a minister to help a large Quebec company avoid criminal sanctions. And for every accomplishment Trudeau cites, his opponents can point to unfulfilled pledges. Anti-vax protesters have thronged his events, some with signs promoting the far-right People’s Party of Canada, prompting his security detail to increase precautions. One rally in Ontario where protesters significantly outnumbered the police was shut down over safety concerns, and at another in the same province, the prime minister was pelted with gravel as he boarded his campaign bus. A local official of the People’s Party later faced charges in that episode of assault with a weapon. Trudeau has many achievements since 2015 to point to. His government has introduced carbon pricing and other climate measures, legalized cannabis, increased spending for Indigenous issues and made 1,500 models of military-style rifles illegal. A new plan will provide daycare for 10 Canadian dollars a day per child. Although his popularity has diminished, Trudeau’s star power remains. When he dropped by the outdoor terrace of a cafe in Port Coquitlam, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, for elbow bumps, quick chats and selfies with voters, a crowd soon swelled. “We love you, we love you,” Joy Silver, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from nearby Coquitlam, told Trudeau. But as Election Day nears, many Canadians are still asking why Trudeau is holding a vote now, two years ahead of schedule, with COVID-19 infections on the rise from the delta variant, taxing hospitals and prompting renewed pandemic restrictions in some provinces or delaying their lifting in others. Also criticized was that he called the vote the same weekend Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, when Canadian troops were struggling to evacuate Canadians as well as Afghans who had assisted their forces. “They’ve been struggling with answering that question the whole campaign,” said Gerald Butts, a longtime friend of Trudeau’s and a former top political adviser. “And that’s part of why they’re having trouble getting the message across.” Trudeau has said that he needs to replace his plurality in the House of Commons with a majority to deal with the remainder of the pandemic and the recovery that will follow — although he avoids explicitly saying “majority.” The Liberal Party’s political calculation was that it was best to strike while Canadians still held favourable views about how Trudeau handled pandemic issues, particularly income supports and buying vaccines. “We’re the party with the experience, the team and the plan to continue delivering real results for Canadians, the party with a real commitment to ending this pandemic,” Trudeau said at a rally in Surrey, another Vancouver suburb, standing in front of campaign signs for candidates from the surrounding area. “Above all, my friends, if you want to end this pandemic for good, go out and vote Liberal.” During much of the 36-day campaign, the Liberals have been stuck in a statistical tie with the Conservative Party of Canada, led by Erin O’Toole, each holding about 30% of the popular vote. The New Democrats, a left-of-center party led by Jagmeet Singh, lies well behind at about 20%. Kimberly Speers, a political scientist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, said that Trudeau’s personality and celebrity may be working against him. “The messaging, from the NDP and the Conservatives especially, is that it’s a power grab and it’s all about him,” she said. “And that message has just really seemed to stick with voters.” Some scandals during Trudeau’s tenure have helped the opposition, too. In 2019, Trudeau’s veterans affairs minister, an Indigenous woman, quit amid allegations that when she was justice minister, he and his staff had improperly pressured her to strike a deal that would have allowed a large Canadian corporation to avoid a criminal conviction on corruption charges. Despite his championing of diversity, it emerged during the 2019 election that Trudeau had worn blackface or brownface three times in the past. And last year a charity with deep connections to his family was awarded a no-bid contract to administer a COVID-19 financial assistance plan for students. (The group withdrew, the program was cancelled, and Trudeau was cleared by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner.) His opponents have also focused on promises they say he has fallen short on, including introducing a national prescription drug program, creating a new electoral structure for Canada, lowering debt relative to the size of the economy, and ending widespread sexual harassment in the military and solitary confinement in federal prisons. The Center for Public Policy Analysis at Laval University in Quebec City found that Trudeau has fully kept about 45% of his promises, while 27% were partly fulfilled. Singh has been reminding voters that Trudeau vowed to bring clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities. There were 105 boil-water orders in effect at First Nations when Trudeau took power, with others added later. The government has restored clean water to 109 communities, but 52 boil-water orders remain. “I think Mr. Trudeau may care, I think he cares, but the reality is that he’s often done a lot of things for show and hasn’t backed those up with real action,” Singh said during the official English-language debate. O’Toole, for his part, has sought to portray the vote as an act of personal aggrandizement. “Every Canadian has met a Justin Trudeau in their lives: privileged, entitled and always looking out for No. 1,” he said at a recent event in rural Ottawa. “He was looking out for No. 1 when he called this expensive and unnecessary election in the middle of a pandemic.” Security and secrecy have increased at Trudeau’s campaign stops after several of them were disrupted by protesters angry about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules and vaccine passport measures that the prime minister has imposed. At the rally outside a banquet hall in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, Trudeau, sleeves rolled up and microphone in hand, gave an energetic speech before diving into a mostly South Asian crowd eager to pose for pictures with him. In a change from previous practice, the crowd had been gathered by invitation rather than by public announcement, partly to keep its size within pandemic limits, and no signs promoted the event on the formidable gate to the remote location. Up on the hall’s roof, two police snipers in camouflage surveyed the scene. After an earlier rally in Ontario was cancelled, Trudeau was asked if U.S. politics had inspired the unruly protests. His answer was indirect. “I think we all need to reflect on whether we do want to go down that path of anger, of division, of intolerance,” he said. “I’ve never seen this intensity of anger on the campaign trail or in Canada.” Translating wider poll results into precise predictions of how many seats the parties will hold in the next House of Commons is not possible. But all of the current polling suggests that Trudeau may have alienated many Canadians with an early election call and endured abuse while campaigning, for no political gain. The most likely outcome is that the Liberals will continue to hold power but not gain the majority he sought. If that proves to be the case, Butts said, “it’s going to end up pretty close to where we left off, which is a great irony.”

Trudeau seeks a fresh start, but many voters see a power grab

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience. &nbsp;

Although most of the trees have been logged, the protestors look to preserve the remaining ones that are hundreds of years old. These trees are present in the old-growth forest that lies within Vancouver Island. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Can carbon capture help solve global warming?

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Protesters have also clashed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to preserve these trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Part of the Rainforest Flying Squad, the protesters have used various methods to resist logging. They have locked their bodies to the road, chained themselves to logs and also stayed in the trees. &nbsp;

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also reportedly responded aggressively. Protester Jean-François Savard told The Guardian, “The [police] are getting very frustrated by our tenacity because we’re constantly rebuilding and coming up with new ideas. People aren’t giving up.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-a-wakeup-call-wildfires-hurricanes-become-a-regular-misery-413131" hreflang="en">Is it a wakeup call?&nbsp;Wildfires, hurricanes become&nbsp;a regular misery</a>

The police have also been criticised for removing name badges, covering their faces and preventing the press from covering the ongoing protest. &nbsp;

The protesters are also protecting the Marbled Murrelet chicks, which are endangered species that live within the old-growth trees.&nbsp;

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience.

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience. Although most of the trees have been logged, the protestors look to preserve the remaining ones that are hundreds of years old. These trees are present in the old-growth forest that lies within Vancouver Island. Watch: Can carbon capture help solve global warming? × Protesters have also clashed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to preserve these trees. Part of the Rainforest Flying Squad, the protesters have used various methods to resist logging. They have locked their bodies to the road, chained themselves to logs and also stayed in the trees. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also reportedly responded aggressively. Protester Jean-François Savard told The Guardian, “The [police] are getting very frustrated by our tenacity because we’re constantly rebuilding and coming up with new ideas. People aren’t giving up.” Also Read: Is it a wakeup call? Wildfires, hurricanes become a regular misery The police have also been criticised for removing name badges, covering their faces and preventing the press from covering the ongoing protest. The protesters are also protecting the Marbled Murrelet chicks, which are endangered species that live within the old-growth trees.

Canada arrests over 850 anti-logging protesters since April 2021

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to secure a majority in parliament when he called a snap election, but a lackluster campaign and public anger over a vote during a pandemic are putting his chances of victory at risk.

Trudeau, in power since 2015, decided to gamble on an early vote and capitalise on his government`s handling of the pandemic, which included massive spending to support individuals and businesses and high vaccination rates.

But, with less than a week until the Sept. 20 election, Trudeaus Liberals are nowhere near the 38% needed for a majority and may even lose to the Conservatives, led by the relatively unknown Erin O'Toole.

Insiders blame what they call an initially low-energy campaign and the inevitable political baggage that Trudeau, 49, has accumulated since he took office six years ago promising "sunny ways."

"I wish he hadn't called it," a Liberal insider said of Trudeaus decision to run for re-election two years before his term ends.

Trudeau says he needs a new mandate to ensure Canadians approve of his plan for getting the country past the coronavirus pandemic. The Liberals, whose fiscal policy support for the pandemic exceeds 23% of GDP, plan billions in new spending to support economic recovery if re-elected.

'BLOOM DEFINITELY OFF THE ROSE'

In mid-August, when the election was called, the Liberals were well ahead of the Conservatives in opinion polls and seemed headed for an easy victory.

That quickly changed and the Liberals spent weeks trailing the Conservatives in the polls before edging back ahead in recent days.

O' Toole, 48, and other party leaders repeatedly condemned the vote call as a cynical power grab during a fourth wave of the pandemic, and those words appeared to have resonated with Canadians, drained by successive lockdowns.

The Liberal campaign stumbled from the start, failing to provide a convincing reason for calling an early election and dogged by missteps like being flagged for manipulating a video of O`Toole talking about private healthcare on Twitter.

Liberal candidates knocking on doors reported increasing fatigue with Trudeau, who gave daily televised briefings for months about what Ottawa was doing to tackle COVID-19.

His domination of the airwaves, once an advantage, has instead led to a sense that the Trudeau brand has grown tired, according to four people directly familiar with the campaign.

"The bloom is definitely off the rose," said one senior Liberal campaigning in Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces. The Liberals hold 75 of the 121 seats there and need another good performance to stay in power.

"There is a fatigue. ... People are saying: `Just go away, don't bother me, I want to live my life, "said the liberal, who, like others being quoted, requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

During the campaign, every new Liberal promise - including billions of dollars for healthcare or a new plan to help people trying to buy their first home – has been met with questions about why the Liberal government did not do it during its six years in power.

Trudeau took office in 2015 thanks in part to support from progressives, who liked his promises of action to combat climate change, boost women`s rights and help the marginalised indigenous population.

But since then, Canada's emissions of greenhouse gases have climbed ever higher and the government bought an oil pipeline to ensure crude could keep flowing.

"Progressives have fallen out of love with us," another senior Liberal said.

The re-emergence of ethics scandals has added to the campaign`s woes.

On Saturday, excerpts of a new book by his former justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, were published, saying Trudeau had wanted her to lie to the public in 2019. Trudeau denied the accusation.

"As you work hard for Canadians, over the years, you end up carrying a number of things," Trudeau told reporters.

In 2019, he was censured for violating ethics rules by pressuring Wilson-Raybould in a corporate legal case before the previous election.

CELEBRITY AND BRAND NAME

The Liberal leader, however, is a veteran on the hustings. As the eldest son of longtime Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, he has spent his life in the public eye.

During the 2019 campaign, which threatened to blow up after old pictures of him in blackface emerged, Trudeau fought back and secured a minority government.

Trudeau aides had long expressed confidence he would pull ahead toward the end of the campaign after two nationally televised debates last week.

"Momentum is building," said a senior campaign official, who is privy to internal polling.

Over the weekend, polls started to show the Liberals moving slightly ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in at least three weeks. A Nanos Research poll for CTV on Monday put the Liberals at 33.2% support, with the Conservatives at 30.2%.

As Trudeau campaigned on Saturday in a Quebec constituency held by the separatist Bloc Quebecois, people thronged to him for selfies and elbow bumps as he worked the crowd.

Trudeau has inherent political instinct and a "combination of celebrity and brand name," said Alex Marland, a professor and expert on political communications and branding at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

"Hardly any leaders have the Trudeau magic. ... It`s almost not fair."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to secure a majority in parliament when he called a snap election, but a lackluster campaign and public anger over a vote during a pandemic are putting his chances of victory at risk.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to secure a majority in parliament when he called a snap election, but a lackluster campaign and public anger over a vote during a pandemic are putting his chances of victory at risk. Trudeau, in power since 2015, decided to gamble on an early vote and capitalise on his government`s handling of the pandemic, which included massive spending to support individuals and businesses and high vaccination rates. But, with less than a week until the Sept. 20 election, Trudeaus Liberals are nowhere near the 38% needed for a majority and may even lose to the Conservatives, led by the relatively unknown Erin O'Toole. Insiders blame what they call an initially low-energy campaign and the inevitable political baggage that Trudeau, 49, has accumulated since he took office six years ago promising "sunny ways." "I wish he hadn't called it," a Liberal insider said of Trudeaus decision to run for re-election two years before his term ends. Trudeau says he needs a new mandate to ensure Canadians approve of his plan for getting the country past the coronavirus pandemic. The Liberals, whose fiscal policy support for the pandemic exceeds 23% of GDP, plan billions in new spending to support economic recovery if re-elected. 'BLOOM DEFINITELY OFF THE ROSE' In mid-August, when the election was called, the Liberals were well ahead of the Conservatives in opinion polls and seemed headed for an easy victory. That quickly changed and the Liberals spent weeks trailing the Conservatives in the polls before edging back ahead in recent days. O' Toole, 48, and other party leaders repeatedly condemned the vote call as a cynical power grab during a fourth wave of the pandemic, and those words appeared to have resonated with Canadians, drained by successive lockdowns. The Liberal campaign stumbled from the start, failing to provide a convincing reason for calling an early election and dogged by missteps like being flagged for manipulating a video of O`Toole talking about private healthcare on Twitter. Liberal candidates knocking on doors reported increasing fatigue with Trudeau, who gave daily televised briefings for months about what Ottawa was doing to tackle COVID-19. His domination of the airwaves, once an advantage, has instead led to a sense that the Trudeau brand has grown tired, according to four people directly familiar with the campaign. "The bloom is definitely off the rose," said one senior Liberal campaigning in Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces. The Liberals hold 75 of the 121 seats there and need another good performance to stay in power. "There is a fatigue. ... People are saying: `Just go away, don't bother me, I want to live my life, "said the liberal, who, like others being quoted, requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. During the campaign, every new Liberal promise - including billions of dollars for healthcare or a new plan to help people trying to buy their first home – has been met with questions about why the Liberal government did not do it during its six years in power. Trudeau took office in 2015 thanks in part to support from progressives, who liked his promises of action to combat climate change, boost women`s rights and help the marginalised indigenous population. But since then, Canada's emissions of greenhouse gases have climbed ever higher and the government bought an oil pipeline to ensure crude could keep flowing. "Progressives have fallen out of love with us," another senior Liberal said. The re-emergence of ethics scandals has added to the campaign`s woes. On Saturday, excerpts of a new book by his former justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, were published, saying Trudeau had wanted her to lie to the public in 2019. Trudeau denied the accusation. "As you work hard for Canadians, over the years, you end up carrying a number of things," Trudeau told reporters. In 2019, he was censured for violating ethics rules by pressuring Wilson-Raybould in a corporate legal case before the previous election. CELEBRITY AND BRAND NAME The Liberal leader, however, is a veteran on the hustings. As the eldest son of longtime Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, he has spent his life in the public eye. During the 2019 campaign, which threatened to blow up after old pictures of him in blackface emerged, Trudeau fought back and secured a minority government. Trudeau aides had long expressed confidence he would pull ahead toward the end of the campaign after two nationally televised debates last week. "Momentum is building," said a senior campaign official, who is privy to internal polling. Over the weekend, polls started to show the Liberals moving slightly ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in at least three weeks. A Nanos Research poll for CTV on Monday put the Liberals at 33.2% support, with the Conservatives at 30.2%. As Trudeau campaigned on Saturday in a Quebec constituency held by the separatist Bloc Quebecois, people thronged to him for selfies and elbow bumps as he worked the crowd. Trudeau has inherent political instinct and a "combination of celebrity and brand name," said Alex Marland, a professor and expert on political communications and branding at Memorial University of Newfoundland. "Hardly any leaders have the Trudeau magic. ... It`s almost not fair."

Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go

Canada will go to the polls on September 20. PM Justin Trudeau has called for snap elections. He is hoping to win a majority in the Parliament. Experts say Trudeau's party could lose, and Trudeau could find himself out of office in 2 weeks. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Canada heads to polls on September 20

After the death of a 23-year-old Indian student in Canada, India’s high commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian government to make sure all Indian citizens are safe in the country.<o:p></o:p>

The request comes after a 23-year-old student, Prabhjot Singh Katri, was murdered in the early hours of Sunday in the town of Truro in Nova Scotia.

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While a person of interest has been arrested by Truro Police, the motive behind the murder is still unclear, as per the officials. However, the Indian High Commission has urged the Canadian government to make sure Indian citizens are not subjected to "racially motivated crimes".<o:p></o:p>

The local police had received an emergency call on Sunday, after which Prabhjot Singh Katri was found lying in his apartment with life-threatening injuries, and was rushed to the hospital. However, the victim succumbed to the injuries soon after reaching the hospital.<o:p></o:p>

Indian authorities have assured the victim’s family that they will provide all the support in making sure his mortal remains are repatriated to India. "We have taken up the matter with federal and local Canadian authorities, who have assured us of quick and transparent investigations into the matter," a statement from the Indian high commission said.<o:p></o:p>

The Indian consulate in Canada has also urged Indian nationals to "exercise caution, avoid moving alone in desolate and lonely areas, especially at night, and report to local police any suspicious or hateful activities they may encounter".<o:p></o:p>

After the death of a 23-year-old Indian student in Canada, India’s high commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian government to make sure all Indian citizens are safe in the country.

After the death of a 23-year-old Indian student in Canada, India’s high commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian government to make sure all Indian citizens are safe in the country. The request comes after a 23-year-old student, Prabhjot Singh Katri, was murdered in the early hours of Sunday in the town of Truro in Nova Scotia. Also read | Afghan territory should not become terror sanctuary, warns BRICS Delhi Declaration While a person of interest has been arrested by Truro Police, the motive behind the murder is still unclear, as per the officials. However, the Indian High Commission has urged the Canadian government to make sure Indian citizens are not subjected to "racially motivated crimes". The local police had received an emergency call on Sunday, after which Prabhjot Singh Katri was found lying in his apartment with life-threatening injuries, and was rushed to the hospital. However, the victim succumbed to the injuries soon after reaching the hospital. Indian authorities have assured the victim’s family that they will provide all the support in making sure his mortal remains are repatriated to India. "We have taken up the matter with federal and local Canadian authorities, who have assured us of quick and transparent investigations into the matter," a statement from the Indian high commission said. The Indian consulate in Canada has also urged Indian nationals to "exercise caution, avoid moving alone in desolate and lonely areas, especially at night, and report to local police any suspicious or hateful activities they may encounter".

India asks Canada to protect nationals from 'hate related' crime after murder of a student

A recent estimate of Awacak, a group that brings together bereaved families, has revealed that at least 200 indigenous children have disappeared or died after being admitted to a hospital in Quebec.

This has also been confirmed by the office of Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs.

The Star met Johanne Dubé, and her sisters Marguerite and Marceline, at a traditional site in the community of Manawan, in Lanaudière.

"She’s still here until we can see where she is buried," Johanne was quoted by The Star. She is their sister, Line.

Line was two months old when her parents, worried about eczema which caused her suffering, put her on a plane for treatment at Amos hospital.&nbsp;

They were not allowed to accompany her. Two months later, they learnt that their baby is dead. Line never came home. Neither did her small remains.

“That’s all the information they got,” says Johanne. “They never had a body or paper to suggest she was dead.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-trudeau-accuses-main-rival-of-favouring-abortion-curbs-gun-owners-411758">Also read |&nbsp;Canada PM Trudeau accuses main rival of favouring abortion curbs, gun owners</a>

They finally went to Amos, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.&nbsp;

At the hospital, they obtained their sister’s death certificate. This was more than 50 years after her death.&nbsp;

As per the documents, the infant, originally sent to treat eczema, also suffered from otitis, gastroenteritis and bronchopneumonia.

In the margin, it has been written that Line was declared “cured after 48 hours”, but the word “death” has been circled, without any explanation. Her small body was buried in Amos cemetery, the family was told.&nbsp;

They consulted the cemetery register. However, Line Dubé’s name does not appear anywhere.

“We want to find the truth,” said Johanne.

After their mother died, their ageing father asked his daughters to take up the torch and find Line.&nbsp;

The quest may come to an end with the coming into force on September 1 of Bill 79.&nbsp;

This is an act to authorise the communication of personal information to the families of Indigenous children who went missing or died after being admitted to an institution.

It allows personal information to be communicated to the families, and not only to the parents of Indigenous children who have disappeared or died following admission to a Quebec health establishment.&nbsp;

Alain Arsenault, Awacak’s legal advisor, was quoted by The Star as saying, "As we speak, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re talking about 200 children".

This number was established based on various investigative reports, including that of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, and with “direct contact with (Indigenous) families.” 
&nbsp;

A recent estimate of Awacak, a group that brings together bereaved families, has revealed that at least 200 indigenous children have disappeared or died after being admitted to a hospital in Quebec.

A recent estimate of Awacak, a group that brings together bereaved families, has revealed that at least 200 indigenous children have disappeared or died after being admitted to a hospital in Quebec. This has also been confirmed by the office of Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs. The Star met Johanne Dubé, and her sisters Marguerite and Marceline, at a traditional site in the community of Manawan, in Lanaudière. "She’s still here until we can see where she is buried," Johanne was quoted by The Star. She is their sister, Line. Line was two months old when her parents, worried about eczema which caused her suffering, put her on a plane for treatment at Amos hospital. They were not allowed to accompany her. Two months later, they learnt that their baby is dead. Line never came home. Neither did her small remains. “That’s all the information they got,” says Johanne. “They never had a body or paper to suggest she was dead.” Also read | Canada PM Trudeau accuses main rival of favouring abortion curbs, gun owners They finally went to Amos, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. At the hospital, they obtained their sister’s death certificate. This was more than 50 years after her death. As per the documents, the infant, originally sent to treat eczema, also suffered from otitis, gastroenteritis and bronchopneumonia. In the margin, it has been written that Line was declared “cured after 48 hours”, but the word “death” has been circled, without any explanation. Her small body was buried in Amos cemetery, the family was told. They consulted the cemetery register. However, Line Dubé’s name does not appear anywhere. “We want to find the truth,” said Johanne. After their mother died, their ageing father asked his daughters to take up the torch and find Line. The quest may come to an end with the coming into force on September 1 of Bill 79. This is an act to authorise the communication of personal information to the families of Indigenous children who went missing or died after being admitted to an institution. It allows personal information to be communicated to the families, and not only to the parents of Indigenous children who have disappeared or died following admission to a Quebec health establishment. Alain Arsenault, Awacak’s legal advisor, was quoted by The Star as saying, "As we speak, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re talking about 200 children". This number was established based on various investigative reports, including that of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, and with “direct contact with (Indigenous) families.”

At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died after entering a hospital in Quebec

A number of protests in western Canada against logging of old-growth forests have become largest acts of civil disobedience in country's history. The protesters are fighting to stop companies from cutting down trees that are often hundreds of years old.

As per media reports, more than 800 people have been arrested since April. The number has exceeded previous record set in the 90s.

Protests at Vancouver Island have seen protesters blocking roads used by logging companies by tactics such as locking their bodies to the road. Some of them have chained themselves to wooden tripods, others have suspended themselves from trees. Some of the protesters have locked their arms inside devices called "sleeping dragons" that are cemented into the ground.

Tactics such as these have brought the protesters at odds with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The police have had to use force at some places in order to tackle the protests. They have also come under a lot of criticism for their methods.

They are mainly drawing criticism for actions like removing protesters' masks to pepper spray them, obstructing their own faces and not wearing nametags while tackling the protesters.

A number of protests in western Canada against logging of old-growth forests have become largest acts of civil disobedience in country's history. The protesters are fighting to stop companies from cutting down trees that are often hundreds of years old.

A number of protests in western Canada against logging of old-growth forests have become largest acts of civil disobedience in country's history. The protesters are fighting to stop companies from cutting down trees that are often hundreds of years old. As per media reports, more than 800 people have been arrested since April. The number has exceeded previous record set in the 90s. Protests at Vancouver Island have seen protesters blocking roads used by logging companies by tactics such as locking their bodies to the road. Some of them have chained themselves to wooden tripods, others have suspended themselves from trees. Some of the protesters have locked their arms inside devices called "sleeping dragons" that are cemented into the ground. Tactics such as these have brought the protesters at odds with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The police have had to use force at some places in order to tackle the protests. They have also come under a lot of criticism for their methods. They are mainly drawing criticism for actions like removing protesters' masks to pepper spray them, obstructing their own faces and not wearing nametags while tackling the protesters.

Anti-logging protests become biggest civil disobedience in Canada

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trailing in opinion polls, attacked his rival on Monday for waffling on gun control and vaccine mandates. The election campaign has entered the final stretch. The elections are on September 20.

Conservative leader Erin O'Toole on Sunday scrapped a campaign promise to eliminate a ban on some assault weapons, a sensitive issue in Canada after mass shootings in recent years. Trudeau sought to capitalise on his opponent's shift with just two weeks left to reverse his fortunes.

O'Toole "will say anything to try and get elected," Trudeau told supporters at a campaign event in southern Ontario, Canada's most-populous province. "That's not leadership. That's not integrity."

After being criticised by O'Toole for calling the election two years early during a rising fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau assailed his rival's opposition to vaccine mandates, including for his own candidates.

Trudeau said O'Toole was pandering to anti-vaxxers just as he had to the gun lobby. Trudeau has received even death threats from anti-vaccine hecklers.

"Erin O'Toole is at least taking some of his cues from (the anti-vax crowd)," Trudeau said.

"Canadians are beginning to see that that's the future being offered by Erin O'Toole, a future of wishy-washy, weak leadership where he doesn't stand up for what he believes in, doesn't tell Canadians what he actually believes," he said.

Speaking in Ottawa, O'Toole refused to say how many of his candidates had not been inoculated. He has said those who are not vaccinated must be tested daily.

"Our approach, with respect to vaccinations, is we try and encourage and inform and work with people, but we will respect their personal health decisions," O'Toole said.

Liberal strategists have said the crucial period of the campaign starts after Labor Day, because Canadians have been more focused until now on their summer vacations than the election.

(With input from agencies)

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trailing in opinion polls, attacked his rival on Monday for waffling on gun control and vaccine mandates. The election campaign has entered the final stretch.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trailing in opinion polls, attacked his rival on Monday for waffling on gun control and vaccine mandates. The election campaign has entered the final stretch. The elections are on September 20. Conservative leader Erin O'Toole on Sunday scrapped a campaign promise to eliminate a ban on some assault weapons, a sensitive issue in Canada after mass shootings in recent years. Trudeau sought to capitalise on his opponent's shift with just two weeks left to reverse his fortunes. O'Toole "will say anything to try and get elected," Trudeau told supporters at a campaign event in southern Ontario, Canada's most-populous province. "That's not leadership. That's not integrity." After being criticised by O'Toole for calling the election two years early during a rising fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau assailed his rival's opposition to vaccine mandates, including for his own candidates. Trudeau said O'Toole was pandering to anti-vaxxers just as he had to the gun lobby. Trudeau has received even death threats from anti-vaccine hecklers. "Erin O'Toole is at least taking some of his cues from (the anti-vax crowd)," Trudeau said. "Canadians are beginning to see that that's the future being offered by Erin O'Toole, a future of wishy-washy, weak leadership where he doesn't stand up for what he believes in, doesn't tell Canadians what he actually believes," he said. Speaking in Ottawa, O'Toole refused to say how many of his candidates had not been inoculated. He has said those who are not vaccinated must be tested daily. "Our approach, with respect to vaccinations, is we try and encourage and inform and work with people, but we will respect their personal health decisions," O'Toole said. Liberal strategists have said the crucial period of the campaign starts after Labor Day, because Canadians have been more focused until now on their summer vacations than the election. (With input from agencies)

Canada polls: Trudeau goes on the offensive weeks before election

Recently, a US lawmaker has said that the Pakistan intel agency had aided the Taliban and played a key role in Afghanistan takeover. To understand Canada's stance on the Taliban, WION speaks with Chris Alexander, former envoy to Pakistan.

'No permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan without sanctions against Pak', says Chris Alexander

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before.

As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week.

Hydrologist and director of Global Water Futures Dr John Pomeroy say that it is harrowing to observe that the iconic sight was virtually unrecognizable from what was one&nbsp;or two years ago.

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According to him, the glacier could lose up to seven metres of ice if this rate of melt continues, which would be the most drastic downward melt ever recorded for the glacier.

During the early 1900s, Banff National Park's famous Peyto Glacier stretched three and a half kilometres farther than it does today;&nbsp;stretching down the valley resting near the turquoise water of Peyto Lake.&nbsp;

Pomeroy said he was astonished and horrified by the glacial tongue's retreat of 200 metres over the past year, 10 times faster than the 50-year retreat. According to him&nbsp;widespread wildfires and record heat domes this season contributed to faster glacial melting.

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Peyto Glacier forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and with its snowpack and ice melt, it maintains stream flows in the Prairie provinces.

Scientists are concerned about the downstream effects of the decline of this crucial source of water.

This year, the rivers and streams that aren't fed by glacial melt are experiencing some of the lowest flows ever recorded. By contrast, the flow of streams that are fed by the glacier has been above average this summer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-multiple-injured-in-sweltering-aftermath-of-hurricane-ida-409820" hreflang="en">Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida</a>

In the Rocky Mountain national parks alone, 300 glaciers disappeared between 1920 and 2005, according to Sanford.

Pomeroy, who has been documenting Peyto&nbsp;for years, says that he never imagined that he would document the glacier's death; he believes it will not survive the next decade.

However, he adds, glaciers might re-grow in the future, provided that humans are able to get a hold on climate change.

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before. As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week.

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before. As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week. Hydrologist and director of Global Water Futures Dr John Pomeroy say that it is harrowing to observe that the iconic sight was virtually unrecognizable from what was one or two years ago. Also read | ‘World’s northernmost island’ discovered off coast of Greenland by scientists According to him, the glacier could lose up to seven metres of ice if this rate of melt continues, which would be the most drastic downward melt ever recorded for the glacier. During the early 1900s, Banff National Park's famous Peyto Glacier stretched three and a half kilometres farther than it does today; stretching down the valley resting near the turquoise water of Peyto Lake. Pomeroy said he was astonished and horrified by the glacial tongue's retreat of 200 metres over the past year, 10 times faster than the 50-year retreat. According to him widespread wildfires and record heat domes this season contributed to faster glacial melting. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 Peyto Glacier forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and with its snowpack and ice melt, it maintains stream flows in the Prairie provinces. Scientists are concerned about the downstream effects of the decline of this crucial source of water. This year, the rivers and streams that aren't fed by glacial melt are experiencing some of the lowest flows ever recorded. By contrast, the flow of streams that are fed by the glacier has been above average this summer. Also read | Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida In the Rocky Mountain national parks alone, 300 glaciers disappeared between 1920 and 2005, according to Sanford. Pomeroy, who has been documenting Peyto for years, says that he never imagined that he would document the glacier's death; he believes it will not survive the next decade. However, he adds, glaciers might re-grow in the future, provided that humans are able to get a hold on climate change.

Heatwave causes unprecedented glacial ice melt in Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau restarted his election campaigning after canceling weekend rallies due to vocal and disrupting protesters.

Canada: Trudeau resumes election campaign after angry crowds disrupt rallies

In a bid to revive his prospects after announcing a snap election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to introduce a two-year ban on foreign buyers if re-elected to the office.

The PM made the announcement to placate the locals who have been grappling with soaring home prices. The federal elections &nbsp;are scheduled to take place on September 20.

“If you work hard, if you save, that dream of having your own place should be in reach,” Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying at a campaign stop in Hamilton, a fast-growing city outside Toronto.

Housing affordability has become the central theme in this election campaign, as the prices have sky-rocketed during the pandemic.

The surge in the price of homes is largely being attributed to foreign buyers, especially non-residents from China and Hong Kong who have been spending a good amount of fortune in Vancouver real estate.

According to Reuters, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) home price index is up 69.7% since November 2015, when Trudeau first took office.

The average cost of a home was C$669,200 ($529,840) in July—a 16% rise from a year ago, according to the CREA.

“We’ll crack down on predatory speculators,” Trudeau was quoted as saying. “

Trudeau’s&nbsp;Liberal's Party of Canada&nbsp;has also proposed to introduce tax-free savings accounts for first-time buyers and more oversight of the real estate industry to fight money laundering. They’re also vowing to add or repair 1.4 million homes over the next four years.&nbsp;

Banking on a strong response against the COVID pandemic, Trudeau on August 15 called for snap elections. However, recent polls show that the difference between the governing Liberals and the opposition Conservative is narrowing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-nationalism-push-in-quebec-is-posing-as-election-challenge-for-canada-pm-trudeau-388085">Why nationalism push in Quebec is posing as election challenge for Canada PM Trudeau?</a>

According to Nanos Research&nbsp;poll, ballot support for the Liberals stands at 32.5%, while the Conservatives are at 31.4%.

Another polling agency Ipsos showed that the Liberals have lost 3 points over a week and now have 33% support nearly the same as the Conservatives, who are at 32%.

Another national poll conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute underscored the&nbsp;statistical tie, with the Liberals again at 33%, a lead of just 2 points over the Conservatives.

Trudeau’s attempt to garner a parliamentary majority in the September 20 elections is also likely to face further headwinds as the government attempts to tackle criticism over it’s “withdrawal fiasco” in Afghanistan.

According to local outlet Global News, “the first week of the campaign was dominated by criticisms over the Trudeau government’s slow evacuation.”

However, poll experts are of the view that international geopolitics “hardly” play a decisive role in Canadian elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to revive his prospects after announcing a snap election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to introduce a two-year ban on foreign buyers if re-elected to the office.

In a bid to revive his prospects after announcing a snap election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to introduce a two-year ban on foreign buyers if re-elected to the office. The PM made the announcement to placate the locals who have been grappling with soaring home prices. The federal elections are scheduled to take place on September 20. “If you work hard, if you save, that dream of having your own place should be in reach,” Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying at a campaign stop in Hamilton, a fast-growing city outside Toronto. Housing affordability has become the central theme in this election campaign, as the prices have sky-rocketed during the pandemic. The surge in the price of homes is largely being attributed to foreign buyers, especially non-residents from China and Hong Kong who have been spending a good amount of fortune in Vancouver real estate. According to Reuters, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) home price index is up 69.7% since November 2015, when Trudeau first took office. The average cost of a home was C$669,200 ($529,840) in July—a 16% rise from a year ago, according to the CREA. “We’ll crack down on predatory speculators,” Trudeau was quoted as saying. “ Trudeau’s Liberal's Party of Canada has also proposed to introduce tax-free savings accounts for first-time buyers and more oversight of the real estate industry to fight money laundering. They’re also vowing to add or repair 1.4 million homes over the next four years. Banking on a strong response against the COVID pandemic, Trudeau on August 15 called for snap elections. However, recent polls show that the difference between the governing Liberals and the opposition Conservative is narrowing. Also read | Why nationalism push in Quebec is posing as election challenge for Canada PM Trudeau? According to Nanos Research poll, ballot support for the Liberals stands at 32.5%, while the Conservatives are at 31.4%. Another polling agency Ipsos showed that the Liberals have lost 3 points over a week and now have 33% support nearly the same as the Conservatives, who are at 32%. Another national poll conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute underscored the statistical tie, with the Liberals again at 33%, a lead of just 2 points over the Conservatives. Trudeau’s attempt to garner a parliamentary majority in the September 20 elections is also likely to face further headwinds as the government attempts to tackle criticism over it’s “withdrawal fiasco” in Afghanistan. According to local outlet Global News, “the first week of the campaign was dominated by criticisms over the Trudeau government’s slow evacuation.” However, poll experts are of the view that international geopolitics “hardly” play a decisive role in Canadian elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid tight election race, Canadian PM Trudeau promises 2-year ban on foreign home buyers

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

"We should keep the door open to all possibilities," Mendicino said in an interview.

"If there were Afghans who had assisted coalition partners during the mission that also met the criteria for our humanitarian resettlement program, I think we should be prepared to consider such an arrangement," the minister said.

Canada is part of a coalition of countries frantically trying to evacuate Afghan citizens who supported Western missions in Afghanistan over the years, amidst a Taliban takeover of the country that occurred in days, rather than months as expected.

Canada withdrew the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, but participated in a NATO mission to train the Afghan military until 2014.

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Helping out Afghans who supported Canada's past missions has become a hot political topic ahead of the Sept. 20 election, called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday.

The Canadian Armed Forces flew 175 vulnerable Afghans and 13 foreign nationals out of Kabul late on Thursday, and evacuations "are scheduled to continue on a regular basis so long as the security situation permits," according to a statement.

Canada has evacuated nearly 1,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to date, the statement said.

Evacuation flights could include families of refugees already living in Canada 18 whose resettlement has so far been held up by bureaucracy, Mendicino said.

The independent tribunal that assesses asylum claims in Canada has agreed to expedite Afghan refugee applications, a crucial step for asylum claimants to reunite with their families, the minister said.

Separately, last week Canada committed to resettling 20,000 Afghan refugees who have already fled the country, and on Friday Mendicino said the government was keeping "an open mind" about potentially increasing that number.

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. "We should keep the door open to all possibilities," Mendicino said in an interview. "If there were Afghans who had assisted coalition partners during the mission that also met the criteria for our humanitarian resettlement program, I think we should be prepared to consider such an arrangement," the minister said. Canada is part of a coalition of countries frantically trying to evacuate Afghan citizens who supported Western missions in Afghanistan over the years, amidst a Taliban takeover of the country that occurred in days, rather than months as expected. Canada withdrew the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, but participated in a NATO mission to train the Afghan military until 2014. Also read | Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail Helping out Afghans who supported Canada's past missions has become a hot political topic ahead of the Sept. 20 election, called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday. The Canadian Armed Forces flew 175 vulnerable Afghans and 13 foreign nationals out of Kabul late on Thursday, and evacuations "are scheduled to continue on a regular basis so long as the security situation permits," according to a statement. Canada has evacuated nearly 1,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to date, the statement said. Evacuation flights could include families of refugees already living in Canada 18 whose resettlement has so far been held up by bureaucracy, Mendicino said. The independent tribunal that assesses asylum claims in Canada has agreed to expedite Afghan refugee applications, a crucial step for asylum claimants to reunite with their families, the minister said. Separately, last week Canada committed to resettling 20,000 Afghan refugees who have already fled the country, and on Friday Mendicino said the government was keeping "an open mind" about potentially increasing that number.

Canada would consider accepting Afghan refugees on behalf of US allies - Minister

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

"Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better - from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people's backs all the way through to the end of this crisis," the Canadian prime minister said.

The elections are due to take place on September 20.

Prime Minister Trudeau has been in office since 2015. The Canadian prime minister asked Governor-General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament.

Canada has been battling the virus as Trudeau seeks another term in office for his Liberal party. Trudeau was re-elected to office in 2019 but now heads a minority government in the country.

Trudeau's main challenger, Conservative leader Erin O'Toole denounced Trudeau's decision to call an election amid the pandemic.

Jagmeet Singh, who heads the New Democratic Party (NDP) said the Canadian prime minister's move was a "selfish summer election".

The campaigning for the elections is set to last for 36 days with a fierce battle expected at the ballot next month.

Trudeau said the elections come at a&nbsp;&nbsp;"pivotal, consequential moment".

"We will be taking decisions that will last not just for the coming months but for the coming decades. Canadians deserve their say. That's exactly what we're going to give them," the Canadian PM asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. "Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better - from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people's backs all the way through to the end of this crisis," the Canadian prime minister said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. "Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better - from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people's backs all the way through to the end of this crisis," the Canadian prime minister said. The elections are due to take place on September 20. Prime Minister Trudeau has been in office since 2015. The Canadian prime minister asked Governor-General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament. Canada has been battling the virus as Trudeau seeks another term in office for his Liberal party. Trudeau was re-elected to office in 2019 but now heads a minority government in the country. Trudeau's main challenger, Conservative leader Erin O'Toole denounced Trudeau's decision to call an election amid the pandemic. Jagmeet Singh, who heads the New Democratic Party (NDP) said the Canadian prime minister's move was a "selfish summer election". The campaigning for the elections is set to last for 36 days with a fierce battle expected at the ballot next month. Trudeau said the elections come at a "pivotal, consequential moment". "We will be taking decisions that will last not just for the coming months but for the coming decades. Canadians deserve their say. That's exactly what we're going to give them," the Canadian PM asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces snap polls next month

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections for September 20, two years ahead of schedule, in a bid to capitalize on the country's pandemic response which has received cross-party support.

Canada: PM Justin Trudeau calls snap elections on September 20

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence and said that Canada is 'heartbroken' at the situation the Afghan people find themselves in today. He also added that Canada remains committed to the Afghan people and to the country.

Canada ‘heartbroken’ over situation in Afghanistan says Justin Trudeau

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce Snap Polls barely 2 years after the country held its last general election. Why does Trudeau want mid-term polls? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Why is Trudeau pushing for mid-term polls?

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant.

"We know that vaccines are the best way to end this pandemic," said Dominic LeBlanc, a government minister in charge of Canada's federal bureaucracy.

"We expect federal public servants to want to comply with this mandatory requirement," he added.

A deadline for inoculations for some 300,000 public servants will be announced in the coming weeks.

The federal government is Canada's largest employer and LeBlanc said the vaccine mandate is "aimed at helping Canada reach a minimum level of coverage needed to fully reopen the economy, and keep it open as well as to protect thousands of workers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-to-accept-20000-vulnerable-afghans-such-as-women-leaders-human-rights-workers-405268">Also read |&nbsp;Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers</a>

The vaccination requirement for the transport sector should be applied by the end of October at the latest, LeBlanc said at a press briefing.

It includes all commercial air passengers, as well as people traveling by rail between provinces and on large vessels such as cruise ships, local media cited Transport Minister Omar Alghabra as saying.

The country's largest carrier, Air Canada, said mandatory vaccinations was "a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians."

As of Friday, 71 percent of Canada's 38 million population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62 percent were fully vaccinated.

The announcement comes less than a month before the reopening of Canada's borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, scheduled for September 7, a year and a half after their closure due to the pandemic.

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant.

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant. "We know that vaccines are the best way to end this pandemic," said Dominic LeBlanc, a government minister in charge of Canada's federal bureaucracy. "We expect federal public servants to want to comply with this mandatory requirement," he added. A deadline for inoculations for some 300,000 public servants will be announced in the coming weeks. The federal government is Canada's largest employer and LeBlanc said the vaccine mandate is "aimed at helping Canada reach a minimum level of coverage needed to fully reopen the economy, and keep it open as well as to protect thousands of workers." Also read | Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers The vaccination requirement for the transport sector should be applied by the end of October at the latest, LeBlanc said at a press briefing. It includes all commercial air passengers, as well as people traveling by rail between provinces and on large vessels such as cruise ships, local media cited Transport Minister Omar Alghabra as saying. The country's largest carrier, Air Canada, said mandatory vaccinations was "a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians." As of Friday, 71 percent of Canada's 38 million population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62 percent were fully vaccinated. The announcement comes less than a month before the reopening of Canada's borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, scheduled for September 7, a year and a half after their closure due to the pandemic.

Canada to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for government workers

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. 
 
The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. 
 
"As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. 
 
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. 
 
"The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. 
 
Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. 
 
It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. 
 
The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. 
 
"We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. "As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. "The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. "We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule.

Trudeau only has a minority government and relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction.

The Liberals racked up record levels of debt as they spent heavily to shield individuals and businesses from COVID-19. They plan to inject an extra C$100 billion ($80 billion) - between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of GDP - into the economy over the next three years.

Trudeau came to power in 2015 with a majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, but in 2019 he was reduced to a minority after old photos emerged of him wearing blackface.

"Circumstances have changed massively since 2019. We need to know whether Canadians support our plans for economic recovery," said one of the sources.

Growth is set to rebound in the third quarter and Canada currently has one of the world's best inoculation records.

Liberals acknowledge a call for an election now would be a gamble, given that recent opinion polls suggest the party is not yet guaranteed a majority and the risk posed by a fourth wave of COVID-19, which has already started.

Chief Public Health Officer Teresa Tam on Thursday reported a strong resurgence in cases of COVID-19. The number of people being treated in hospital has risen by 12 per cent compared to last week, she told a briefing.

"After several months of declining severity trends, we are now seeing early signs of increase in severe illness," she said. "Fortunately, the number of deaths remains low."

The official opposition Conservatives, Trudeau's main rivals, say his spending is excessive and will leave future generations hobbled by debt.

That said, a survey by Abacus on Thursday put the Liberals at 37 per cent and the Conservatives at 28 per cent.

The online poll of 3,000 people, conducted between Aug. 6 and 11, suggests Trudeau could well regain control of the House of Commons. The Liberals currently hold 155 of the 338 seats.

To formally launch the campaign Trudeau will need to visit Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, to ask that Parliament be dissolved.

That visit is currently planned for Sunday morning, the sources said. Constitutional experts say Simon will agree to the request.

The Liberal party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule. Trudeau only has a minority government and relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction. The Liberals racked up record levels of debt as they spent heavily to shield individuals and businesses from COVID-19. They plan to inject an extra C$100 billion ($80 billion) - between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of GDP - into the economy over the next three years. Trudeau came to power in 2015 with a majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, but in 2019 he was reduced to a minority after old photos emerged of him wearing blackface. "Circumstances have changed massively since 2019. We need to know whether Canadians support our plans for economic recovery," said one of the sources. Growth is set to rebound in the third quarter and Canada currently has one of the world's best inoculation records. Liberals acknowledge a call for an election now would be a gamble, given that recent opinion polls suggest the party is not yet guaranteed a majority and the risk posed by a fourth wave of COVID-19, which has already started. Chief Public Health Officer Teresa Tam on Thursday reported a strong resurgence in cases of COVID-19. The number of people being treated in hospital has risen by 12 per cent compared to last week, she told a briefing. "After several months of declining severity trends, we are now seeing early signs of increase in severe illness," she said. "Fortunately, the number of deaths remains low." The official opposition Conservatives, Trudeau's main rivals, say his spending is excessive and will leave future generations hobbled by debt. That said, a survey by Abacus on Thursday put the Liberals at 37 per cent and the Conservatives at 28 per cent. The online poll of 3,000 people, conducted between Aug. 6 and 11, suggests Trudeau could well regain control of the House of Commons. The Liberals currently hold 155 of the 338 seats. To formally launch the campaign Trudeau will need to visit Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, to ask that Parliament be dissolved. That visit is currently planned for Sunday morning, the sources said. Constitutional experts say Simon will agree to the request. The Liberal party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Canada PM Trudeau planning snap election, seeks approval for COVID response: Sources

After announcing restrictions for unvaccinated people, Canada is set to create a digital vaccine passport for citizens wanting to travel abroad.

Government officials revealed on Wednesday that a digital vaccine passport will be made available within the next few months.

This <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> passport will be "a key step forward in ensuring Canadians will have the documents they need once it is safe to travel again,"&nbsp;according to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canada-extends-travel-ban-on-direct-flights-from-india-404532">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canada-extends-travel-ban-on-direct-flights-from-india-404532/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Canada has been urging locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. Recently, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had suggested compulsory vaccines for all government employees.

"We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta variant we are facing that is striking hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and non-vaccinated people," Trudeau said.

He also added that getting vaccinated is "no longer a matter of individual choice" and people should consider "community and our children who haven’t had the opportunity to be vaccinated".

Quebec had also discussed the idea of 'vaccine passports' after which all non-essential public spaces such as gyms, restaurants, clubs etc will be available only to those who have been fully vaccinated.

Till the end of July, nearly 81 per cent of the eligible population had received the first dose of the vaccine and 68 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

After announcing restrictions for unvaccinated people, Canada is set to create a digital vaccine passport for citizens wanting to travel abroad. Government officials revealed on Wednesday that a digital vaccine passport will be made available within the next few months.

After announcing restrictions for unvaccinated people, Canada is set to create a digital vaccine passport for citizens wanting to travel abroad. Government officials revealed on Wednesday that a digital vaccine passport will be made available within the next few months. This vaccine passport will be "a key step forward in ensuring Canadians will have the documents they need once it is safe to travel again," according to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. WATCH | Canada has been urging locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. Recently, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had suggested compulsory vaccines for all government employees. "We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta variant we are facing that is striking hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and non-vaccinated people," Trudeau said. He also added that getting vaccinated is "no longer a matter of individual choice" and people should consider "community and our children who haven’t had the opportunity to be vaccinated". Quebec had also discussed the idea of 'vaccine passports' after which all non-essential public spaces such as gyms, restaurants, clubs etc will be available only to those who have been fully vaccinated. Till the end of July, nearly 81 per cent of the eligible population had received the first dose of the vaccine and 68 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

International travel update: Canada set to launch digital vaccine passports soon

Having a sweet tooth can sometimes be of dire consequences, going by this odd development in Canada.

Residents in the town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, were shaken after a bright red helicopter descended on the parking lot near the town’s only Dairy Queen.

Initially, some of them thought the chopper, which was painted the same colour as the province’s air ambulances, was on the scene for a medical emergency.

However, when the town’s mayor saw the passenger leave the restaurant with an ice cream cake, he realised the aircraft had a different objective all this while.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-youth-day-history-significance-and-this-years-theme-404794">Also read |&nbsp;International Youth Day: History, significance and this year's theme</a>

Mayor Al Jellicoe told CBC News, "Well, I thought somebody must be hungry". He added, "Initially, I thought that’s probably not the right thing to do".&nbsp;

Later, it was concluded that the entire mission was not an emergency and the 34-year-old pilot, who has not been named, was charged.

The man had a license to operate the helicopter but parked it in an illegal spot.

He is now facing one count of dangerous operation of an aircraft and is scheduled to appear in court on 7 September in the city of Melfort.

Having a sweet tooth can sometimes be of dire consequences, going by this odd development in Canada. Residents in the town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, were shaken after a bright red helicopter descended on the parking lot near the town’s only Dairy Queen.

Having a sweet tooth can sometimes be of dire consequences, going by this odd development in Canada. Residents in the town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, were shaken after a bright red helicopter descended on the parking lot near the town’s only Dairy Queen. Initially, some of them thought the chopper, which was painted the same colour as the province’s air ambulances, was on the scene for a medical emergency. However, when the town’s mayor saw the passenger leave the restaurant with an ice cream cake, he realised the aircraft had a different objective all this while. Also read | International Youth Day: History, significance and this year's theme Mayor Al Jellicoe told CBC News, "Well, I thought somebody must be hungry". He added, "Initially, I thought that’s probably not the right thing to do". Later, it was concluded that the entire mission was not an emergency and the 34-year-old pilot, who has not been named, was charged. The man had a license to operate the helicopter but parked it in an illegal spot. He is now facing one count of dangerous operation of an aircraft and is scheduled to appear in court on 7 September in the city of Melfort.

Sweet tooth trouble: Pilot charged after landing helicopter in Canada town centre to buy some ice cream cake

Canada has extended its ban on direct flights from India, but has opened its border to Americans at a time when Covid cases in the U.S. are surging. Americans can enter Canada by showing proof of vaccination, Indians have not been given that option. How is Canada justifying such arbitrary rules? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Canada extends travel ban on direct flights from India

After Canada's businessman, Michael Spavor, was sentenced to 11 years of jail time, France has also expressed disappointment over China’s decision.

"France firmly condemns the arbitrary nature of these verdicts," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We reaffirm our full solidarity with the Canadian authorities."

This verdict was delivered by a court in Dandong on Wednesday, a little before a Canadian court is set to decide whether or not Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou will be facing criminal charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-and-unjust-justin-trudeau-slams-chinas-jail-sentence-for-canadian-michael-spavor-404592">'Unacceptable and unjust': Justin Trudeau slams China's jail sentence for Canadian Michael Spavor</a>

Spavor was detained in China in 2018, a few days after Wanzhou was arrested in Canada, as the world accused China of playing 'tit for tat'.

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was also detained by China in similar tones.

The two Canadians had already spent 975 days in detention without being put to a public trial and were also denied proper communication with their family and legal teams, as per local media. Global Times, China’s mouthpiece, had earlier claimed that Spavor was supplying information to Kovrig. However, Canada has claimed these accusations were completely baseless.

After the sentence was announced, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed dissatisfaction. "The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law,"&nbsp;he said in a statement.

After Canada's businessman, Michael Spavor, was sentenced to 11 years of jail time, France has also expressed disappointment over China’s decision. "France firmly condemns the arbitrary nature of these verdicts," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

After Canada's businessman, Michael Spavor, was sentenced to 11 years of jail time, France has also expressed disappointment over China’s decision. "France firmly condemns the arbitrary nature of these verdicts," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We reaffirm our full solidarity with the Canadian authorities." This verdict was delivered by a court in Dandong on Wednesday, a little before a Canadian court is set to decide whether or not Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou will be facing criminal charges. Also read | 'Unacceptable and unjust': Justin Trudeau slams China's jail sentence for Canadian Michael Spavor Spavor was detained in China in 2018, a few days after Wanzhou was arrested in Canada, as the world accused China of playing 'tit for tat'. Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was also detained by China in similar tones. The two Canadians had already spent 975 days in detention without being put to a public trial and were also denied proper communication with their family and legal teams, as per local media. Global Times, China’s mouthpiece, had earlier claimed that Spavor was supplying information to Kovrig. However, Canada has claimed these accusations were completely baseless. After the sentence was announced, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed dissatisfaction. "The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law," he said in a statement.

'Full solidarity with Canada': France expresses disappointment over Spavor verdict

Canada and China have hit rock bottom after a Chinese court jailed Canadian businessman Michael Spavor to 11 years in prison on charges of spying. Canada has said that the case is politically motivated.

Canada, China hit rock bottom after Chinese court jails Canadian businessman Michael Spavor

Canadian Ambassador Dominic Barton attended Spavor’s hearing in the city of Dandong, about 210 miles (340 kilometers) east of Beijing on the North Korean border.

Canada calls Michael Spavor's sentencing politically motivated

Canada reopened its border with the United States 16 months after all non-essential travel was halted as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-extends-macrons-covid-19-pass-despite-protests-404274">coronavirus </a>&nbsp;pandemic took hold worldwide last year.

The Justin Trudeau&nbsp;government has removed quarantine regulation for US citizens, with only proof of vaccination required.

There were several long queues as people waited for long hours in border checkpoints.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-implements-covid-19-health-pass-despite-nationwide-protest-404232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say Canada may allow foreign travellers to enter the country from September if the coronavirus situation remains under control.

Meanwhile, the authorities opened five Canadian airports for international flights, however, quarantine for travellers is still a requirement in the country with international flights allowed to land only in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver.

According to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, tourism is the fifth-largest industry in the country which has taken a major hit due to the pandemic as cross-border exchanges between the two countries ended due to the border closure.

However, there are still several regulations in place. Americans who have taken both doses are allowed into the country after taking approval at least 14 days before arrival.

The US has fully<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-apartheid-research-suggests-uk-will-hoard-up-to-210-million-vaccines-404298"> vaccinated</a> half of its population with 68 per cent of Canadians having&nbsp;received both doses. Health officials say &nbsp;81 per cent of Canadians have received a single dose.

The US however is still reviewing its border policy for Canadians who want to enjoy their summer in the country with restrictions still in place for inbound travellers.

Canada's latest move comes as the US recorded over 100,000 daily average coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant hitting a six month high amid increased hospitalisations.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Canada reopened its border with the United States 16 months after all non-essential travel was halted as the coronavirus pandemic took hold worldwide last year. The Justin Trudeau government has removed quarantine regulation for US citizens, with only proof of vaccination required.

Canada reopened its border with the United States 16 months after all non-essential travel was halted as the coronavirus pandemic took hold worldwide last year. The Justin Trudeau government has removed quarantine regulation for US citizens, with only proof of vaccination required. There were several long queues as people waited for long hours in border checkpoints. Watch: Reports say Canada may allow foreign travellers to enter the country from September if the coronavirus situation remains under control. Meanwhile, the authorities opened five Canadian airports for international flights, however, quarantine for travellers is still a requirement in the country with international flights allowed to land only in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver. According to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, tourism is the fifth-largest industry in the country which has taken a major hit due to the pandemic as cross-border exchanges between the two countries ended due to the border closure. However, there are still several regulations in place. Americans who have taken both doses are allowed into the country after taking approval at least 14 days before arrival. The US has fully vaccinated half of its population with 68 per cent of Canadians having received both doses. Health officials say 81 per cent of Canadians have received a single dose. The US however is still reviewing its border policy for Canadians who want to enjoy their summer in the country with restrictions still in place for inbound travellers. Canada's latest move comes as the US recorded over 100,000 daily average coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant hitting a six month high amid increased hospitalisations. (With inputs from Agencies)

International travel update: Canada reopens border for fully vaccinated Americans

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said.&nbsp;

According to police, the woman used to work as a helicopter engineer in Alberta. The Alberta Forest lies in the north-west region of the province.&nbsp;

Before calling for help, a co-worker, who witnessed the attack, helped to scare off the bear.&nbsp;

RCMP spokesperson Cpl Troy Savinkoff said, “She was evacuated by her co-worker on a helicopter and brought back to the Swan Hills airport where they met up with an ambulance, emergency crews, and she was subsequently declared deceased at the airport.” &nbsp;

The family of the victim has asked that she should not be identified.&nbsp;

Several private companies hire tree planters to re-forest swaths of the taiga after logging operations are carried out in remote and rugged terrain areas.&nbsp;

While working in these areas, tree planters often come across wild animals, including wolves, cougars and bears.&nbsp;

Only five other fatal black bear attacks have occurred in Alberta since 1958.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said.

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said. According to police, the woman used to work as a helicopter engineer in Alberta. The Alberta Forest lies in the north-west region of the province. Before calling for help, a co-worker, who witnessed the attack, helped to scare off the bear. RCMP spokesperson Cpl Troy Savinkoff said, “She was evacuated by her co-worker on a helicopter and brought back to the Swan Hills airport where they met up with an ambulance, emergency crews, and she was subsequently declared deceased at the airport.” The family of the victim has asked that she should not be identified. Several private companies hire tree planters to re-forest swaths of the taiga after logging operations are carried out in remote and rugged terrain areas. While working in these areas, tree planters often come across wild animals, including wolves, cougars and bears. Only five other fatal black bear attacks have occurred in Alberta since 1958. (With inputs from agencies)

26-year-old woman dies after a rare attack by black bear in Canada 

Hundreds of&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in&nbsp;Canada's capital called on Saturday for a&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into&nbsp;a boarding&nbsp;school&nbsp;system for&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities.

Until the 1990s, some 150,000&nbsp;indigenous, Inuit and Metis youths were forcibly enrolled in the&nbsp;schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

"Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples need truth and justice," MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq wrote on Instagram.

"That means a special prosecutor and a fully-funded independent investigation, with international observers present,&nbsp;into&nbsp;Canada's crimes against&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples," she added, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti "to stop making excuses" and launch a&nbsp;probe.

The demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa after two lawmakers from the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) called for a protest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-unmarked-graves-found-at-another-indigenous-school-in-canada-393533">Also read |&nbsp;Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada</a>

The NDP called on Trudeau's government in early July to appoint a special prosecutor to lead an independent investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;the country's painful history of residential&nbsp;schools&nbsp;for&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;children.

"People have been shocked by the number of graves that have been found... These are not accidents, these are not tragedies they represent a policy that was about the destruction of a people," NDP lawmaker Charlie Angus told public broadcaster CBC.

Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former residential&nbsp;schools&nbsp;-- discoveries that have outraged the country.

Thousands died at the&nbsp;schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in "cultural genocide."

More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the&nbsp;schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;had committed "cultural genocide

Hundreds of protesters in Canada's capital called on Saturday for a probe into a boarding school system for indigenous children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities.

Hundreds of protesters in Canada's capital called on Saturday for a probe into a boarding school system for indigenous children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities. Until the 1990s, some 150,000 indigenous, Inuit and Metis youths were forcibly enrolled in the schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. "Indigenous Peoples need truth and justice," MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq wrote on Instagram. "That means a special prosecutor and a fully-funded independent investigation, with international observers present, into Canada's crimes against Indigenous Peoples," she added, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti "to stop making excuses" and launch a probe. The demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa after two lawmakers from the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) called for a protest. Also read | Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada The NDP called on Trudeau's government in early July to appoint a special prosecutor to lead an independent investigation into the country's painful history of residential schools for indigenous children. "People have been shocked by the number of graves that have been found... These are not accidents, these are not tragedies they represent a policy that was about the destruction of a people," NDP lawmaker Charlie Angus told public broadcaster CBC. Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former residential schools -- discoveries that have outraged the country. Thousands died at the schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in "cultural genocide." More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide

Protesters demand probe into Canada indigenous schools

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